Ride quality- prediction poll

[cadblu]

Based on what we know so far, what do we predict about the overall ride quality for the base truck.

Road noise?
Overall ride, smooth or choppy?
Wind noise?
Sporty feel?
Maneuverability?
Visibility?
Handling?
Overall comfort?

 

[Letas]

Road noise? - Heavily dependent on the tires, have we heard the "thump" of the door yet? I would say better than average, if you are including engine noise with road noise, considering there is no engine
Overall ride, smooth or choppy? - Probably pretty smooth, but 1pd is uncomfortable at first. Im envisioning the suspension to be boaty, just based on weight/size
Wind noise? - Premium vehicles use premium materials to engineer it out. I'd imagine average at best.
Sporty feel? - Ha! I'm sure when it comes out people will say "it has some get up when getting on the highway". Don't buy this if you want sporty- in my opinion.
Maneuverability? - It's a heavy, small pickup. Not good!
Visibility? - Very curious about this, I think the blank slate will be great, but I wonder how the SUV/fastback options will do.
Handling? - See Maneuverability and Sporty Feel
Overall comfort? - Probably not great. No heated/cooled seats, single zone AC, no rear AC, manual seat adjustment, cloth seats, etc. That's sort of the point, however.

 

[Duke Slater]

Basically what @Letas said. Aside from gas savings and customization (which are admittedly big things), this isn’t a vehicle that will be envied or bragged about. It’s made simple, to the point, and affordable. I highly doubt anyone will be wowed by the driving experience itself.

 

[cadblu]

I think you guys nailed it. While it may disappoint in some areas, overall I think it’s a pleasant driving experience. Can’t wait to drive one and experience it first hand.

 

[Letas]

I think you guys nailed it. While it may disappoint in some areas, overall I think it’s a pleasant driving experience. Can’t wait to drive one and experience it first hand.

I would substitute “pleasant” with “acceptable”. The pleasantness comes from my monthly expenses

 

[Adam W]

I do wonder how much sound dampening material is under the floor and in the doors. May be a good weekend project down the road to add some of those adhesive rubber mats the kids use when installing a thumpin' bass system.

 

[sodamo]

I expect Pleasant as well.

 

[AZFox]

As the only small pickup available it's be a shoe-in for being average for the Small Pickups segment.

 

[AZFox]

Someone's gonna put the Lowering Kit, some highfalutin Koni struts, and a snappy set of Pilot Sport tires on a Slate, just you watch.

Ironically with its favorable weight bias, low center of gravity, and strong truck-ish suspension it might zip around an autocross track pretty well!

 

[Luxrage]

I'm guessing it as 'poor.' I fully expect it to be just as stiff and wind-noise-ey as my short wheelbase Geo or my parents old Ranger, and I'm perfectly happy with that. However, I'm guessing auto reviewers who are used to longer wheelbase modern pickups might not be so kind, having long forgotten true economy cars.

 

[Letas]

As the only small pickup available it's be a shoe-in for being average for the Small Pickups segment.

You could even say best in class!

That brings a fair point. What are we comparing this thing to?
It’ll suck compared to even a modern pickup, they’re pavement princesses. Horrible vs a new Civic or other sedan. Frankly probably worse than most new cars. But it gets to set the bar for what it is!