So I had a test drive in one
Discussion
Test drove the A110 GT version. First off great that I had an hour to try out the car. Some very bulleted thoughts
Interior finish was better that I thought it would be especially as there were no squeaks or rattles.
Back on the interior, for a touring machine, WTF where is there any interior storage, I couldn't even work out where to put my phone except for in my pocket, let alone even sunglasses
Engine, I am used to normally aspirated, so this had good torque but the throttle felt like it was on a rubber band and not particularly precise
Brakes were good with good feel for swift progress but not hard progress as were slightly more spongy than I would like when pushed hard.
Handling was really nice, with good balance and great dampening for the road. I ran it with TC off and it was easy to balance the car and getting it rotated into bends was very satisfying
Gearbox - I hated it, I have come from a lifetime of manual and autos for large cars. This did nothing for me, I ended up running it in Sport and using full auto as the manual change was not satisfying at all and lacked any input feedback
The engine sound, frankly all the whooshes and wastegate noises where a bit unnecessary but not too intrusive, overall engine sounded bearable.
Exhaust, Another WTF I hated all the artificial snap, crackles and pops, frankly I found it embarrassing. Would love to be able to turn off all that but couldn't find a way.
Bad:
Interior nothing to put anything anywhere in a sensible location.
Embarrassing exhaust
Throttle response not the best, but its a turbo so somewhat forgiven
Not a fan of the ipad screen display, takes up to much interior real estate, have some accesible storage instead pls
Gearbox - the biggest let down for me, left me very uninvolved
Good:
Old school weight and width, great to be able to position on the road and within lane
Good usable power for the road, meant that you could really enjoy the car to the full with the foot down without getting to very silly speeds
Suspension dampening for the road was really great, chassis and balance inspired total confidence and in testament the TC was disengaged very early on in my road test
Quality of fit and finish
For me the size, weight and balance of the car is screaming out for 3 pedals to enjoy properly, then it would be a resounding yes. But sadly thats not happening. In summary great car but initially its a no for me and for my use which would be euro tours.
Interior finish was better that I thought it would be especially as there were no squeaks or rattles.
Back on the interior, for a touring machine, WTF where is there any interior storage, I couldn't even work out where to put my phone except for in my pocket, let alone even sunglasses
Engine, I am used to normally aspirated, so this had good torque but the throttle felt like it was on a rubber band and not particularly precise
Brakes were good with good feel for swift progress but not hard progress as were slightly more spongy than I would like when pushed hard.
Handling was really nice, with good balance and great dampening for the road. I ran it with TC off and it was easy to balance the car and getting it rotated into bends was very satisfying
Gearbox - I hated it, I have come from a lifetime of manual and autos for large cars. This did nothing for me, I ended up running it in Sport and using full auto as the manual change was not satisfying at all and lacked any input feedback
The engine sound, frankly all the whooshes and wastegate noises where a bit unnecessary but not too intrusive, overall engine sounded bearable.
Exhaust, Another WTF I hated all the artificial snap, crackles and pops, frankly I found it embarrassing. Would love to be able to turn off all that but couldn't find a way.
Bad:
Interior nothing to put anything anywhere in a sensible location.
Embarrassing exhaust
Throttle response not the best, but its a turbo so somewhat forgiven
Not a fan of the ipad screen display, takes up to much interior real estate, have some accesible storage instead pls
Gearbox - the biggest let down for me, left me very uninvolved
Good:
Old school weight and width, great to be able to position on the road and within lane
Good usable power for the road, meant that you could really enjoy the car to the full with the foot down without getting to very silly speeds
Suspension dampening for the road was really great, chassis and balance inspired total confidence and in testament the TC was disengaged very early on in my road test
Quality of fit and finish
For me the size, weight and balance of the car is screaming out for 3 pedals to enjoy properly, then it would be a resounding yes. But sadly thats not happening. In summary great car but initially its a no for me and for my use which would be euro tours.
Edited by Omaruk on Sunday 24th September 21:06
I haven’t got one but had a long go in one. Loved it. Still very interested but probably in a year’s time for me. As someone who has been round Europe in a TR4, a triumph Spitfire and a GT6, I think there is loads of space! It’s a quirky sports car not a Bentley continental. Packing light and cleverly is part of the fun! Wouldn’t put me off but each to his own.
Bob
Bob
I'd driven them before on one occasion and thought it was OK but not convinced but bought a used Pure for the missus earlier this year as she loved them and wanted it as a daily to replace her C Class. Despite my raving on about practicality or lack of, she was adamant it would work. That lasted about a fortnight and she hasn't really touched it since.
I have to agree OP, after 4 months with ours, your'e 100% correct in your summary, always thought a manual would transform the car, the gearbox is just awful, completely uninvolving, the engine sound is meh, the interior storage is a joke.
