On 11/13/15 10:37 AM, Peri Hartman via EV wrote:
This is getting OT but I want to point out that the instrumentation
issue goes beyond the SOC meter.
- all buttons for radio, heat, settings, etc. look virtually identical;
you have to memorize them before you can safely drive the car. All
labels are text with no or minimal graphics, so you have to actually
read them rather than identify by shape or icon.
True, but the physical control grouping is mostly helpful and easy to
become accustomed to, for me. Radio controls on the left (except for
tuning controls), menu stuff on the right. The temp controls are color
coded.
On the left side of the dash, left of the wheel, I don't change those
controls while driving except steering wheel heat, which is a bit
awkward since it's to the right of that group and behind the wheel.
Here's a pic that shows the top part of the center dash controls:
http://www.nissanusa.com/content/dam/nissan/vehicles/2016/leaf/colors-photos/interior-photos/004_large.jpg
- in order to view the temperature setting you have to change the
temperature - you can't just view the current setting.
True, although if you have the status screen showing, the temp display
may persist (I'll have to look next time I drive).
- There is no virtual (on screen) buttons for graphically setting which
vents should blow air - you have to cycle through. Well, sort of -
there are some convoluted operations for turning on defrost...
True, there's one button for cycling through the vent options, and the
screen shows the options as you are cycling.
There's a separate button for windshield defrost and another for rear
window defrost, that's easy enough. To get heat to hit the windshield
ongoing, the cycling button isn't that hard to use.
- The steering wheel controls have micro sized font on them which can
only be seen in direct sunlight.
True, but the control grouping/physical locations make them easy to use,
once you know what they do.
- The map application is utterly useless. I won't enumerate here but I
can probably list a dozen significant faults.
I use it rarely, but it can be useful for seeing the names of cross
streets coming up. If I didn't have my phone I'd use it more, but the
phone is better.
- The car has two clocks which run entirely independently and must be
set through two different mechanisms.
Good point.
- Settings, such as the resetting the trip odometer or the average
mile/kwh, are controlled from a small obscure panel below and to the
left of the steering wheel. Very hard to see and there are only four
buttons so you spend a lot of time clicking to cycle through options.
Not a good idea to do while you're driving.
True. I only really use the upper left button, and rarely, since I
mostly leave it on the percentage-of-charge display option.
- What else? These are off the top of my head !
Setting the timers is a bit cumbersome.
So yes, the LEAF's dash could be improved. I don't find it to be
horrible, though. What car has nailed these issues for comparison sake?
What should Nissan look to as an example of dash controls done right?
For me, the 2013+ percent-of-charge display is something I would really
miss in the 2011/12 models.
And despite some valid criticisms, I think the heat/AC, radio and cruise
controls (what I use most often), are reasonably easy to find and
operate. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from buying a LEAF based on the dash
controls.
Cheers,
-Jamie
www.JamieKrutz.com
Peri
------ Original Message ------
From: "Jamie K via EV" <ev@lists.evdl.org>
To: "Electric Vehicle Discussion List" <ev@lists.evdl.org>
Sent: 13-Nov-15 9:26:08 AM
Subject: Re: [EVDL] 2016 30kWh Leaf : Best year to buy ...
On 11/13/15 10:13 AM, Willie2 via EV wrote:
On 11/13/2015 11:08 AM, Jamie K via EV wrote:
On 11/13/15 9:04 AM, Cruisin via EV wrote:
Regardless where you buy a Leaf at, take note of the high pitch wine
sound
from the motor. VERY aggravating to most people.
I can't speak for most people but I doubt that's true. Our 2013 a
typical understated EV "jet-like" sound. Some may find it annoying,
some may find it thrilling, some may not really notice it.
My hearing is poor, especially at high frequencies, but.....
I never noticed any noise on my first year Leaf. Nor did anyone else
comment on noise. IMHO, of FAR more concern is crappy instrumentation
and crappy manufacturer support.
The main instrumentation complaint was addressed in the 2013+ models
when they added a useful percentage-of-charge display option. I've
read that the guess-o-meter was also improved to be less sporadic.
So, better instrumentation is one reason to consider 2013+ models over
2011/12 models.
The biggest complaints about manufacturer support likely come from
owners of 2011/12 models in hot climates where battery degradation was
a problem. From comments on forums, some feel their problem was
eventually resolved with extended warranty battery replacement with
the "lizard" battery, but others don't feel Nissan really stepped up.
Battery issues may be another reason to favor 2013+ models, for those
in hotter climates.
Cheers,
-Jamie
www.JamieKrutz.com
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