Am I the only one?
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I don't mind the idea of the touch pad, but I buy cars new and drive them until they drop. When I think about repairs down the road, I'm concerned about how much it would cost to replace that over some simple knobs. I might just be projecting some bad cell phone touch pad experiences onto the touch pad here, but I don't trust their long term reliability.
That's part of my concern. Why make something complicated when simple works as well, or better?
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I'm expecting the lx and ex trims to have knobs for the environmental controls like the Fit in those trim levels. For the radio I'll probably just use the buttons on the steering wheel.
Really? I have not seen a picture yet with the nobs. (Including the Vezel). I do know that the upper levels have Automatic Climate Control in that panel , but I still thought the LX had the touch screen with lesser features.
At any rate , it is good the radio can be controlled from the steering wheel.
More than one reviewer is not crazy about the touch screen feature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awBEBLtdABU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awBEBLtdABU
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632 Posts
Well I don't know for sure of course, but I'm figuring the features will follow the Fit. You can see in the photo below knobs for the test mule HR-V in Europe last summer
Also, on the Honda USAwebsite for the HR-V it lists this under features (http://automobiles.honda.com/hr-v/#features) "Automatic climate control with electrostatic touch-screen (EX, EX-L)"...so maybe the LX will have the knobs since it's not listed there.
Thanks for the picture. The fact that the control has the chrome surround encourages me that it is an actual plan for knobs on the LX.
I also wondered about that description on the website.....indicating something different for the LX.
I want the LX so that would be perfect. Also further rationalization for charging a good amount less for that level. Hope it's so.
I also wondered about that description on the website.....indicating something different for the LX.
I want the LX so that would be perfect. Also further rationalization for charging a good amount less for that level. Hope it's so.
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805 Posts
Knobs vs. Buttons (Note: "Nobs" are something completely different; I'm quite averse to twisting nobs--insert obligatory smiley.)
For the latest generation Prius, the gearbox shift knob constitutes a significant intrusion on instrument panel/radio/GPS access. Entrepreneurial Chinese came up with a $100 push-button replacement that I jumped at. In fact, the mod was so popular amongst U.S. and other LHD owners that one manufacturer justified marketing a left-hand drive version, with a revised "shift pattern."
Point being, the more elegant, simpler, space-saving electronic shifter replaces a mechanical-to-electric kludge that Toyota cobbled-up to simulate a "conventional shifter." I guess, wanting to avoid shades-of-57-DeSoto pushbutton shifter, they opted for a more orthodox version. Sufficient weirdness about the Prius, no need for a space-age shifter.
Given the reliability of today's solid state electronics, ceteris paribus, I much prefer an electronic to mechanical solution ... no grease, no wear and tear, lighter touch-and-feel.
Having said that, the touch screen on my self-installed in the Prius, Sony radio/GPS touch screen is a major distraction ... with its 50% touch-success rate. But I think that's a detail that just needs to be worked-out. A sliding cover/sun shield arrangement to keep out the dirt and grime would probably help. Also, I think our sub-zero Maine temperatures may possibly be contributing to the Sony's touch screen frustration rate.
As always, all IMHO.
I think I might be OK with buttons instead of knobs. I think the touch screen would be annoying for me .....especially while driving....and at it's low placement on the dash.
Hadn't thought about the shifting, but I have never had an issue with my Manual shift on my 225,000 mile Scion xB. Probably why that is the only transmission I would get now.....fewer parts , less to go wrong.
Side note.....Chrysler products (even the Valiant) had pushbutton transmissions into the sixties. If I recall, they were just another extra step in the mechanical operation of the car......something else to go wrong.
Ach! I also come from a place that gets winter. I hadn't even thought about that aspect of it. The temperature, gloves, etc... Yup, I'd definitely prefer buttons.
Where did you get that info....or was that just a guess?
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If you mean the post below.... It says "Let's assume". It could be entirely true that AWD will not be on the LX. I was just asking if you saw that for sure somewhere. ( I am not wanting AWD myself, just clarifying for those that do)
"Let's assume for a moment that Honda leverages the US trim designations that we have come to expect. Which trim level are you interested in and why? For simplicity let's assume that the available levels are:
LX - manual
LX - CVT
EX - CVT
EX - CVT with AWD
EX-L - CVT
EX-L - CVT with AWD ......"
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Screens vs. knobs
As for the touch screen only being the higher trim levels, the Official Honda site states this somewhat clearly.
http://automobiles.honda.com/mobile/hr-v/#interior
I do have a concern about the trend towards touch screens, twist controllers, iDrive, etc. Any time I have to take my hands and eyes off the road is a concern. With conventional knobs, dials and buttons appropriately placed and designed I can change radio stations, temperature, and operate other functions without ever taking my eyes off the road. Sure, we will get used to the relative placement of where to touch the screen to adjust volume or change temperature, but glass is glass. Heptattic feedback can only go so far.
As for the touch screen only being the higher trim levels, the Official Honda site states this somewhat clearly.
http://automobiles.honda.com/mobile/hr-v/#interior
Yeah it is pretty clear. At first though, I thought it might have meant that they all had the touch screen , but the EX and the EX-L had more features....like selecting the temperature by number degree, heated seat "on" indicators, etc.
But I think you have it right....especially since I have seen that one picture of the test "mule" which appears to be an LX interior. It shows nobs and no push button start. I am relieved to see that.
Wish there were more pics out there with the LX interior. I have searched a lot and come up empty! Make sense in a way because when a car is new at an auto show , they tend put out the highest level model. If it has been out awhile, you will see the cheaper versions too.
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