What one thing do you wish you knew before you got an A110?
Discussion
I'm collecting my A110GT in abyss blue on Friday (it's currently being PPF'd), and getting excited now. So my question is, what did you learn about your A110 that you wish you'd known sooner? Might be a driving or maintenance tip, or knowing about a trick that's not in the owner's manual, or just something worth trying in it.
I wish I hadn't taken all the glowing comments about the good quality of the ride as gospel. My Legende on 18" wheels has a really hard and 'notchy' ride, especially at low speeds on typical give and take British roads. Much worse than my now departed Mk 7 Golf R and approaching Morgan suspension.
I was also a bit shocked to be asked to pay over £500pa road tax (or whatever it is called now) for the first 5 years, just because it cost over £40k, they didn't even pretend it was anything to do with emissions.
It is also quite a noisy car internally, not the exhaust which can barely be heard inside, just suspension and road noise.
But hey, it's a sports car so I should be able to put up with all that.
Your comments after a week or two would be interesting OP.
I was also a bit shocked to be asked to pay over £500pa road tax (or whatever it is called now) for the first 5 years, just because it cost over £40k, they didn't even pretend it was anything to do with emissions.
It is also quite a noisy car internally, not the exhaust which can barely be heard inside, just suspension and road noise.
But hey, it's a sports car so I should be able to put up with all that.
Your comments after a week or two would be interesting OP.
Edited by kitcat7 on Wednesday 1st February 15:51
I often see comments about the low speed ride... I've only had my Base A110 on 18" Seracs for two weeks, but feel it is just as comfortable as (but feels quite different to) Mrs T's Polo. Was the Legende different in some way?
My thing to know is that the 'safety kit' (which is both big and heavy for such a light car!) fits much better in the front boot than the rear. Indeed it seems to almost double the space in the rear boot subjectively, I think because its a regularly shaped pack in such an irregularly shaped boot.
My thing to know is that the 'safety kit' (which is both big and heavy for such a light car!) fits much better in the front boot than the rear. Indeed it seems to almost double the space in the rear boot subjectively, I think because its a regularly shaped pack in such an irregularly shaped boot.
kitcat7 said:
I wish I hadn't taken all the glowing comments about the good quality of the ride as gospel. My Legende on 18" wheels has a really hard and 'notchy' ride, especially at low speeds on typical give and take British roads. Much worse than my now departed Mk 7 Golf R and approaching Morgan suspension.
While I'd agree that the low speed ride isn't as cosseting as the road tests would have you believe - but if it's within a mile of Morgan suspension there is something wrong. It should smooth out quite nicely above 50mph.Edited by kitcat7 on Wednesday 1st February 15:51
bcr5784 said:
While I'd agree that the low speed ride isn't as cosseting as the road tests would have you believe - but if it's within a mile of Morgan suspension there is something wrong. It should smooth out quite nicely above 50mph.
Current daily driver is a 1.2L Polo, and my other two cars are a 2010 Defender 90 and a 1954 Series 1, so I don't think ride quality or noise are things that are going to bother me :-)Daft stuff, mostly: how there's a roller on the back of the (much-derided) audio control that does a range of things; the way the stop/start restarts when you put the handbrake on; and how the engine cover mists up in the cold (and is therefore more heated bonnet than HRW ;-) ); but that's three things, and you only asked for one.
Then instead ask yourself, as you thread it, light upon its toes, through a set of bends, if any of this matters just one jot...
Then instead ask yourself, as you thread it, light upon its toes, through a set of bends, if any of this matters just one jot...
LE62NDE said:
Daft stuff, mostly: how there's a roller on the back of the (much-derided) audio control that does a range of things; the way the stop/start restarts when you put the handbrake on; ..
Just wedge some card into the space above the depressed stop/start button and never think about that system again.a110au said:
Just wedge some card into the space above the depressed stop/start button and never think about that system again.
Coming from a 3.8L car, buying the Alpine was both a head and a heart decision, so a proper stop/start function is fine to me. I'm hardly going to use Sport mode in nose-to-tail traffic, and if I can do a tiny bit for the environment, then fine. My previous car didn't have stop/start, but if it's fitted I don't think it is unreasonable to expect it to work as well as other similar systems.LE62NDE said:
Coming from a 3.8L car, buying the Alpine was both a head and a heart decision, so a proper stop/start function is fine to me. I'm hardly going to use Sport mode in nose-to-tail traffic, and if I can do a tiny bit for the environment, then fine. My previous car didn't have stop/start, but if it's fitted I don't think it is unreasonable to expect it to work as well as other similar systems.
I agree using sport mode to disable stop/start is no good, hence the permanent button push hack. And yeah it is a dumb system.But mine let me down at a busy intersection, so I conclude it is also programmed wrongly which is why I no longer use it.
The car was cold and the battery was marginal and it decided to activate anyway instead of letting the engine/alternator stay running to improve the battery condition. The whole car went dead when start was triggered. Å year later I'm still using that same battery.
The difference in fuel consumption is tiny unless you can really see a long stop coming in which case I can do it manually, 1990s Tokyo taxi driver style.
