Long time lurker, 1st time poster. Just picked up Pkg IV with Nav this week, my 3rd Prius (previous two were Gen II base and then touring model). Have two complaints thus far that I couldn't find in recent discussion threads. Can't get used to the "flattened" circle steering wheel. Bottom section of steering wheel flattens a bit - it's not a perfect circle - which feels odd when making turns since I have to adjust my grip to stay in consistent contact with wheel. And today on the highway, I felt like car was getting blown all over the place when passing buses and 18 wheelers. I didn't feel this turbulence in my 2007 Touring Pkg 6. Now thinking I need to consider the V in order to get similar stability to the Gen II touring model plus all the Gen III upgrades.
The wheel felt a little funny to me, too, for the first few weeks, but I got used to it. However, I also have what is probably considered to be bad technique, crossing arms over, or just holding the wheel with one hand, rather than stuttering my hands around the wheel while turning. I do like the feel of the wheel - get to hook my thumbs where I like and hold the wheel at 9 and 3. I find it somewhat less susceptible to winds than my 93 Geo Prizm (GM-made Corolla) that I finally got rid of for my Prius IV in August.
I love the flat bottomed steering wheel, gives it a racecar feel, something I never had in my EVO and WRX in the past. The shape really makes me wish it was it red stitched and alcantara lined :frown:
The flat part is sporty look like one says but also it is easier to get into the car. It was hard to like this feature in the beginning but now I really like it and pretty used to it. I havn't been on the highway much but so far I havn't got this blown away feeling.
I thought it was a bit odd but very quickly came to like the "flattened" steering wheel. It makes it very easy to keep your hands oriented.
Yep and now I wonder how I lived with the totally round wheel for all these years when these are available. Love the flat part, not as good though when you are making a lot of big turns.
Next thing we'll see - lawsuits due to steering wheel design. Unintended turning. Recall. Yellow Warning label will be installed on the flat part.
I frequently rent cars for business travel and I now complain about every other car's steering wheel. Honest to God. There's something very ergonomic to me about the Prius' steering wheel. I thought it was stupid the first few weeks I had mine, as well.
My one complaint with the steering wheel is the absurdly cheap piece of plastic on the back. I can not stand having a part of the car I am in constant contact with be the part that I think is the least substantial and cheap. I can bend it flex it between my thumb and and finger for peats sake!
Here's a tidbit for ya, The 2010 VW GTI steering wheel is also flat at the bottom. A GTI is a very sporty car and a true 'driver's car', highly regarded for performance. So the Prius steering wheel is in good company.
