2 simple Scala questions

[denbodenn]

Hi

I picked up my October 2019 Scala a few weeks ago and I am really pleased with it. Having seen details prior to it's pre-launch date of September 19, it ticked so many of my boxes. Mainly a six speed box with a 999cc engine and 115bhp. What's not to like? While I have waited patiently for a two year old Scala, (I couldn't afford a new one!), I have not been dissapointed, especially as my one had less than 1200 miles on the clock, on what should have been more like 12,000!

I have never had a car with bell's and whistles like this one. I didn't think I would be using the lane assist feature, but I find myself leaving it on, even though the steering wheel tugs slightly, when one of the white line dissapears. Mine also came with front assist, which I really could have done without, but at least there is another button to press near the hand brake, instead of yet another 'blanking plug cover'!

I really like the leisurely drive it offers but it seems to have power in abundance when I need it. The fifteen year old Fabia I traded in was an excellent, reliable vehicle and I really hope the Scala will be no different.

 

My two questions are quite simple, driving back from a wedding reception late last night, I could not find a control to dim the cockpit lights, as I like to have these lights on the lowest setting, due to the brightness distracting me. Is there a control somewhere that I can use to dim these?

The other one is, while I find the seating very comfortable and supportive, the arm rest has no ratchett facility, so it is slightly low for me. Can a ratchett mechanism be substituted to overcome this? I have watched nearly all the Youtube videos on the Scala, prior to purchase and the arm rest seems to be one of the only minor flaws, in what is proving to be a really brilliant motor.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

[KenONeill]

9 hours ago, denbodenn said:

the arm rest has no ratchett facility, so it is slightly low for me

And? I mean it may "feel nice" to put your elbows on arm rests or the window sill, but in the UK it's an offence (Actually under Motor Vehicle Construction and Use regulations).

[sparckzero]

10 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

And? I mean it may "feel nice" to put your elbows on arm rests or the window sill, but in the UK it's an offence (Actually under Motor Vehicle Construction and Use regulation

 

I don't think this is correct?

 

9 hours ago, denbodenn said:

My two questions are quite simple, driving back from a wedding reception late last night, I could not find a control to dim the cockpit lights, as I like to have these lights on the lowest setting, due to the brightness distracting me. Is there a control somewhere that I can use to dim these?

 

The other one is, while I find the seating very comfortable and supportive, the arm rest has no ratchett facility, so it is slightly low for me. Can a ratchett mechanism be substituted to overcome this? I have watched nearly all the Youtube videos on the Scala, prior to purchase and the arm rest seems to be one of the only minor flaws, in what is proving to be a really brilliant motor.

 

You'll find the dimmer setting somewhere in the infotainment menus, I think.

 

I also have the same complaint regarding the armrest - at the moment, I'm using an old glasses case in the storage bin to keep it propped up, but perhaps there is a mechanism that can be retrofitted. I might end up getting a friend to 3D print a shim for me - just need to find the right angle first.

[Omniking]

On thinigieverse someone made a 3dprintable adjuster.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4525815 Might be a solution.

 

And for the brightness:

 

[denbodenn]

Thanks all, for your valued contributions. I will try the suggestions Sparckzero and Soussi say. The shim idea seems the best way to go. I actually thought of making something similar to the glasses case, to  raise the arm rest up, without making it look bad. Thanks again.

[sparckzero]

A friend of mine has very kindly 3D-printed the component that Soussi linked to - I am collecting it at the weekend and will report back!

[skoda1982]

If front assist is to sensitive set it in settings to Late 

[sparckzero]

Just to update - a friend of mine printed the component that Soussi linked to - it works perfectly! I started with the 40mm version which seems a little bit too high, so I'll try the others to get the perfect fit. Very pleased!

[denbodenn]

Hi again sparckzero

 

Really like this shim idea. It looks pretty good. Whats the procedure for having one made, do you know? Can the template. together with measurements, be constructed in some place that can make the armrest extension? Also, please kindly let me know what size was the perfect fit for you. I'm a six footer.

Many thanks

[denbodenn]

Finally got around to making a very cheap, cheerful and temporary armrest support which Sparckzero alluded to earlier in this thread, using a glasses case.

My idea was similar, using a substantial cardboard roll, (with a 7cm end opening), from the inside of a roll of bubble wrap. I have covered the rolls with black fabric tape, which takes away from the brown look somewhat. The grey one pictured was the mk1 version, which I cut to an 18cm length.  I had to make the black one a few millimeters longer. (19cm). My elbow now sits comfortably and naturally on the armrest, while the covered tube stays in the armrest binnacle without moving.

 

Because it is a tube, a small bottle of water can be put down the middle of it, or it could be used to store other items.