So, I test-drove a Scion xA. Right now, it's the car to beat for my next car. The car I test drove had the 17-inch wheels and the ride wasn't to my liking; I hope the stock wheels are better.

But the thing that will take some getting used to is the center instrument cluster. The salesman touted the safety benefits, saying that the driver didn't need to look as far away from the road to see speed, etc. I think that's just marketing b.s.; as someone who's worked in the auto industry it clearly appears to be a cost-savings feature where the U.S. (left-hand steering) and Japanese (rt hand steering) have more commonality. One has to look over toward the right shoulder to see the instrument cluster.

So to make a short story long, my question is: Do you ever get used to the center-mounted instrument cluster? Does anyone have experience going between an xA and a conventional instrument cluster mounted in front of the steering wheel? Is switching back and forth a pain in the butt, or what?

I love the exterior styling and configuration of the xA but am very cautious about buying a car with something so.... abnormal.

 

When I test drove the xA, it took a few minutes to adjust to having nothing in fron of you but clear open dashboard. after about five minutes I noticed it was becoming easier to read the speedometer. You basically can see the insturment cluster with periphial vision and if you need a quick glance at it, it's easy to see. Now that I have had the chance to drive the xA for more than 3 miles I have to say it's really cool having the center mounted cluster. Reading it becomes second nature after only a few minutes. :D

 

I drive my xA to work, then a Ford Explorer when I'm on company business. Let me tell you, after driving the Scion for a couple of weeks, the Explorer's traditional instrument panel placement seemed unnatural. While the salesman may have been giving you "marketing BS," there is a good deal of truth in it. It's more natural, it's easier to see the gauges, and Mom gives me less of a hard time about how fast I'm going, because she can see it from the passenger seat just fine!

 

I first test drove an xB at night, I was impressed by the
quality of the stock headlights, and thrown off a little bit
by the lack of light behind the steering wheel (gauge cluster missing).

It took all of about 3 hours of driving *my* xB to get used
to the Speedo where it's at. I love it! It's stylish and easy
to use, and big enough to read. Score!

 

I got used to mine very easily. I sometimes which they wouldn't have made it so "humpy" and a little more flattened on the bordering like the xB, but it's not distracting anymore

 

Thanks for the responses!

 

You will probably get used to it right away. I had plenty of time getting used to my xA cluster while driving my Echo for 2 years prior to owning my xA...

On the US/Japan market thing, I think that the cluster is actually tilted toward the driver, thus making it difficult to easily read from the passenger side...

 

My personal experience:

1st test drive (about 15 min.) the gauge placement was a little 'uncomfortable' for me.

2nd test drive (to try a manual transmission) 3 days later and it immediately felt perfectly natural.

 

Ergonomically it's better and the time it takes to look at it and get your eyes back to the road is shorter. NOT marketing BS, but yes, they do benefit when making cars for both RHD and LHD markets. Less changes in the design, no need to stock two types of wiring harnesses. IMO, it works for us and for them...