I'm going to be ordering a second A110 soon, so will be putting lessons into action...
- Personally I find the S suspension too hard for UK roads.
- Don't get the expensive Atelier paint even though ooh pretty colors.
- Top-end Focal system is cool, but definitely not necessary.
- Same with the carbon roof - cool but unnecessary.
Whaleblue said:
Has anyone regretted getting, or not getting, the sports exhaust? I’ve not specced it. I’m not a fan of artifice, and think the car sounds great anyway!
There's a thread here where the pros and cons get aired: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Personally, I'm in favour of a sports exhaust -the car came dealer-specced with one and I like it. But, as you'll see, it's not universally popular. You pays your money and takes your choice...
Whaleblue said:
Has anyone regretted getting, or not getting, the sports exhaust? I’ve not specced it. I’m not a fan of artifice, and think the car sounds great anyway!
An option Life 110 suggested as a possibility was not to spec the sports exhaust but buy the resonator bits which link the intake to the bulkhead (which come with the sports exhaust). Probably would have been my choice - though, as you will see from the thread linked above, not everyone is keen on the resonator either!There is very little I don’t like about the car ( a 2020 legende I have had since new , so nearly 3 years). It has been bulletproof reliability wise, is a pleasure to drive and works very well as a second car. My only tips are
1. Just drive it in sports mode. I never really use any other mode, it just suits the car better
2. Don’t plan to use it when it’s a frozen day unless you have plenty of time. I leave the house every morning at 530 am ( triathlete so it’s when I start my drive to the gym to train ). The alpine cannot really be used as the door windows freeze so you can’t close the door once it’s opened.
3. I don’t drive it for more than 2 hours for a journey - the ‘ comfort ‘ Legende seats have a sort of banana shape quality to them which isn’t too kind on the back for long stints at the crease.
1. Just drive it in sports mode. I never really use any other mode, it just suits the car better
2. Don’t plan to use it when it’s a frozen day unless you have plenty of time. I leave the house every morning at 530 am ( triathlete so it’s when I start my drive to the gym to train ). The alpine cannot really be used as the door windows freeze so you can’t close the door once it’s opened.
3. I don’t drive it for more than 2 hours for a journey - the ‘ comfort ‘ Legende seats have a sort of banana shape quality to them which isn’t too kind on the back for long stints at the crease.
It's an even better all round sports car than I was anticipating. Mines a 2018 Pure on 18" wheels. Had it since 2020.
For me, it proved fast enough (not too fast) for fun on roads, comfortable for 2k mile tours and plenty of fun.
Don't get over anxious about the gloom on most forums! The majority are content owners. However they are a great source of tips.
But keep the towing eye in the cabin just in case stuff happens!
Think the Life road goemetry was a noticeable improvement for a few pounds.
Oh, and the foam in the exhaust resonator (on bulkhead) tip was great for me (emphasise, for me!). Its in link above. Prefer it a bit less noisy for daily use.
For me, it proved fast enough (not too fast) for fun on roads, comfortable for 2k mile tours and plenty of fun.
Don't get over anxious about the gloom on most forums! The majority are content owners. However they are a great source of tips.
But keep the towing eye in the cabin just in case stuff happens!
Think the Life road goemetry was a noticeable improvement for a few pounds.
Oh, and the foam in the exhaust resonator (on bulkhead) tip was great for me (emphasise, for me!). Its in link above. Prefer it a bit less noisy for daily use.
Edited by LGC-Adams on Thursday 2nd February 10:42
Edited by LGC-Adams on Thursday 2nd February 10:44
Stop/Start is irritating. I invariably switch it off.
One thing I wish I’d tried earlier is Manual gearbox mode… it’s FAB!
The auto is great, and I’d assumed it would be a nuisance having to make *every* gear-change, especially around town, but in effect you don’t have to… I let the box change down to second / first at junctions, which leaves me to do all the up-shifts and back down to third.
The extra involvement and control is a joy, and I’ve stopped using the noisier Sport mode as much because I can simply hold onto a gear for longer and hit the fat torque curve from 3,000 upwards (Life110 300ps map installed).
Had the car two years now and only really discovered Manual mode last autumn. Kicking myself!!
One thing I wish I’d tried earlier is Manual gearbox mode… it’s FAB!
The auto is great, and I’d assumed it would be a nuisance having to make *every* gear-change, especially around town, but in effect you don’t have to… I let the box change down to second / first at junctions, which leaves me to do all the up-shifts and back down to third.
The extra involvement and control is a joy, and I’ve stopped using the noisier Sport mode as much because I can simply hold onto a gear for longer and hit the fat torque curve from 3,000 upwards (Life110 300ps map installed).
Had the car two years now and only really discovered Manual mode last autumn. Kicking myself!!
Top 10 Things I'd wished I'd known beforehand include:
1) the tip Alex just gave on how on auto-mute the radio on start-up. It's real pain that the infotainment reverts / defaults to out of tune AM Frequency on start-up, irrespective of what channel / source you last used. And if you had the volume up loud previously then you get a lot of radio frequency noise as soon as you start the car. A PITA.
