Whilst searching the market for the next new car for the family, I called into the local car sales showroom looking for the best value whilst keeping in mind the required space for my wheelchair. I was in undated with 'this car has..' but then I spotted it on the forecourt. It looked modern, it had alloy wheels, it had everything I was looking for.
From the front, it has a beautiful streamline shape. The window screen wipers are tucked under the bonnet until needed giving a unobstructed streamline for air flow. The driver has all the controls at their finger tips. They can operate their blue tooth devices with a touch of the button. Answering telephone calls are safe as there is no need to take their hands off the steering wheel. All blue tooth music systems are easily connected giving an all around music system. Again at a touch of a button on the steering wheel. The system comes with a cable which allows the user to link up manually an ipod or iphone, leaving the blue tooth free for a 'paired' mobile phone. Yes it sounds a little complicated, but if like me you need a 'script and verse' when it comes to technology, then check out the manual. Yes, I said the manual, unlike other manuals this is so easy to use. The audio has a little booklet to itself. Easy!! Moving on... the car has dual heating and air conditioning controls. In laymen terms, the driver can be as hot as they want to be, whilst the passenger can be as cool as they want to be....all at the same time. Great stuff! Leg space is very good too. I need extra leg space to allow for the movement of my body into the car. As the front seats have controls to move the seat up and down as well as back and forward, it has a lot of options to giving the taller person room to move, whilst the shorter person can move the chair closer to the pedals and wheel whilst maintaining a high or low level chair seat. Windows are electric and can be operated by the driver, locking them in position to ensure passengers are safe from trapped fingers. The windows also have an AUTO button so the driver and passengers can flick the button and let go. The window then automatically fully closes or fully opens without hanging onto the window button. Your fingers are so happy! All doors can be locked by using a single click to a button positioned in the centre of the front panel. Ideal for the single occupant when they need to take high valued goods with them. The doors can only be operated from the inside until the door has been locked and unlocked using the central locking remote control. The child locks are also controlled by the button. The remote control also allows for the rear hatch door to be opened whilst keeping all other doors locked. The rear passengers have limited controls. They can control the windows independently only if the driver has not used the safety button. Thus you can ensure the rear passengers are safe. Bottle/cup holders are situated in the front door panels but the central compartment needs to be fully opened for the rear passengers to access theirs. This, for me, is definitely an inconvenience as the driver looses the arm rest!!! However, the selling point for me was that whilst having five people in the vehicle, I could put my wheelchair in the boot space whilst the rear chairs where still upright. Using a wheelchair is vital to my independence and with the installation (arranged by the garage) of a wheel chair lift, I don't need to struggle with collapsing the chair or relying on my passenger to get the chair in and out of the boot. Wonderfully spacious, would be ideal for any family with dogs. Economy is also on many people's mind. I have the diesel model and get a great 'miles to gallon' whilst making both short and long journeys.