Why are Vauxhall cruise controls on the left of the steering wheel?
I've become very used to them being on the right on my 318 and find it very comfortable driving with my right arm resting on the door and tapping the cruise up and down as necessary.
I think the majority of drivers in this country when cruising with one hand would have their right hand on the wheel.
Sadly, the BM has to go and I'll be getting a Vauxhall in a few weeks time. I'm a real fan of cruise control, but I'm so concerned that the cruise just won't be as convenient on the left that I'm considering not ordering it (it's an extra on the vehicle I'm buying). Anyone else have experience of using both and care to comment?
Is it on the left on Vauxhalls because they can't be bothered to move it for RHD?
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Why are Vauxhall cruise controls on the left of the steering wheel?
Because the MFD computer controls are already on the RHS of the steering wheel and there's no more room ;o)
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That must be why it's on the right on BMs - 'cos the stereo controls are on the left ;-)
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Assuming this isn't a joke question, order it. You'll get used to it; I did. If you let it bother you , it will.
Also, try driving with both hands on the wheel. It's great.
V
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It's on the left on my VW and i find it no problem to use.
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"try driving with both hands on the wheel. It's great."
I knew someone would comment on that.
Do you honestly drive with both hands on the wheel all the time?
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>"try driving with both hands on the wheel. It's great."
>
>I knew someone would comment on that.
>Do you honestly drive with both hands on the wheel all the time?
Nope, not all the time; I let go when I need to flick through a map while holding a mobile phone, taking notes and eating a sandwich (I'm a salesman). Only kidding. About the driving, that is, I really AM a salesman.
The rest of the time, yes, I do sit with both hands on the wheel. The reason is that I truly do believe that my life is better held in two hand rather than one. And what's more, I don't have anything important to do with the other hand (though suggestions are welcome).
V
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Well , its on the left in my Mercedes C and strangely(?) on the central steering wheel on my Mondeo.... neither of which bother me, cos as a regular M27/M3 user there's very little opportunity to ever have it on for more than 30 seconds at a time anyway.
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Agree with Pilgrim - I get very little use from mine.
Now, indicators on left or right - different (and in my opinion more relevant) question.
Of course, I do know the answer to that one - the biggeat market by far for exporting Japanese cars is USA.
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If you don't find your cruise control a useful alternative to the right foot on many of Britain's congested roads, I'd suggest the positioning of it and the usability of it in your car is not as good as it could be. With the buttons on the right of the BMs steering wheel, I can smoothly and accurately drive the car through constantly varying speeds with just slight movements of my thumb. From what you chaps are saying, not all cruise controls are this easy to use. Hence my original post.
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Never had cruise control until I had the Vectra CDX, so am quite happy with it on the left and as has been said, Hairy, I'm sure you'll get used to it. As for usage, I find it invaluable through M-way roadworks with 40/50 mph limits or indeed, on any road where there is a limit for a considerable distance below 60 and on which traffic is flowing steadily or which are posted as Police Speedcheck areas. For instance, locally there is a long 30mph on the A449 heading in and out of town, allegedly with speed cameras, prsumably mobile ones. There is hardly ever any reason to vary speed between the island at one end of the stretch and the TLs at the other, or vice versa. I invariably engage CC on this bit and hope it's accurate enough to keep me out of Plod's clutches!
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"on any road where there is a limit for a considerable distance below 60 and on which traffic is flowing steadily or which are posted as Police Speedcheck areas"
Hmmm, what I'm saying is that in the BM I'll use the CC even though I'll not be maintaining a steady speed - I might change speed every 20 seconds or more. With the BMs set up this is a very easy (a twitch of the thumb), relaxing, safe and smooth way to drive the car. From what I'm hearing, other set ups, including Vx's aren't as user friendly.
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