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Steering wheel not round?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by JonathanK, Jun 19, 2009.

  1. JonathanK

    JonathanK Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2009
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I have had my Gen III for about a week, and I am loving it. One thing I am having trouble getting used to is my steering wheel. It is not round. The bottom part flattens out a bit. I checked with my dealer and their test drive car also has a non-round wheel. Has anyone else noticed this?
     
    #1 JonathanK, Jun 19, 2009
  2. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
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    V
    The flat bottom is to allow you to get into the car without rubbing your legs on the bottom of the steering wheel. Just like a Ferrari! :D
     
    #2 stream, Jun 19, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  3. Matt Herring

    Matt Herring New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2009
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    Location:
    North Andover, MA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The steering wheel is not round...it is slightly oval...presumably to allow for more leg/knee room. The Gen II steering wheel is very small compared to most "normal" cars and in the Gen III they took it a step further and made it more adventageous to taller/larger drivers.

    If Gen IV follows suit we may see the futuristic (seen in concept cars) handlebar steering "wheel" shaped much like a Playstation controller...can't wait for that!
     
    #3 Matt Herring, Jun 19, 2009
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

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    Five
    The only thing cooler than the steering not being round in the Gen III Prius is if it had KITT's steering wheel :D

    [​IMG]

    Really though, I noticed the irregular shape back in February at the Prius Connection event and thought it was a nice touch with thought to getting in and out for those who like the wheel in a low position (such as myself).
     
    #4 Paradox, Jun 19, 2009
    1 person likes this.
  5. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Location:
    Gaithersburg, MD
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I noticed the flat part on the bottom too...
     
    #5 SW03ES, Jun 20, 2009
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