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What would you like on the MK3?

9936 Views 54 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  Grumps
What would you like on the Mark 3 Antara when it is being specced? I can think of a few things for the wish list:-1. Less road and wind noise
2. Adjustable dampers/softer springing
3. More instruments (esp. water temp)
4. Torque lower down/lower 6th/5th
5. No S/S!

I have not mentioned the DPF!
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I know what I wouldn't like on it!!!!!!!!!
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What would you like on the Mark 3 Antara when it is being specced? I can think of a few things for the wish list:-1. Less road and wind noise
I dont think there is a problem with road and wind noise, infact its not bad for a big car

2. Adjustable dampers/softer springing
I find the suspension just right
3. More instruments (esp. water temp)
Yip agree, temp gauge needed, its just reassuring to see

4. Torque lower down/lower 6th/5th
Deffinately
5. No S/S!
Not too bothered as I just select it off or have the air conditioning on then it doesnt kick in

I have not mentioned the DPF!
We are stuck with DPF so maybe a warning light to show when it is going through a regen

A couple of things I will add:

Better internal lighting especially on the instrument panel
A spare wheel !!!
A better quality finished centre console

Externally I think having beefier wheel arches, especially at the backwill make the Antara look so much better.

Edited by: Off Road Doc
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Hi All,Yes I would agree,
it needs a dpf warning light
it should be provided with a full size spare wheel
a temp gauge would be nice
But what I would really like to see is a proper clock, or at least one that I can see and read.
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Although I will likely not be getting another Antara, here are a few things I would like. (\not in any order).
1. The DPF system to be better designed so regeneration becomes invisible.
2. Mirrors that fold/unfold when locking.unlocking the car.
3. The ability to open/close all windows with the push of a button on the key.
4. Better reversing lights.
5. Spare wheel.
6. Memory function for electric seats and the seats should be ventilated.
7. Diff Lock
8. Lower ratios for higher gears.
9. Better position for SatNav.
10. Pre-programmed driving modes on Auto gearboxes. IE. Normal, Sport, Winter etc,
11. Better fuel efficiency.
12. Padded rear seat armrest.
13. Body styling to be more aggressive so it looks chunkier and more like an off-roader.
15. Do something about the front lower spoiler. It's much too low and is the first thing to hit any obstacle.You should nothave to remove half of it if you want to get a tow. Imagine trying to do that on a dark wet night on an unlit road.
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More power from same engine size.
Memory seats
Sat nav at eye level.
Higher wade profile
Bigger washer bottle
Much bigger fuel tank
Better fuel economy
Greater tow capacity from Auto version
Reversing camera
Cruise control pause
A couple more power points
Power lift on boot
Rear seat leg room adjust
LED DRL
BRB LOL
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The only things I would change is the outdated clock assembly, this type has been around for years, make it colour.
The climate control, make it digital and adjustable for each area like all the other car companies do.
Sat nav, we have no road speed indicators or speed cameras, to me this is something that every satnav system have apart from vauxhalls own touch and connect.
Finally but not least is stop and start on the auto version, most other car companies have this in.

To be fair, the vauxhall antara hasn't changed the interior since it came out in 2007, so in that respect it is over due for an update now, it was a good interior at that time.
I agree with the SATNAV but otherwise it is a good system get me to were I need to go apart from it not being at eye level ( does not bother me though)
I am quite happy with my automatic being the way it is I would not want start stop which is a waste of space
I think my climate control is adjustable for each side but what I would like to see is that it is visible on the bc and that you would be able to adjust it from the steering wheel some how.
Better DPF system resulting in better fuel econ would be first on my list.memory for seats would be nice
Cruise control with speed limiter and pause option
reversing camera
Auto fold mirrors on lock unlock
auto close windows as well would be nice on remote
Two proper remotes rather than penny skimping on one
proper spare as standard
towing capacity improved on auto and better ratios


These are my shortfall list that i will be looking for on next vehicle whether Antara or other marque
wilma08 said:
I think my climate control is adjustable for each side.
You will find it is just one dial and the temp sensor is in the middle of the dash.
Pondpaul said:
wilma08 said:
I think my climate control is adjustable for each side.
You will find it is just one dial and the temp sensor is in the middle of the dash.

