Share thoughts on centre console layout

I havent' driven a 2010, but just from the pictures that I've seen online, I don't like the 2010 console layout. Just my personal preference, but I don't like to feel that I'm sitting in a fighter jet "cockpit".

For me, the G2 console layout is just about perfect. I don't need the shift lever to be on the console, as it already is within fingers reach on the G2 dash. I almost don't have to take my right hand off the steering wheel to switch to "brake" or "drive".

I think that the G3 arrangement is meant to appeal to those that insist on a more traditional "sports car" arrangement. But no matter the size of the interior, full length center consoles always give me the feeling that a car is "smaller" inside than it actually is. Sort of like packing too much furniture into a room, and not leaving enough open space.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I'll differ with you only on one point -- I've sat in several of the 2010s. I think the center console is the one interior change I really don't care for. It hasn't kept me from ordering a 2010, but I'd be a bit happier about it without that console. And I've really liked consoles in past cars!

Yes, the G2 layout is very nice. It is open and clean, and the gear lever doesn't get in the way. You need to use it so infrequently that it should not be in a space that could be better utilized. Really, I'd rather have a cup holder there and put the gear lever back on the dashboard.

This is the only explanation that has made sense to me. I think Toyota felt it had to go for a broader appeal and grab people who are more accustomed to "normal cars." The gear knob on the dashboard was enough to send some people screaming from the showroom, apparently.

The best thing about the console? The edges on the lower storage area. This will keep things from rolling around!

The worst thing (aside from the looks)? The seat warmer buttons are set way down low. They were on the pre-production models, at least. I don't know if it has changed, but I doubt they were going to alter that part.

 

I'd still like to see the original question answered about the width for extra room for the right leg. My 2008 Civic Si was miserable in this regard and the reason I would not buy another one.
If I could sit in and or drive this car it would help a lot but since that's not possible. We have to rely on those who already own the car.

 

Still way down under the top console. I actually made a negative comment yesterday when my first one came in.

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the info, though I'd hoped things would have changed. The next question (perhaps a more important one): Is there an auto turn-off? I don't want to try to reach down under that console when I get a hot seat while driving!

 

Good question. On most heated seats, there is. However, these look like the Rav4 buttons, which do not auto shutoff.

 

Ouch!! I've already got the burn going. (Yes, in more ways than one.)

 

Aren't the 12v outlets also under the console?

 

There is one outlet down there.

 

I just checked the owner's manual. No mention of an auto shut off. HTML, do you have confirmation of some sort?

 

I guess I'll give the other side...I think the new interior looks much better with the center console. The previous generation looked a bit cheap as it was so sparse. Too minivan like.

Never understood the obsession with having 20 cup holders either. And I don't know how you guys drive with your knees (and probably elbows) sticking out like that- move the seat back!

 

OK. You got a chuckle out of me with that one.

I don't know who first introduced the cupholder in a car, but I do recall Detroit thinking that if Honda could put in 2, we could put in 8 -- and that would make the car BETTER!

I suppose I really only NEED one (or one at a time, at least), but I'd rather have one or two more than have something in the way. Cupholders are great for holding things -- a paper, a napkin, a pencil -- so they aren't tossed around the car. It makes for an easy cleanup, too.

 

Thanks, Rick. You gave me the first real opportunity to de-thank someone!

I appreciate the correction, but I'm not happy with the real news. The heated seats will use up so much electricity anyway, but I thought it only reasonable that there would be a shut-off -- either based on temperature or time.

Is there just one setting, also, or is there an option for Hi or Lo?

 

ummm no timer on heated seats. my SO (who will probably use them year round) had them on for at least 45 minutes last night and if they would have shut down, i am sure i would have heard about it. as far as settings? there are two...on and off.

as far as the console, it is somewhat a pain, but no leg room issues here but i am a short guy. but i will say that that shelf underneath is already pretty full so maybe it is not as inconvenient as i think it is

on the storage issue; the center console is smaller (one of the cup holders is in there, but the glove boxes are bigger and the center console is much much larger than the tiny storage we had since it was nothing but a tiny cubby. now, not having the "hidden" drawer under neath is a bit of a pain because that is where i kept my insurance, title,and other stuff that i did not want to be easily found (hoping a thief would not be aware of its presence)... but then again, the Pri has such a tough rep for stealing, never had an incident

 

No problem. My guess as to temp would be in the high 90's, very low 100's by the time it gets through the padding and fabric/leather.
Nothing official, just a guestimite..

One setting. On or Off. It is a mechanical button. In other words, press it in, the button stays in and it heats the seats. Press it again and it releases the button and turns them off. That is why I thought there was no timer. Another example of the mechanical button would be the SKS on/off button on G2 cars.