Handbrake?!!! (UK only)
#5
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Japanese yes, but I doubt they'll change the configuration just for the UK. They drive on the left too so why engineer a different solution for us? I can't help thinking that I'll want to rest my wrist on the brake lever (which IS up I think - that is brake 'on' ) and that I shouldn't! That wretched handbrake has been a bone of contention (whatever that is?!) since I first saw it. They obviously let the tea-boy design that bit for a laugh!
Last edited by Lensman; 04-09-2003 at 01:57 PM.
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I must admit it does look like it may be a problem, but I cant beleive the japanese would design a car with a fundemental problem like this for their own market.
Also, none of the UK mags have picked up on this as an issue and they have tested RHD cars.
Im sure it will be OK.
Also, none of the UK mags have picked up on this as an issue and they have tested RHD cars.
Im sure it will be OK.
#9
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Hmm... take a look at this thread, with scans from the Japanese accessory catalogue, some nice toys.
http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3808
The brake lever is shown consistently on the right, looks to me like it should fold down okay though.
http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3808
The brake lever is shown consistently on the right, looks to me like it should fold down okay though.
#10
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Lensman
I believe Lurcher is correct and the handbrake is in the same location for both LHD and RHD but when I played around in the passenger seat of the LHD car it did not seem to be in the way.
Cheers
Rob
I believe Lurcher is correct and the handbrake is in the same location for both LHD and RHD but when I played around in the passenger seat of the LHD car it did not seem to be in the way.
Cheers
Rob
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I wouldn't worry folks.
You guys ever tried an Alfa 75? If you were in 1st, 3rd or 5th gear you couldn't access the stereo. If you were in 2nd, 4th or reverse you couldn't engage the handbrake! Oh, and the electric window switches were on the ceiling, and the sunroof switch on the dash. After that, I can live with just about anything!
You guys ever tried an Alfa 75? If you were in 1st, 3rd or 5th gear you couldn't access the stereo. If you were in 2nd, 4th or reverse you couldn't engage the handbrake! Oh, and the electric window switches were on the ceiling, and the sunroof switch on the dash. After that, I can live with just about anything!
#12
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You guys ever tried an Alfa 75? If you were in 1st, 3rd or 5th gear you couldn't access the stereo. If you were in 2nd, 4th or reverse you couldn't engage the handbrake! Oh, and the electric window switches were on the ceiling, and the sunroof switch on the dash. After that, I can live with just about anything!
#13
You are sleeepppyyyy.....
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on a somewhat similar note, i was very dissappointed when i got in the back seat of my father-in-law's PT Cruiser, and the switches for the windows are on the back end of the center console... practically on the floor... I guess some thing's I'll just never understand... I guess since every other current car out there has the switches near the windows they operate, that has somhow been deemed boring and ordinary, and somehow a bad thing... whatever... i give... PRACTICALITY BE DAMNED!!!! :-)
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Just had a thought about this.
Everything else on the car is switched over from left hand to right hand drive except this handbrake, right ?
Of course what I forgot is that the gear shift positions do not get moved, i.e. 1st gear is top left whether you have a left hand or right hand drive car.
So I guess that the positioning of the handbrake always to the right of the gear lever is to insure that 1st gear is not interfered with.
Everything else on the car is switched over from left hand to right hand drive except this handbrake, right ?
Of course what I forgot is that the gear shift positions do not get moved, i.e. 1st gear is top left whether you have a left hand or right hand drive car.
So I guess that the positioning of the handbrake always to the right of the gear lever is to insure that 1st gear is not interfered with.
#15
Originally posted by jimbobjoe
So I guess that the positioning of the handbrake always to the right of the gear lever is to insure that 1st gear is not interfered with.
So I guess that the positioning of the handbrake always to the right of the gear lever is to insure that 1st gear is not interfered with.
So 5th/6th/reverse is?
I think with todays tech and mazda's big brained car designers ( and I know what an agonizingly slow process car design is) cant come up with a handbrake that doesnt foul gear selection or get in the way?
Hopefully they havnt got this one wrong..
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Am I seeing things?
I thought the handbrake was always on the R/H side of the centre console, hence the discussion about will it be intrusive.
However, looking at some of the pics taken elsewhere, I found this.
Have we beem missing something? Howcome there are RHD cars with the hadbrake on both sides.....
However, looking at some of the pics taken elsewhere, I found this.
Have we beem missing something? Howcome there are RHD cars with the hadbrake on both sides.....
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I often use the hand brake on load in Japan.
My elbow will become inflammation If the hand brake is in the left of a console.
That is too far for me.
My car is the right handle although you already know.
(My height is 175cm.)
thanks
My elbow will become inflammation If the hand brake is in the left of a console.
That is too far for me.
My car is the right handle although you already know.
(My height is 175cm.)
thanks
#23
so close, I can feel it
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If the hand brake is in the left of a console. That is too far for me.
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