I have high expectations of being shouted at about this one. I am currently looking at buying either a VX220 Turbo or and Elise 111s. One of the things that makes the Elise an attractive option is the availability of Air Con as an option does any one know if air con is going to be an option on the VX220 Turbo?
Air Con
Started by
Guest_Paul_Riordan (Guest)
, May 04 2003 06:35 PM
14 replies to this topic
#2
Chuck
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Posted 04 May 2003 - 06:37 PM
Sorry but aircon misses the point for me.
#3
kirkvx220se
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Posted 04 May 2003 - 06:44 PM
Hi Paul, I think there was talk about it when the VXT was origanly talked of but did not make it to production.I think the reason being that it would be the unit from the elise, which going from info from a lot of people i know who have the elise is that its CRAP, and they thought that anyone putting in there car was missing the point of the car in the first place.I.E less weight more speed =more fun 
#4
P11 COV
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Posted 04 May 2003 - 07:37 PM
Sunny weather - roof off
Lousy weather - you need all the heat you can get
The only benifit of Air Con is maybe to improve demisting on damp days..but then you could get a cloth for a couple of quid!
And as was said the elise system is apparently crap anyway
#5
Purebob
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Posted 04 May 2003 - 08:36 PM
Paul
Theres not really enough volume of air in a VX/VXT cabin to make AC anything other than a localised cold air blower, which, as other contributors have said, is a bit useless.
The S2000, for example, is a very fast and good looking car and has A/C as standard; perhaps it may suit your purposes better than a VX?
** edited to say : ahh just read your other post where you say you have already owned an s200 - sorry ! ** 
Edited by Purebob, 04 May 2003 - 08:37 PM.
#6
speedyK
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Posted 04 May 2003 - 08:49 PM
To fit the air con in the Elise meant moving the battery from low down at the front of the car, as in VX, to the boot.Hi Paul, I think there was talk about it when the VXT was origanly talked of but did not make it to production.I think the reason being that it would be the unit from the elise, which going from info from a lot of people i know who have the elise is that its CRAP
IMO the last thing you want is more weight in the tail and less at the front. Also a reason why the Elise boot is much smaller than VX's. I think Lotus have done it because they are wanting to go into the american market with Elise Mk.3 and feel that aircon is essential.
Paul,
Coming back from the States, maybe you've forgotten British weather doesn't often call for air con. I know it's nice to have, but think you'll still get considerable enjoy from a VX without it.
#7
Guest_Paul_Riordan (Guest)
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 11:32 AM
I guess that no-one knows the answer to my question then about whether there is any intention to make air con an option?
In answer to people's other points I would like to add the following:
The reason I would like air con is P11 VOC points out it helps demisting on damp days, it is also nice on very hot days when the roof is off. I have had four convertibles (Boxster S, Honda S2000, SLK and Lotus Elan SE) and they have all had air con.
speedyK, the waether in New York has not been any better than the weather in the UK over the last couple of months and I haven't been over here long enough to forget the joys of the British weather. I will be back in the UK on a more permanent basis around July, just in time to enjoy (!!??) the British summer.
Comments on the air con in the Elise not being of much use were helpful, I had heard that it was next to useless in an Exige but I understood that the airlfows inside the Mk 2 Elise had been changed to make the air con more effective (sounds like the changes weren't enough).
I understand the comments about extra weight etc. but buying any car is a set of compromises.
I'll be back in the UK in a couple of weeks for the weekend and have a couple of test drives set up. I'll let you know if I decide to join the VXT clan.
In the meantime thanks to all of you for your comments.
Paul
#8
Thorney
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 11:49 AM
There are no actual plans to include aircon as an option for the VXT curently. However I'm sure Vauxhall listen to these kind of requests and they read the site. If it was a simple bolt on option then I'm sure it would be easy to roll out, however as has been discussed its not quite as simple as that so real demand would be needed I'd imagine to get it added.
I've also heard that its pretty useless in the Elise, so I guess that might affect your choice.
Give me a British July next to a NY July any day - the place is vile in summer Good luck with your choice (you KNOW you want a VX )
Good luck with your choice (you KNOW you want a VX )
#9
turboman
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 12:58 PM
The problem is, as you guys have already pointed out, the air con unit in the Lotus doesn't really work, you buy a Lotus and you kind of expect things to not work, or fall off.
If Vauxhall fitted an inferior unit to the VX, then you could bet your bottom dollar that every single one would be back at the dealers making warranty claims for a broken air con unit, which wasn't broken in the first place, just not upto the job.
I've never had the need for air con in the VX, and re the comments regarding demisting, if you adjust the windows properly to stop the leaks, then the VX doesn't mist up anyway.
#10
TheRockstar
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 08:42 PM
Anyway. Aircon ruins your vehicles performance. Wastage of good engine torque driving an extra pulley.
#11
Guest_cameron (Guest)
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 09:00 PM
Paul - I have an S2 with aircon and I don't agree that its useless. I've just come back from France over the weekend where it was 28c and the aircon made a real difference. It won't be like an Audi or for that matter a Vauxhall Vectra for cooling but it is noticeable.
It is definitely 10x's better than the Exige version and the battery in all S2's sits in the back anyway so that won't change with or without aircon. The MPG falls off alot, but that happens with any car with aircon when its on. For me it was a good purchase as I don't just drive in the cold UK all the time.
#12
speedyK
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 09:50 PM
True, but that's because it was engineered for air-con from the start.the battery in all S2's sits in the back anyway so that won't change with or without aircon.
So, all S2 buyers who don't spec air-con just get this design compromise which you don't in the VX.
If it's going to be an only car, then I can see the argument for air-con. It's not that I'm against air-con. In fact, even I - as a car nutter - have got air-con in 3 of my cars. The other 3 without are all open and, if you can drive it open when it's hot, then you don't need air-con. It was 34degrees C here today - perfect for top-off driving in the Speedster. Pity I was working 'till 8pm.
Also, as Rockstar says, it robs you of bhp.
I think you'd enjoy a VX despite the lack of air-con - we all do! Be warned, if you test drive the VX, you'll want one.
#13
Ricky2772
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 10:07 PM
IF you're looking for a car like a VX, and AIMING for an a/c. unit....
I'd mucho reconsider my priorities.... 
p.s.
what a pain to read thread like this one.... 
p.s.
what a pain to read thread like this one....
Edited by Ricky2772, 05 May 2003 - 10:08 PM.
#14
speedyK
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 10:14 PM
Agree, Ricky.
Even central locking is an unnecessary convenience and I wouldn't get if it I was going for the Turbo - which I'm definitely not BTW.
Actually was surprised that your winders have survived the weight-saving proramme. Surely you always drive top-off and windows down any way? You could even bin the side-glass and all the associated mechanism if you cover the car when you trailer it. ???
Edited by speedyK, 05 May 2003 - 10:16 PM.
#15
Ricky2772
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Posted 05 May 2003 - 10:24 PM
...dont tempt me!!!!You could even bin the side-glass and all the associated mechanism if you cover the car when you trailer it. ???
I was already offered the FIBERGLASS window-option....
SOOOOOO light.....
but sooooo expensive!
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