Cup holders and handbrake - RHD

[MotorFF]

:frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty: :frusty:

I did not notice that

That off course is photoshopped since even UK won't be getting the USA spec small mirrors. Proper RHD car would have "dumbo" mirrors.

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[Melbnut]

Yeah, clearly I just posted this just to annoy you, since you are so damn important.

Back on topic - I off course hope Ford Aust is simply clueless, but since they already have at least two cars in the country and would be dealing with USA team regularly I'd be very surprised if they'd stuff this response so badly. It actually took them a few days to respond after they initially acknowledged my query - i can only presume they were actually asking people in the know.
Let's wait and see.

Does anyone know of any other originally LHD cars that for the RHD market didn't convert the centre console?

Relax. I was being silly. I meant that i am easily annoyed by more things that ford are not doing for the aus market.

I agree that it will probably do it and after your post i have also sent of a fb message to ford aus.

Its actually a terrible oversight which i am sure will actually cost them in sales. People dont want to spend 60k and get a car with a handbrake that requires feeling up your passenger to operate (fine if its the mrs but not fine if its your best mate or mother in law.

 

[Kristian87]

Son of a b1tch. I'm glad I read this thread...Ford really are letting themselves down with this. Quite the list of minor annoyances now (clear brake lights, tacky fuel cap logos on boot, "dumbo" wing mirrors) which to be fair I can live with but the panel alignment issues, & now this?! WTF.
I appreciate that a Mustang is "cheap" when compared with other performance cars but for £29000, I want more than a 95% job.
I will be writing to my dealer expressing my concern & asking them to pass on to Ford.
Not enough to cancel my order but hoping that it will have enough of an impact - and if enough people point this out before the cars are physically built then there is a chance they might do something about it!
And yes, I have found another photo of a RHD with this issue (attached).
Source is: <http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/2015-ford-mustang-gt-short-review-1636446296>
Admittedly it is a "test" vehicle but still...

 

[croyde]

I don't bother, as I am sure most people do, with the handbrake in an automatic. The car creeps on a hill and P keeps it where it is supposed to be overnight.

But I've ordered the manual and I like the handbrake to be in the correct position to me so that I can use it properly. Cup holders I'm not bothered with as I won't allow drinks or food in my cars lol.

If Ford US are penny pinching here, what other money saving measures where used in the RHD conversion.

Ford in Europe have no problem making sure that everything is supposed to be in the right place whether you are in a LHD or a RHD. Neither do the Germans or the Asians.

 

[livewildcard]

Interestingly the test vehicle has the start/stop button moved. Seems weird that would move just that one thing.

Maybe someone should press the big red button on the dash.

 

[Aussie Mate]

if this is true - it is very disappointing.

It may also be a safety issue ie the driver may not be able to control the car in emergency situation if the handbrake is on the passenger side of the console.

I have just got up on the Ford Aust FB page and messaged them expressing my disappointment and concern that the center console may not be changed for the RHD version.

I would suggest that we get as many people in the RHD counties to message Ford to see if people power can make a different.
If enough people tell them - then you never know - they may just change it.
its better to do it now before they start building them.

 

[WILDB]

I messaged them earlier expressing complete dissatisfaction. I'd suggest others do as well.

How hard is it for them. Look at the Ranger, Mondeo etc - properly set up for LHD and RHD.

 

[XRFutura]

People are losing it over something so trivial, at the end of the day ford USA have done the dev work and their the ones who chose not to change it over. The Nissan 370Z has the handbrake in the same spot no one is crying about it.

No doubt an aftermarket company will bring a conversion kit for this issue.

 

[Kristian87]

just sent a strongly worded email to my dealer in the UK asking for it to be sent on to someone @ Ford, asked for a timely response assuming my order is about to be "locked down".
I did wonder for a moment if it was something that us RHD folks could get used to? But then looking again at that centre console - it's so bloody wide, the handbrake is about a foot further away than it should be!
Gear stick/cup holders not so bad I guess.
Shame because when I ordered, this was "perfect" in my eyes but so many little changes & disappointments, I feel that is no longer the case :(

 

[Kristian87]

People are losing it over something so trivial, at the end of the day ford USA have done the dev work and their the ones who chose not to change it over. The Nissan 370Z has the handbrake in the same spot no one is crying about it.

No doubt an aftermarket company will bring a conversion kit for this issue.

True. I'm sure I can get used to it...still exited for delivery day but slightly annoyed.
What can I say - I'm British, I like a good moan ;)

 

[croyde]

I have just messaged Ford UK via their FB page with a list of disappointments.

Namely I ordered the car in the brochure back in January not realising that the mirrors would be changed and the classic Mustang styling cues, the red rear lights and the front gills would be changed/deactivated.

I wonder why Ford UK and AUS have stayed silent but then they are only used to dishing out cars like washing machines, not selling icons.

 

[MotorFF]

RHD 370Z for comparison purposes.

 

[Bobsp12]

The australian motoring press will have a field day with it....I guarantee that it will be mentioned in every driving review....they have been GM biased for years and will laugh their heads off over this. If the cup holders were deleted then it wouldn't seem so farcical..it just looks foolish.

 

[Melbnut]

The australian motoring press will have a field day with it....I guarantee that it will be mentioned in every driving review....they have been GM biased for years and will laugh their heads off over this. If the cup holders were deleted then it wouldn't seem so farcical..it just looks foolish.

correct..i can see it

"Excellent car in all regards, besides the fact that the cupholders are useless and the handbrake is on the wrong side"

overall 3/10 lose 7 for the cupholders

 

[MotorFF]

It may also be a safety issue ie the driver may not be able to control the car in emergency situation if the handbrake is on the passenger side of the console.

Are we getting hill-hold feature by any chance? I heard that could be a possibility but not sure. It would minimise a need to use the handbrake.

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