The Sour Apple Elio
© Elio Moters
Check it out www.eliomotors.com.
Definitely a cool concept for a vehicle and I love the color options. So much so that I’m planning to go check it out tomorrow, even though the next car to be in my garage won’t be for another year and will be my wife’s choice. The pros are all listed on their site, of course, but what are the obvious cons? I gathered these just from the images and videos.
First, it’s a stick shift. I have no problem with a stick shift, it’s what I learned with and drove for over ten years, but how many people actually know how to drive a stick shift these days? And the tight space it’s in seems like it would be more like shifting a race car than a street car… hmmm, maybe it is a good idea.
Take-away: make it an automatic, it’ll cost more, but it’ll have more mass appeal.
Second, why is the door on the left side? Yes, for all ‘normal’ vehicles the driver does get out on the left side (here in ‘Merica). But, considering there is only one door to load and unload the trunk, a passenger, and yourself it means you have a longer time to worry about the door being open if you’re parked on the street.
Take-away: put the door on the right-hand side.
Third, the sound system. AM/FM stereo. I can understand not having a CD player, I couldn’t even tell you the last time I used my CD player, but to not have a USB or AUX input jack is a bit of a let down.
Take-away: add at least an AUX input jack.
Fourth, it’s definitely a seasonal vehicle, what motorcycle isn’t. So this isn’t really a flaw, but it definitely lessens the chance of many Coloradans purchasing.
Take-away: none, otherwise it alters the real goal of the vehicle.
Please note: I’m not a car guy. I’m not a motor-head. I’ve never reviewed a car. These are just my thoughts.