We are going to take it on a Euro tour next week so will see if I gel with it any better but I'm not holding my breath so probably be up for sale soon after.
I have to agree OP, after 4 months with ours, your'e 100% correct in your summary, always thought a manual would transform the car, the gearbox is just awful, completely uninvolving, the engine sound is meh, the interior storage is a joke.
We are going to take it on a Euro tour next week so will see if I gel with it any better but I'm not holding my breath so probably be up for sale soon after.
Horace985 said:
I haven’t got one but had a long go in one. Loved it. Still very interested but probably in a year’s time for me. As someone who has been round Europe in a TR4, a triumph Spitfire and a GT6, I think there is loads of space! It’s a quirky sports car not a Bentley continental. Packing light and cleverly is part of the fun! Wouldn’t put me off but each to his own.
Bob
Not the luggage space, I also tour on a motorcycle so certainly know how to pack light, it’s the interior storage within the cabin - nothing at all, no door bins, no glove box, not even a coin tray! nothing, there is this silly space under the Center console but you cannot get your hand in there whilst driving. So in reality you can’t even stash a packet of chewing gum in an accessible storage location, very absurdBob
Edited by Omaruk on Sunday 24th September 22:33
Interesting comments. I’ve ordered one for almost the opposite reasons!
I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
They aren't for everyone, but I love mine, as does my OH. We've had weekends away and a week's holiday in Wales with no difficulty, and have booked a European road trip back home from northern Spain for next Spring. But we don't eat sweets or drink coffee in the car, and each have a bag that fits behind the seats for cards/phone sunglasses etc. A reviewer suggested that you had to adopt the lightweight ethos as a lifestyle with this car and I think there's more than a grain of truth in that. The engine/gearbox combo was apparently dictated by the space between the suspension wishbones; it doesn't bother me but I have read enough commentary to see that it does for others. I'm just not sure what other car gives you the combination of acceleration and handling that a 1.1 tonne kerb weight gives, at this price point.
Omaruk said:
Test drove the A110 GT version. First off great that I had an hour to try out the car. Some very bulleted thoughts
Interior finish was better that I thought it would be especially as there were no squeaks or rattles.
Back on the interior, for a touring machine, WTF where is there any interior storage, I couldn't even work out where to put my phone except for in my pocket, let alone even sunglasses
Engine, I am used to normally aspirated, so this had good torque but the throttle felt like it was on a rubber band and not particularly precise
Brakes were good with good feel for swift progress but not hard progress as were slightly more spongy than I would like when pushed hard.
Handling was really nice, with good balance and great dampening for the road. I ran it with TC off and it was easy to balance the car and getting it rotated into bends was very satisfying
Gearbox - I hated it, I have come from a lifetime of manual and autos for large cars. This did nothing for me, I ended up running it in Sport and using full auto as the manual change was not satisfying at all and lacked any input feedback
The engine sound, frankly all the whooshes and wastegate noises where a bit unnecessary but not too intrusive, overall engine sounded bearable.
Exhaust, Another WTF I hated all the artificial snap, crackles and pops, frankly I found it embarrassing. Would love to be able to turn off all that but couldn't find a way.
Bad:
Interior nothing to put anything anywhere in a sensible location.
Embarrassing exhaust
Throttle response not the best, but its a turbo so somewhat forgiven
Not a fan of the ipad screen display, takes up to much interior real estate, have some accesible storage instead pls
Gearbox - the biggest let down for me, left me very uninvolved
Good:
Old school weight and width, great to be able to position on the road and within lane
Good usable power for the road, meant that you could really enjoy the car to the full with the foot down without getting to very silly speeds
Suspension dampening for the road was really great, chassis and balance inspired total confidence and in testament the TC was disengaged very early on in my road test
Quality of fit and finish
For me the size, weight and balance of the car is screaming out for 3 pedals to enjoy properly, then it would be a resounding yes. But sadly thats not happening. In summary great car but initially its a no for me and for my use which would be euro tours.
I test drove one a little while ago and largely agree with your comments. I found it very underwhelming and can’t understand why they are so highly rated. Very dull to drive and the pops and farts from the exhaust are pathetic.Interior finish was better that I thought it would be especially as there were no squeaks or rattles.
Back on the interior, for a touring machine, WTF where is there any interior storage, I couldn't even work out where to put my phone except for in my pocket, let alone even sunglasses
Engine, I am used to normally aspirated, so this had good torque but the throttle felt like it was on a rubber band and not particularly precise
Brakes were good with good feel for swift progress but not hard progress as were slightly more spongy than I would like when pushed hard.