There are two dials on the 2013 models, one for each side. You can have them set at different temps (dual zone) or sync them together. The 2012 models are different.
♠ChumBucket♠ said:
Pondpaul said:
wilma08 said:
I think my climate control is adjustable for each side.
You will find it is just one dial and the temp sensor is in the middle of the dash.

There are two dials on the 2013 models, one for each side. You can have them set at different temps (dual zone) or sync them together. The 2012 models are different.
Mine has two dials dual control
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Nah, on a 2012 model you just open the front windows different amounts, and you get 'dual zone' climate control.
â™ ChumBucketâ™  said:
Pondpaul said:
wilma08 said:
I think my climate control is adjustable for each side.
You will find it is just one dial and the temp sensor is in the middle of the dash.

There are two dials on the 2013 models, one for each side. You can have them set at different temps (dual zone) or sync them together. The 2012 models are different.
Our antara was one of the first SENAV's to arrive over here, we ordered it in February 2012 and paid the price of the old SE which was about £1500 less plus all the other discounts that came with the old version, I was a little disappointed when they updated it with electric seats, but when all said, I did get a cracking deal.
I appreciate that this is only a WISH list (and some of the things I don't see as an issue to start with like tank size, road noise etc) but remember that if it had all of that it would the same money as a Discovery!

I mean, stick a diff lock in there and you then need a centre diff. Well that's thousands. It already has reverse ABS when in 4x4 so not sure a locker would add anything. Same as being able to select 4x4. Why? It does it for you. i really think that if you had an options list for this, no one would buy it any more. They trade up to a proper 4x4. This is an SUV and pretty good value at the end of the day. But there are some things that frankly a child could have designed better.

Not sure why so many people seem to want a temperature gauge. You'll get a warning light if there is a temp problem. Water temp gauges aren't even accurate. They're an indication at best. Modern cars aren't like driving yer old Austin. It's the electronics that are going to let you down.

I'd like a sunroof, please

Some good stuff on the list though. Let's hope Vx actually read it.


CJ
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Hmm...

Proper "auto" headlights
Memory on the electric seats... that's 2 electric, passenger too
Heated rear seats... the kids would like warm bums too, and the ix35 has 'em
Combine the sat nav screen and computer screen, and put them somewhere you can see them
Child locks controlled same as rear windows (the wife's 5008 does this)
Full sized spare wheel
Windscreen demister that doesn't sound like a hurricane... a gentle continuous breeze to keep it clear
Better MPG
A first aid kit under the first aid sign!
Alarm that doesn't trigger randomly
Sat nav voice that isn't so severe... EMMM 1... get's a little annoying, was she mad that day?
Sat nav that consistently tells you the motorway junction you're turning off at.. seems random if it decides to do that
Traffic warnings that are useful, "M1 queueing traffic for 5 miles" would be a whole lot more useful if it told me in which direction.. northbound or southbound?
Mapping that isn't 3 years out of date... who would pay to renew the maps? The new A1 in North Yorkshire has been there for years... the sat nav says I drive in fields!
In fact, just replace the whole bloody sat nav and install a £99 one from Garmin or TomTom.. would probably be clearer, better touchscreen and more up to date.
Auto-handbrake... switch ignition off and handbrake auto-engages
Seatbelt indicator. Again, the wife's pug has an indicator showing the seats and which belts aren't in, very useful with kids
Speed limiter
Steering wheel extends further towards driver
Auto-locking doors when moving off
Phone can be controlled from steering wheel (dialling, not just answering)
Permanently lit dashboard, pain not being able to see dials on sunny days with sunglasses on
Tyre size that is available at chain tyre services, not special order
Mud flaps and side steps




And non car related...


Salesmen who have the faintest idea what they are doing (OK, not Vauxhall's responsibility..but the rails in the boot aren't decorative and I am STILL waiting for them to get a four wheel version in stock so I can have a test drive... got my car last December).


Customer services staff who understand a) what a customer is and b) what service is


Vauxhall staff who know what is actually being built in Korea


End of rant.


