control panel in the middle

[algernonsidney]

I have considered buying a new Yaris or a used Echo. But I have to admit that I am not too fond about buying a car that has the control panel in the middle. I like seeing my gas guage right in front of me. That is where it has been on every other car I've driven.

What is it like anyway? What kind of experience have people had with the control panel in the middle?

[stuts]

People love making a big deal out of nothing its not a big deal I personally prefer it there its safer

[bgrieger]

You get used to it. It is in a pretty visable location, if a little out of the way.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Yeah I agree its not a big deal. Some people make it like it killed a family member or something and go off on a tantrum, its just a gauge placement! Sure we all have our opinions and that's fine but as an owner of an ECHO I preferr it, I think its suiting in a small car but in a bigger one it may not make as much sense.

[another_steve]

I've only had me Yaris for a week and haven't even reached 100 kms on the meter yet, but the centre console is growing on me.

Like you, I was also not fond of the console in the centre, especially since I have glasses and want to be able to see the speed I'm doing!

In Aus, the Yaris hatch has the digital dipslay, whereas the sedan has the traditional analogue. Why my first impressions were that the digital console was pretty wiz-bang, I feel the analogue does grow on you and portrays a more sophisticated look especially when the cabin is dark at night - if you care about such things. It really comes down to individual taste I guess.

Back to your concern about the console being in the centre, while it seems counterproductive in theory, I think the reason behind it is that the extra distance between your eyes and the console may mean less work for your eyes when moving your focus from the road to the instrument panel and back - well, I can't see any other reason for it!

One benefit of the console being centred is that the driver's field of vision is even greater as there is no console directly in front - is this convincing?

[bgrieger]

The benefit is mainly for Toyota...there is only one console required to be made for either left or right hand drive, and the wiring harness can be the same length. They need only change the dash pad out from under it and angle it one way or the other.

[Pars]

In my case, I was already used to focusing on the centre console, even before I bought the Yaris. I have a portable navigation system that's 2 years old (roadmate 300) and it has always mounted to the middle of the dash. So, I was already used to focusing on the centre for all my vital information.

The transition from behind the steering wheel to the centre isn't a big deal. But, if I had to choose one, at no additional cost, I'd go with the mundane setup that has it on the driver side. In the future, It'd be cool if we could customize the location of the gages, but I wouldn't want to pay for the additional feature.

[05_Echo]

Originally Posted by bgrieger

The benefit is mainly for Toyota...there is only one console required to be made for either left or right hand drive, and the wiring harness can be the same length. They need only change the dash pad out from under it and angle it one way or the other.

Nope they just need to turn the gauges in the dash and I don't think they even have to do that much on the Yaris..


I wish my Corolla was in the same spot as my wifes Echo, I find that after you drive them for a half an hour your used to it and night driving is better because there is no glare from the dash lights on the windshield in front of you.

[ojars]

The location of the instrument cluster is now familiar and comfortable, after ruoghly 3 months of driving. The adjustment of the brightness of same is another matter. I continually find the light dim and then must turn the wheel to get the brightness up to standard. My left knee is a possible culprit in thei matter. I also use the handy storage compartment for garage door remotes. Perhaps my left hand is the perpetrator of the dimming.

[bgrieger]

Originally Posted by 05_Echo

Nope they just need to turn the gauges in the dash and I don't think they even have to do that much on the Yaris..

Perhaps the Yaris is a little more standardized. The echo hatch dash top would need to be different for right and left drive configurations...it is not symmetrical from side to side.

[Damage82]

I actually prefer it, I got a cobalt now and the steering wheel is blcoking half the speedometer. I like having it in the center, you'll get used to it and not want to go back

[05_Echo]

Originally Posted by bgrieger

Perhaps the Yaris is a little more standardized. The echo hatch dash top would need to be different for right and left drive configurations...it is not symmetrical from side to side.

Your right, I went out and checked the wifes and they would just have to change the plastic cap that houses the guages.

[bgrieger]

yep...plastic is cheaper than electronics to do 2 ways, so they standardize all the expensive bits and need only a hunk of plastic to make all the difference. I'm surprised nobody else did this one before!

[05_Echo]

I believe Saturn has a car out that has the Speedo in the same spot. It's a cool idea and like I said I wish my Corolla was the same with the speedo up on the dash.

[Pars]

Originally Posted by Damage82

I actually prefer it, I got a cobalt now and the steering wheel is blcoking half the speedometer. I like having it in the center, you'll get used to it and not want to go back

I just spent 8 days in the Cobolt sedan and I had the clear view on the instrument panel. Nice car (especially the loaded version with all the bells and whistles), but it doesn't feel as connected to the road as the Yaris. But it does feel like it could be tweaked for more enthusiastic driving (which might explain all the good reviews regarding the Cobol SS).