Handling was really nice, with good balance and great dampening for the road. I ran it with TC off and it was easy to balance the car and getting it rotated into bends was very satisfying
Gearbox - I hated it, I have come from a lifetime of manual and autos for large cars. This did nothing for me, I ended up running it in Sport and using full auto as the manual change was not satisfying at all and lacked any input feedback
The engine sound, frankly all the whooshes and wastegate noises where a bit unnecessary but not too intrusive, overall engine sounded bearable.
Exhaust, Another WTF I hated all the artificial snap, crackles and pops, frankly I found it embarrassing. Would love to be able to turn off all that but couldn't find a way.
Bad:
Interior nothing to put anything anywhere in a sensible location.
Embarrassing exhaust
Throttle response not the best, but its a turbo so somewhat forgiven
Not a fan of the ipad screen display, takes up to much interior real estate, have some accesible storage instead pls
Gearbox - the biggest let down for me, left me very uninvolved
Good:
Old school weight and width, great to be able to position on the road and within lane
Good usable power for the road, meant that you could really enjoy the car to the full with the foot down without getting to very silly speeds
Suspension dampening for the road was really great, chassis and balance inspired total confidence and in testament the TC was disengaged very early on in my road test
Quality of fit and finish
For me the size, weight and balance of the car is screaming out for 3 pedals to enjoy properly, then it would be a resounding yes. But sadly thats not happening. In summary great car but initially its a no for me and for my use which would be euro tours.
Edited by Omaruk on Sunday 24th September 21:06
I have had mine for just over 3 years, and I specced mine ( a legende ) without the sports exhaust. I do my triathlon training very early in the mornings so specced a quieter alpine so I don’t wake the neighbours up at 530 am. I have driven the sports exhaust ones and they are much louder and bang a lot more- not my thing but the normal exhaust is much more sedate.
To drive the alpine is a joy really. I have always driven French cars so the lightness of steering and softer set up is ideal for me and what I am used to. If you are coming from a history of German stuff I can see why the alpine doesn’t appeal, it is very different from any Porsche sports car.
To drive the alpine is a joy really. I have always driven French cars so the lightness of steering and softer set up is ideal for me and what I am used to. If you are coming from a history of German stuff I can see why the alpine doesn’t appeal, it is very different from any Porsche sports car.
Thank goodness we all like different things.
My A110S is my daily driver, joining a V8 Vantage with the Sportshift automated manual and a TVR Tuscan with a 5 speed manual.
The storage space (not luggage space) was a concern but easily sorted (for about £20) with a couple of aftermarket lidded boxes, one at side of drivers seat, one attached to bulkhead.
Gearbox is fine for me, improved after fitment of the Life110 paddles, found driving at the weekend around North wales that its nice to stick in to auto mode when in heavy traffic and flick to manual when you have a clear road in front of you.
Is it more involving than either of my other cars - no, but its easier to drive - very much horses for courses. Over the same roads as drove in the A110 over the weekend both the Vantage and Tuscan were slower and noticeably more demanding / tiring to drive
My A110S is my daily driver, joining a V8 Vantage with the Sportshift automated manual and a TVR Tuscan with a 5 speed manual.
The storage space (not luggage space) was a concern but easily sorted (for about £20) with a couple of aftermarket lidded boxes, one at side of drivers seat, one attached to bulkhead.
Gearbox is fine for me, improved after fitment of the Life110 paddles, found driving at the weekend around North wales that its nice to stick in to auto mode when in heavy traffic and flick to manual when you have a clear road in front of you.
Is it more involving than either of my other cars - no, but its easier to drive - very much horses for courses. Over the same roads as drove in the A110 over the weekend both the Vantage and Tuscan were slower and noticeably more demanding / tiring to drive
Fascinating listening to peoples views, comments on the gearbox are interesting ? Not quite PDK immediacy but it far exceeded my expectations as an automatic. I don't quite understand the negative comments, I've driven quite a few auto's and for me it works really well - clearly its not and will never be a manual. It took me 3x extended test drives to make the decision as I never thought I would ever buy an automatic sports car. Likewise the engine, my expectations were not too high, it's a 1.8 blown 4 pot after all isn't it. However when combined with the gearbox, short ratios and mid range punch they work superbly well together IMHO. We've just completed c1,800m around northern Spain driving pretty hard on deserted roads - in 30+ years of driving it was some if the most engaging driving I have ever done, we were with some real exotica and there were times when I said to my wife there was no other car I would want to be in. There were times when I missed a manual if I'm honest, braking hard into hairpins wasn't quite as satisfying as nailing that H&T downshift !! That said once 'hooked up' at the apex the chassis was just utterly sublime.
One thing I would say is they are VERY sensitive to suspension set up - the base car is very soft and the S pretty firm so needs careful consideration as to what you want out of the car.