Strange thing is, I really like my Antara. I've driven plenty of cars and every one has annoyed me. A Golf with blue dials, bizarre door mirror adjustment, and stalled if you set off in 2nd, even downhill. A Skoda with the worst gearbox ever. A Tigra... bloody hell... awful. A Daewoo that couldn't overtake an Ice Cream Van. A Focus that flashed its headlights when I braked, same car also cut the accelerator and left the engine running, had to turn the ignition off and restart to gain control (all the way back to Sheffield from Somerset)! Peugeots & Citroens with gloveboxes the size of matchboxes and auto-wipers that instantly turn to full speed with the slightest drizzle.


No car is perfect. The Antara certainly isn't. I've driven a whole lot worse though.
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jon said:
Hmm...

Proper "auto" headlights
Memory on the electric seats... that's 2 electric, passenger too
Heated rear seats... the kids would like warm bums too, and the ix35 has 'em
Combine the sat nav screen and computer screen, and put them somewhere you can see them
Child locks controlled same as rear windows (the wife's 5008 does this)
Full sized spare wheel
Windscreen demister that doesn't sound like a hurricane... a gentle continuous breeze to keep it clear
Better MPG
A first aid kit under the first aid sign!
Alarm that doesn't trigger randomly
Sat nav voice that isn't so severe... EMMM 1... get's a little annoying, was she mad that day?
Sat nav that consistently tells you the motorway junction you're turning off at.. seems random if it decides to do that
Traffic warnings that are useful, "M1 queueing traffic for 5 miles" would be a whole lot more useful if it told me in which direction.. northbound or southbound?
Mapping that isn't 3 years out of date... who would pay to renew the maps? The new A1 in North Yorkshire has been there for years... the sat nav says I drive in fields!
In fact, just replace the whole bloody sat nav and install a £99 one from Garmin or TomTom.. would probably be clearer, better touchscreen and more up to date.
Auto-handbrake... switch ignition off and handbrake auto-engages
Seatbelt indicator. Again, the wife's pug has an indicator showing the seats and which belts aren't in, very useful with kids
Speed limiter
Steering wheel extends further towards driver
Auto-locking doors when moving off
Phone can be controlled from steering wheel (dialling, not just answering)
Permanently lit dashboard, pain not being able to see dials on sunny days with sunglasses on
Tyre size that is available at chain tyre services, not special order
Mud flaps and side steps




And non car related...


Salesmen who have the faintest idea what they are doing (OK, not Vauxhall's responsibility..but the rails in the boot aren't decorative and I am STILL waiting for them to get a four wheel version in stock so I can have a test drive... got my car last December).


Customer services staff who understand a) what a customer is and b) what service is


Vauxhall staff who know what is actually being built in Korea


End of rant.


Strange thing is, I really like my Antara. I've driven plenty of cars and every one has annoyed me. A Golf with blue dials, bizarre door mirror adjustment, and stalled if you set off in 2nd, even downhill. A Skoda with the worst gearbox ever. A Tigra... bloody hell... awful. A Daewoo that couldn't overtake an Ice Cream Van. A Focus that flashed its headlights when I braked, same car also cut the accelerator and left the engine running, had to turn the ignition off and restart to gain control (all the way back to Sheffield from Somerset)! Peugeots & Citroens with gloveboxes the size of matchboxes and auto-wipers that instantly turn to full speed with the slightest drizzle.


No car is perfect. The Antara certainly isn't. I've driven a whole lot worse though.

Half of your gripes could be sorted by a trip to Halfords & £99!!!!



Our sat nav (2013 model) is up to date regarding the A1, I've not come across anything it didn't recognise yet.
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Not gripes... just things I think would make the car better. There's not a lot I don't like about it as it is. Just a few nice little features found on other cars that would improve the overall car.

As for £99 at Halfords... I've had separate sat nav before, and I went for the SE Nav because I didn't want a separate one again. Maybe someone from VX could pop down to Halfords and see what a decent sat nav is like, and then do a deal to get one of those fitted instead of the cheapest one they could find.


Problems with the A1 are in North Yorkshire on the 2012 model, maybe they've updated the maps at last, or do you not drive down to York?
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