Post by: AlanHo on September 30, 2015, 21:40:39
Read the saga here...
:link: My New Venga 3 Auto - Kia Owners Club Forums (http://www.kiaownersclub.co.uk/forum/my-new-venga-3-auto_topic26149.html?SID=100220968b2dab9e7e44ez49afz928985532407)
Post by: Raid on September 30, 2015, 22:12:29
Hopefully you will have a happy time when collecting the car good luck mate.
Post by: eye30 on September 30, 2015, 22:18:28
Ps
Make sure you check the car before you drive off.
I 'd do the check then refuse the car on the grounds that it is not as per the purchase contract - sensors, door handle and bumper film
Post by: asathorny on September 30, 2015, 22:35:34
Post by: AlanHo on September 30, 2015, 22:48:30
It's easy to get carried away in the moment - hence the need for me to produce a detailed cheat sheet.
Forum members with a long enough memory here will recall that this is for me deja vu. 2 -3 years ago I catalogued here my long running battle with Hyundai Customer services over the front sensors on my i30. I don't know if it is still the same on the GD - but when I bought my premium i30 it came with just 2 front sensors - one at each front corner. The middle front of the car was totally unprotected.
The nonsense was that if you bought the Active model - it came without front sensors - but the accessory kit for it had 4 sensors. To shut me up Hyundai eventually got the dealer to fit the 4 sensor Cobra kit to my car - which then finished up with 6 sensors.
I know from experience that the Cobra sensors work fine - otherwise why would Hyundai and KIA use them exclusively front and back. My guess is that the KIA technician has fitted cobra sensors to a car and has had problems with them. The Cobra fitting kit does not include the configuration manual which tells you how to adjust the range of each sensor, its sensitivity and the ultrasonic beam angle. I have acquired a copy (don't ask) and you need a degree in buttonology to fine tune the system. I imagine he has not been shown how to carry out the tuning process and his problems have evolved from a simple fit and turn-on practice.
My problem is to persuade him that the Cobra system is sound (ultrasonic anyway :whistler:) and can be tuned very accurately (without hurting his rotten feelings). This is the guy I will have to deal with in future if I ever need help with the car - so I need to get him on side.
More anon - brace your selves for the next thrilling instalment (fade to the tune of Dick Barton Special Agent)
Post by: Dazzler on September 30, 2015, 23:00:31
Post by: AlanHo on September 30, 2015, 23:07:25
Well Alan having read your story i think i'll go off and buy a VW. At least they acknowledged their cock up!
I appreciate you are only joking but even in your most inebriated state you would have to concede that VW have only been "honest" because this story first came out in 2013 and they have spent more than 2 years trying to keep the lid on it. Their sudden honesty only reflects their grudging acceptance that game's up.
Post by: Surferdude on October 01, 2015, 01:22:21
I wonder how Kia would feel about one of their technicians saying their sensors are rubbish?
Post by: AlanHo on October 01, 2015, 01:47:29
Wow.
I wonder how Kia would feel about one of their technicians saying their sensors are rubbish?
I quoted the guy verbatim - he really did say rubbish.
Post by: Mike SX on October 01, 2015, 08:43:12
I am due to collect my new KIA Venga 3 1.6 petrol Auto tomorrow morning. The gloss of a new car has been dulled by the buying experience - but I'm a (old and) determined dog and never lets the bastards get me down.Hopefully, reading your experiences will avoid other readers feelings of personal victimisation when confronted with the all too regular merry go round.
Lucky Dip Venga :eek:
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 01, 2015, 09:46:05
Post by: Mike SX on October 01, 2015, 10:02:06
I think you're being sensortive..:lol: Clever.
It's an uphill struggle, that so often, you have to educate others in knowledge that is at their fingertips.
Recently, I received a "thank you" letter from Spanish Paradors Hotel Chair (man) for advising him that our room had no running water, in the toilet, bath etc., whilst staying for several days (prepaid no refund offered).
I pointed out that I was not in the business of assisting him in running his business correctly.
Post by: Shambles on October 01, 2015, 22:49:00
Quote from: Topic Title
My New KIA VengaWell... ?
Post by: Surferdude on October 01, 2015, 23:09:50
He's too busy going through his check list. :crazy2:Quote from: Topic TitleMy New KIA VengaWell... ?
Post by: AlanHo on October 01, 2015, 23:21:47
Next job was to install my car video cameras front and back and transfer all my bits and pieces into the car.
Then had a play with the various features and noted that the satnav is a new model with much clearer mapping and a brighter screen than the previous one. Some changes to the interface seem sensible. I like it.
I noticed that there is a minor variance from the published specification. It is supposed to have rear passenger roof lights on each side of the cabin like my previous car - it hasn't - there is a single roof light in the centre of the cabin.
