We were pleased to note the especially large doors that made entry and exit simple. Intrepid can carry as many as six passengers comfortably, depending on seat configuration. An optional built-in child seat is available. Our test model included an eight-way power driver's seat, which was most comfortable. The front bucket seats are separated by the gear selector, a roomy storage bin for tapes or CDs and a handy coin holder.The instrument panel was easily accessible through the two-spoke steering wheel, which contained the speed control buttons. The panel display with analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel and temperature- shows black figures on a white background that reverses with night illumination. Dash instrumentation was easily viewed and uncomplicated. The driver-side door has the power window, door lock and side-view mirror controls. The driver's power window controls have a lock setting that overrides the passenger controls. It could, for example, prevent a child from opening a window. All controls are easy to reach and understand, and all are nicely illuminated for night driving. In addition, a ring of light surrounds the ignition switch. Other bonuses include neatly designed pop-out cupholders; driver-side double sun visors that cover the side window and windshield; and standard three-point seat belts that allow for height adjustment. To serve the back seat, two adjustable air and heating vents are at the rear of the center console. Handy hanger holders and recessed reading lights are over the rear side windows. Our dominant impression of the interior was that there seemed to be a lot of extra space. That is, after all, the professed idea behind the cab-forward design. Moving the wheels out to the corners of the car results in more room in the back seat, giving passengers the feeling of being in a much larger car. Another result of the cab-forward design is the increased visibility; we felt as if we were surrounded by miles of glass.
|