One thing I would say is they are VERY sensitive to suspension set up - the base car is very soft and the S pretty firm so needs careful consideration as to what you want out of the car.
Simon Owen said:
One thing I would say is they are VERY sensitive to suspension set up - the base car is very soft and the S pretty firm so needs careful consideration as to what you want out of the car.
Absolutely this, I plumped for the S for a number of reasons but was concerned about the firmness, as standard I would say it was firmer than the Vantage we have with the Sports Pack, once it had the Life110 springs fitted (5% softer than the standard S springs) and the Life110 geo setup, any minor concerns I had have disappeared, from a personal perspective the setup was perfect for the North Wales roads encountered this weekend Julian Thompson said:
Interesting comments. I’ve ordered one for almost the opposite reasons!
I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
Manual Lotus Exige I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
Not sure why people critize the A110 for not having manual gearshift. It is what it is - if you consider a manual gearbox essential for a Sportscar then the A110 is not for you.
Personally, I think the A110 is a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic recipe. Double Clutch Transmissions are state of the art, so they fitted one and I think it works brilliantly... it suits the character of the car very well.
As for cubby holes - struggling to understand how this can be a deal breaker. But we are all different, which is a good thing
Personally, I think the A110 is a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic recipe. Double Clutch Transmissions are state of the art, so they fitted one and I think it works brilliantly... it suits the character of the car very well.
As for cubby holes - struggling to understand how this can be a deal breaker. But we are all different, which is a good thing
Edmund Dorf said:
Not sure why people critize the A110 for not having manual gearshift. It is what it is - if you consider a manual gearbox essential for a Sportscar then the A110 is not for you.
Personally, I think the A110 is a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic recipe. Double Clutch Transmissions are state of the art, so they fitted one and I think it works brilliantly... it suits the character of the car very well.
As for cubby holes - struggling to understand how this can be a deal breaker. But we are all different, which is a good thing
Cubby holes is more an observation and one that would get irritating certainly not a deal break as I am sure you could address. Deal breaker is the gearbox, I knew it was auto but didn’t realise how unengaging (sorry for the oxymoron) it is. Personally, I think the A110 is a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic recipe. Double Clutch Transmissions are state of the art, so they fitted one and I think it works brilliantly... it suits the character of the car very well.
As for cubby holes - struggling to understand how this can be a deal breaker. But we are all different, which is a good thing
Car would be totally splendid with a good manual gearbox, just my thought.
Omaruk said:
Car would be totally splendid with a good manual gearbox, just my thought.
If a manual had been available. now that I am 700 miles into mine, I would plump for the DCT - in Manual its engaging and a godsend in traffic in Auto.A manual A110 would be different but I think different rather than better - for me, with my other cars and my intended usage of my A110 anyway
Martin315 said:
I test drove one a little while ago and largely agree with your comments. I found it very underwhelming and can’t understand why they are so highly rated. Very dull to drive and the pops and farts from the exhaust are pathetic.
Lol EV can't arrive soon enough for you it seems, 600hp and 2.5t for the win.TX.
I had a brief test drive before I bought my PE back in 2018.
I liked it but I wasn't overwhelmed by it, it took me a while to really gel with the car and now I have no intention of selling it.
I think its very easy with a test drive to get an initial impression that actually evolves when you live with the car and learn its intricacies.
If you want a manual then an A110 is not for you though, I wanted to get an Exige a few years ago and tried sitting in one, I couldn't get out, clearly not designed for me.
I liked it but I wasn't overwhelmed by it, it took me a while to really gel with the car and now I have no intention of selling it.
I think its very easy with a test drive to get an initial impression that actually evolves when you live with the car and learn its intricacies.
If you want a manual then an A110 is not for you though, I wanted to get an Exige a few years ago and tried sitting in one, I couldn't get out, clearly not designed for me.
elise/exige is 25 years old platform
some of us dun view improvements in chassis technology and everything else that goes along with it as proper improvements unless it meets certain defined parameters.
but i'd wager the alpine is a much improved version of the elise platform and incredibly bespoke for today's cars. That it has a 4 cylinder is likely a result of home market taxes and other restrictions but it is still an amazing machine for those that can accept that it is a comprehensively updated bespoke light weight chassis.
DCT warts and all.
The fact that i'm happy with the DCT box is cherry on top.
some of us dun view improvements in chassis technology and everything else that goes along with it as proper improvements unless it meets certain defined parameters.
but i'd wager the alpine is a much improved version of the elise platform and incredibly bespoke for today's cars. That it has a 4 cylinder is likely a result of home market taxes and other restrictions but it is still an amazing machine for those that can accept that it is a comprehensively updated bespoke light weight chassis.
DCT warts and all.
The fact that i'm happy with the DCT box is cherry on top.
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