We visited some friends this evening - a 34 mile journey each way - mainly by M42 and M5. This enabled me to check the accuracy of the odometer compared with the kilometer posts on the motorway and my Garmin Nuvi satnav. This check showed a variance of 2.8% - the odometer is lagging the actual distance by that amount. I will do another check over a much longer distance later this month when we visit a friend in Brighton.
I zeroed the mpg trip before setting out this evening and it was reading 47.6mpg when we returned home. I would like to think it was accurate but it seems way optimistic for a 1.6 auto.
The car is definitely riding better and has lower cabin noise than my previous Venga. It does not crash and bang over potholes and road humps as much as our previous car. It makes me think that the shocks were weak on the previous car because I am not aware that KIA have changed the suspension on the facelift car
I will publish more info and photos of the car later.
Post by: eye30 on October 01, 2015, 23:35:41
Many miles of carefree motoring.
Do you have the 2 or did they fit the 4 sensors on front?
Post by: Dazzler on October 02, 2015, 00:58:03
Glad to hear all seems well with the new motor.
Many miles of carefree motoring.
Do you have the 2 or did they fit the 4 sensors on front?
:whsaid:
... and the most important thing... Is Libby happy? :D
Post by: AlanHo on October 02, 2015, 06:49:19
It all started with some rather aggressive buying on my part with the dealer to get the best deal. I am aware that I squeezed their nuts - but that's all part of the game.
I then ordered some accessories - which included front parking sensors. Before anyone accuses me of being profligate to order mats, mud guards etc from the dealer - I am well aware I could get them cheaper elsewhere. My excuse is I'm lazy and feel the need to build a good relationship with my new (to me) dealership.
I am then told I can't have 4 front sensors - only 2. I don't believe it, so I Email KIA customer services for clarification.
They say the dealer is wrong - their standard kit has 4 sensors but fail to make it clear they are referring to the facelift model.
The dealer is adamant that KIA are wrong - the structural changes to the 2015 facelift makes it impossible to fit 4 sensors.
I write to KIA again - and 12 days later have received no response. So I contact Cobra who I know are the manufacturers of Hyundai and KIA parking sensors. Cobra tell me that they supply a kit to KIA for the new Venga complete with the necessary fitting instructions.
I have another go at KIA and 2 days later they confirm that they do indeed have a 4 sensor kit for the 2015 car and send me the Cobra fitting instructions to prove it.
I go back to the dealer armed with this info to be told by their master technician that they can supply and fit the official KIA kit - but it is rubbish - which is why they recommended the Sportage 2 sensor kit in the first place. Be it on my own head is the message.
I then wrote to KIA to advise them of this and to ask them to assure me that if their official kit is fitted by the dealer it will be covered by warranty.
I await their reply to this Email dated 30th September.
Hence I am now left to decide what to do......
The only good news I have about the car so far is that my insurers (Allianz) advised me today that my new insurance premium will be £12.02 cheaper than for the present car. I assume this is because (although more expensive than the present car) - it is an auto
Post by: AlanHo on October 02, 2015, 19:02:07
Thank you for the information – I took myself off to the dealership today to ask them to supply and fit the 4 sensor Cobra kit.
Unfortunately I met a snag.
It appears that the dealership have experienced problems with your genuine kit and find them ineffective and unreliable. They want to avoid me having to go back to them repeatedly with complaints about the sensors - which is why they prefer to fit the 2 sensor system off the Sportage.
My dilemma is that I need to protect not just the front of the car – but also the front corners - because of tight access problems with our garage. Hence my request for a 4 sensor system.
My last 2 cars have been new Hyundai i30’s which came as standard with just 2 front sensors. Frankly they were useless - and the dealer fitted Cobra 4 sensor kits on them to provide proper parking protection. The Cobra kits worked fine on the i30’s and I cannot understand why my KIA dealership have experienced problems with what I am sure are identical Cobra components.
I don’t want to dismiss the advice from the dealership offhand – because this is my first brand new KIA car and I would like to maintain a good relationship with the dealer. However – my own experience with Cobra sensors has been good. If I insist on using your genuine kit and it proves to be unreliable – would it be covered by the car warranty and thus not be a cost burden on the dealership.
***************************************************************
I received this reply today….
Thanks for getting back in touch.
As an accessory, genuine Kia front parking sensors would not be covered under the basic 7-year warranty supplied with your Kia Venga. They'd be covered for 24 months under the parts limited warranty which protects against defects in material or manufacturing.
**************************************************************
Hence I am still unsure what to do about the front sensors.
However : I found on the internet today a copy of the fitting and calibration instructions for the Cobra sensors. The KIA fitting instructions don’t mention how to calibrate each sensor for range and sensitivity – hence it might be possible that my dealer’s master technician is not aware that they can be accurately calibrated – and possible why he has experienced problems with them.