2) Too frequent bluetooth connection loss is usually solved by re-installing the infotainment software (which can be requested during a service). Solved the problem for me; other than if you are travelling in areas with poor GSM strength of course
3) the Bosch Sat-NAV is nowhere near as bad as people suggest it is. Works very well and the software can be upgraded by sticking an upgraded card via the port next to the USB options - so no need to dismantle the dashboard to swap the card over internally
4) the luggage space can be easily optimised by choosing the right luggage solutions - see separate thread on that. Plenty of space for a 3 week road tour for two. Forces you to make choices and to leave behind the items you wouldn't or hardly use anyway if you had a larger car. The upside is it's really nice to travel lite when checking into/out of hotels, B&Bs etc.
5) 2021 cars onwards have improved interior carpets - but the downside is that standard velcro will not stick, so DIY storage solutions not really an option; at least not nice-looking ones as far as I'm aware
6) 17" wheels give a better ride and are the way to go if you live in countries where speed bumps are a daily hazard i.e. The Netherlands, or for countries with poor road surfaces i.e. UK.
7) The Alpine 17" wheels DO fit over the larger Brembo brakes if you have spec'd the larger 18" wheels. (Only downside is I have not come across many 17" wheel styles which I like (retro) and which will fit. All of the discussions on aftermarket wheel alternatives seem to be focused on 18" wheels only)
8) If you have the 18" wheel set-up, you will inevitably scuff the underside of the front spoiler at some point; no matter how careful you are
9) the horror stories of the battery quickly running down after 2/3 weeks of car non-use are completely unfounded (in my experience). This really bothered me after I'd made my order and was then reading about all of the battery issues on this forum; as I don't have a personal / dedicated garage with the possibility for a trickle charger. The reality is the car is often not used for 6 to 8 weeks at a time; and there is never any hint of a problem - always starts first time, no problem
10) You can't drive the car with the window(s) open due to the high wind buffeting, which is a shame if you like to have the windows open a bit on nice sunny days. I find this particularly annoying - and there doesn't appear to be a solution for it unfortunately. (Unlike for the GR Supra for example which suffers the same problem - fortunately a working solution has been found for the Supra, just google.)
1) the tip Alex just gave on how on auto-mute the radio on start-up. It's real pain that the infotainment reverts / defaults to out of tune AM Frequency on start-up, irrespective of what channel / source you last used. And if you had the volume up loud previously then you get a lot of radio frequency noise as soon as you start the car. A PITA.
2) Too frequent bluetooth connection loss is usually solved by re-installing the infotainment software (which can be requested during a service). Solved the problem for me; other than if you are travelling in areas with poor GSM strength of course
3) the Bosch Sat-NAV is nowhere near as bad as people suggest it is. Works very well and the software can be upgraded by sticking an upgraded card via the port next to the USB options - so no need to dismantle the dashboard to swap the card over internally
4) the luggage space can be easily optimised by choosing the right luggage solutions - see separate thread on that. Plenty of space for a 3 week road tour for two. Forces you to make choices and to leave behind the items you wouldn't or hardly use anyway if you had a larger car. The upside is it's really nice to travel lite when checking into/out of hotels, B&Bs etc.
5) 2021 cars onwards have improved interior carpets - but the downside is that standard velcro will not stick, so DIY storage solutions not really an option; at least not nice-looking ones as far as I'm aware
6) 17" wheels give a better ride and are the way to go if you live in countries where speed bumps are a daily hazard i.e. The Netherlands, or for countries with poor road surfaces i.e. UK.
7) The Alpine 17" wheels DO fit over the larger Brembo brakes if you have spec'd the larger 18" wheels. (Only downside is I have not come across many 17" wheel styles which I like (retro) and which will fit. All of the discussions on aftermarket wheel alternatives seem to be focused on 18" wheels only)
8) If you have the 18" wheel set-up, you will inevitably scuff the underside of the front spoiler at some point; no matter how careful you are
9) the horror stories of the battery quickly running down after 2/3 weeks of car non-use are completely unfounded (in my experience). This really bothered me after I'd made my order and was then reading about all of the battery issues on this forum; as I don't have a personal / dedicated garage with the possibility for a trickle charger. The reality is the car is often not used for 6 to 8 weeks at a time; and there is never any hint of a problem - always starts first time, no problem
10) You can't drive the car with the window(s) open due to the high wind buffeting, which is a shame if you like to have the windows open a bit on nice sunny days. I find this particularly annoying - and there doesn't appear to be a solution for it unfortunately. (Unlike for the GR Supra for example which suffers the same problem - fortunately a working solution has been found for the Supra, just google.)
After I wash the car I always leave the handbrake off as discussed here before, but it's still much more susceptible to the brakes sticking than other cars I've had. I now go for a whiz around the block with a bit of light left foot braking to make sure the discs are really dry and this seems to have cured it.
I'm yet to read the manual as I find most things are covered here .
The one thing I really wish I knew before was just how much fun it is because I should have bought one sooner!
I'm yet to read the manual as I find most things are covered here .
The one thing I really wish I knew before was just how much fun it is because I should have bought one sooner!
Edited by Murphys on Thursday 2nd February 13:13
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