Makes me wonder how I ever managed with my first “car”, an Austin 7 cwt van, 1098cc low compression and 38 bhp?
1 Like
I would be pleased to supply an answer Simon, based on nearly 20 years running my business with 19 staff & many clients crossing swords with the tax authorities.
However, I don’t wish to antagonise people on this thread. My original post was simply answering another posters request for suggestions as to how the tax would be collected.
Someone read more into my suggestion than was there &, somewhat foolishly, I rose to it & responded. In retrospect, I wish I had ignored it.
1 Like
I test drove a Renault 4 earlier this week. It was the top of the range model so snazzy interior and electronic lumbar support.
Only a 15 minute drive effectively around an industrial estate but I thought it did everything very capably.
To a degree I was only tyre kicking but when the guy asked was I interested my response was genuine
“I couldn’t drive this as the brake pedal is too high and I can feel it my lower back”.
as basically the amount I had to higher my foot to brake was putting serious pressure on my lower back.
Otherwise it would have been a serious contender to replace our Golf when that day comes. There really is a good aura from it. (However I think I’m wedded currently to the plan of using the Golf so sparingly that our nett effect on the planet and local air quality is negligible).
.sjb
1 Like
Fair enough… 
Gearstick come out of the dash?
It didn’t weigh two tons even when loaded. 
3 Likes
Not any more (we used to have a Renault 4 in the 70’s) although it’s still quirky - a stick above the windscreen wiper stalk. I have one on my R5 too. Not as annoying as you might think, but I’d still prefer the central buttons on the A290. But then you don’t get a cupholder.
I have back problems too, but luckily I have no issues with the pedals on the R5. The models higher up the range have the electric lumbar support mentioned and heated seats. These make a huge difference.
I’m still loving the R5 btw, great car. Just wish they allowed us to specify the uprated HK audio system in the UK.
2 Likes
As well as the lumbar support and heated seats, we have a heated steering wheel on our Megane. I thought it was a daft idea but it’s brilliant on a cold morning. The Harman Kardon stereo is great too. Sorry!
1 Like
I have the heated steering wheel too, it’s a game changer on cold days.
Very jealous. I’ve improved the sound a bit, cutting at 1khz using the equaliser (yes, I know) on Spotify and using the old trick of slightly favouring the rear speakers over the front. But the c£1000 retrofit of Focal speakers and a subwoofer is definitely calling me.
2 Likes
I follow this guy on YouTube and he leans towards the petrol head side of the spectrum so his praise is worth taking note of.
.sjb
2 Likes
Thanks John, I enjoyed that. Lots of bits that are the same as in our Megane, so I’d feel quite at home.
1 Like
There’s a few other reviews out there but so far they are testing late prototypes, and non UK spec cars so have to be aware of that. Generally positive though. There are no UK prices yet. The launch here is April. I have been invited all expenses to Goodwood for the launch event but it is a 600 mile round trip!
3 Likes
How did you swing that? Goodwood is only ten miles from me.
1 Like
See my previous post No. 899. I have placed a (fully returnable) deposit to secure a place in the queue when it is launched.
Maybe you could take my place!
Bruce
1 Like
Ah, I see. It’s a tad out of our price range, though I rather fancy an A290.
1 Like
BMW iX3, due in March, looks a better bet than the Alpine.
If you want a big SUV perhaps. I don’t want a car as long and tall as that. The new i3 (not a dinky town car now but 3 series size) due next summer will have the same impressive tecnology etc, but I need a hatchback and the Touring may be 2 years away.
I expect you have considered the BMW i4 as the EV is a four door hatchback. I’m wondering whether the new i3 will be the same size as the current 3 series - the new four series was significantly larger. I was surprised when I got the i4 which I had expected to be very similar to my 3 series hybrid.
2 Likes
Yes the new i3 is similar in size to the current 3 series and is on a completely new fully electric platform. It might even be quite good (that’s quite an admission from an Audi driver) and may possibly have turn signals as an optional extra.
1 Like
The i4, which I currently own, is a great car. It is only about 6 cm longer than the current 3 series, which I previously owned. It does feel larger, but not significantly so. Now looking forward to the new 3 series on the new platform.