I think I will take myself off to the dealers on Monday and have a friendly chat with him. It might be difficult because he bridled when he realised I knew so much about the sensors - and now I am about to suggest he has not been installing them correctly no matter how kindly I put it..
More anon.
Post by: asathorny on October 02, 2015, 20:01:42
Post by: Mike SX on October 02, 2015, 20:34:31
Your perseverance is legendary.
An excellent example to follow :D :goodjob2:
Post by: AlanHo on October 02, 2015, 22:25:21
The sensors I want are the Cobra flush fitting ones - they are already fitted as standard to the rear of the car and you have to look hard to see them. This is because they are mounted into a holder which is glued on the inside face of the bumper - the sensor is slid into the holder from the inside until it is flush with the bumper face. To do this the bumper has to be removed from the car and 17mm dia holes cut into the bumper using a special punch or cutter obtainable from Cobra. The sensor is 17 mm dia and is a snug fit in the hole. Hence the hole has to be cut dead size and smooth without paint damage.
The sensors that the dealer's technician wants to fit have a 1.5 mm thick collar on the outer face and are pushed into a 25 mm dia hole drilled into the bumper from the outside using a standard hole saw. I can now see why he wants to fit just two of them - one each side of the reg plate - because there is access behind the bumper in the middle area and he can wire up the sensors without removing the bumper. In addition - he does not have to drill dead sized smooth holes in the bumper - because the edges of the holes are covered by the collars on the sensors.
So - I reckon I have rumbled his motives - something I will explore on Monday.
I have a plan B.
There are several companies in the UK who supply Cobra sensors and provide a mobile fitting service. If I go this route it will save me about £70 off the dealers cost - but leaves me holding the baby if problems occur. I would have to be careful to check out the workmanship of their local installer which might be fun. One Company in particular seems to have a good reputation and carries out most of the sensor installations for motability cars, also installing other electronics they fit to cars for disabled people.
Post by: Dazzler on October 02, 2015, 22:37:28
Post by: AlanHo on October 03, 2015, 12:35:35
Remember - I didn't buy the car for its looks - but for its practicality and value for money. It has more cabin and usable luggage space than the i30 or Ceed hatch - is cheaper with as many bells and whistles - all in a shorter/taller body. It is the ideal car for our lifestyle and the 7 year warranty is rather comforting. This is a car we are planning to keep. The warranty runs out when I am 85 - so I hope my warranty doesn't run out before then.
Front View
Shows LED DRL’s and new nose profile
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%201_zpskayp1t19.jpg)
Side View
No obvious difference from previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%203_zpsxkbktumy.jpg)
Rear View
No obvious difference from previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%202_zpsj92t8wfk.jpg)
New Alloy Wheel Design
Perhaps better looking than the previous model – but they will not be antwhere near as easy to clean
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%204_zpsjnzjy0eb.jpg)
Reversing Camera
The screen is much brighter than the previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%205_zpsrzti1kit.jpg)
Satnav
The new satnav is a definite improvement on the previous model. The screen is much clearer and brighter, the satnav volume control is now independent of the radio volume control, the voice is clearer with improved turn-by-turn descriptions and it is now possible to input coordinates in degrees, minutes and seconds or in decimal degrees. The map is now stored on a 16Gb SD card which hides behind a cover on the front of the satnav – this should make updating maps much easier in future. With the previous system you had to upload maps from a USB memory stick which took about an hour during which you had to leave the engine running.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%206_zpsipjigf1k.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%207_zpscvzyebio.jpg)
Post by: asathorny on October 03, 2015, 12:46:14
Sat nav looks OK too, as you say.
Lets see how you find it after a few days :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob:
Post by: John B on October 03, 2015, 12:49:45
Post by: AlanHo on October 03, 2015, 13:40:58
A minor irritant is that KIA have changed the layout of the key fob. On my previous Venga and i30's the boot unlock was the middle button - it is now the door unlock button. I didn't realise until now how much a creature of habit I had become. It was second nature to press the bottom button to unlock the car without even looking at the fob. Now my second nature succeeds in opening the rear hatch and not the doors.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Key%20Fob_zpsbxlzhpou.jpg)
An improvement to the key is that it is better mounted in its holder. It still has the small tension pin to retain it - but there is much more meat around it to avoid stress fractures.
Post by: Dazzler on October 03, 2015, 23:00:43
Post by: wbm00 on October 03, 2015, 23:12:09
The rear-view camera is excellent and I agree wholeheartedly on the topic of TPMS. Thankfully my i30 lacks those metal tyre valves of doom. :happydance:
Post by: ibrokeit on October 04, 2015, 04:02:09
Though, as you say, you didn't buy it for it's looks - for what it is it looks nice.
Yes, lets hope it's warranty expires before yours!!
Post by: Raid on October 04, 2015, 11:29:00
Here are some pictures of my new 2015 Venga.That's a nice car you got yourself there Alan.
Remember - I didn't buy the car for its looks - but for its practicality and value for money. It has more cabin and usable luggage space than the i30 or Ceed hatch - is cheaper with as many bells and whistles - all in a shorter/taller body. It is the ideal car for our lifestyle and the 7 year warranty is rather comforting. This is a car we are planning to keep. The warranty runs out when I am 85 - so I hope my warranty doesn't run out before then.
Front View
Shows LED DRL’s and new nose profile
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%201_zpskayp1t19.jpg)
Side View
No obvious difference from previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%203_zpsxkbktumy.jpg)
Rear View
No obvious difference from previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%202_zpsj92t8wfk.jpg)
New Alloy Wheel Design
Perhaps better looking than the previous model – but they will not be antwhere near as easy to clean
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%204_zpsjnzjy0eb.jpg)
Reversing Camera
The screen is much brighter than the previous model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%205_zpsrzti1kit.jpg)
Satnav
The new satnav is a definite improvement on the previous model. The screen is much clearer and brighter, the satnav volume control is now independent of the radio volume control, the voice is clearer with improved turn-by-turn descriptions and it is now possible to input coordinates in degrees, minutes and seconds or in decimal degrees. The map is now stored on a 16Gb SD card which hides behind a cover on the front of the satnav – this should make updating maps much easier in future. With the previous system you had to upload maps from a USB memory stick which took about an hour during which you had to leave the engine running.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%206_zpsipjigf1k.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Venga%202015%207_zpscvzyebio.jpg)
Post by: The Gonz on October 04, 2015, 11:48:26
I am, however, less impressed that you live a mere 40 ml from where we were living while I was undertaking my Masters. We could have met halfway in Stratford-Upon-Avon for a bread-and-butter pudding! :crazy1:
The mere fact I wasn't a member of this forum back then is no excuse on your part. :crazy3:
Post by: AlanHo on October 04, 2015, 19:40:37
I noticed today that the satnav in the new Venga does not have voice control. It doesn't bother me because I never have my mobile switched on when I am in the car - but some owners are going to miss it.
I'm still worried about the accuracy of the trip economy recorder - it is reading 47.6 mpg (5.9 l/100k) today after 249 miles of mixed motoring since last Thursday. As you would expect - I brimmed the tank as soon as I picked up the car so I will soon be able to check its accuracy. I was expecting no more than 38 mpg (7.4 l/100k). The best my manual Venga did on a tank of mixed motoring was 45.2 mpg (6.2 l/100k).
Post by: eye30 on October 04, 2015, 20:43:19
Post by: asathorny on October 04, 2015, 20:48:57
Post by: AlanHo on October 04, 2015, 20:50:50
I know you would have done it ....... but......did you zero the trip counter when you filled up?
ARE YOU SERIOUS....!!!!!!! You obviously like hospital food. :crazy1: :evil:
The A trip economy recorder automatically resets to zero when you put more than 6 litres of fuel in the tank. The B trip recorder is manual reset at any time.
Post by: eye30 on October 04, 2015, 22:43:06
Post by: asathorny on October 04, 2015, 22:50:59
So that's a yes and i was correct. Hehehe
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Post by: Raid on October 05, 2015, 07:19:36
Seriously your A trip reset automatically if you put more than 6 litres. Why can't my i30 does thatI know you would have done it ....... but......did you zero the trip counter when you filled up?
ARE YOU SERIOUS....!!!!!!! You obviously like hospital food. :crazy1: :evil:
The A trip economy recorder automatically resets to zero when you put more than 6 litres of fuel in the tank. The B trip recorder is manual reset at any time.
or there is an option I have to change somewhere plz?
Post by: AlanHo on October 05, 2015, 07:28:07
Mine was on page 4-55 for my 2013 car.
Post by: AlanHo on October 06, 2015, 15:07:21
A minor problem is that they need the paint code. My car is Silver Frost which seems to be a recently introduced colour for the Venga. It is lighter and brighter than the previous silver storm - or whatever it was called. The colour code on the car info plate states KC but it seems that KIA colour codes are usually one number and one letter. The body shop who paint the sensors to match are having problems recognising the precise colour.
I'm sure they will get the paint sorted in time.
Post by: Raid on October 07, 2015, 17:03:57
It tells you in your manual how to set the fuel trip recorder to manual or auto.Thanks Alan I set mine to auto aswell
Mine was on page 4-55 for my 2013 car.
Post by: AlanHo on October 09, 2015, 11:55:20
Whilst driving today the fuel warning light appeared - the DTE trip was showing 65 miles (104km) and the odo 508 miles (817 km).
I refuelled the car with the odo showing 516 miles (830 km), the DTE 49 miles (79 km) and the trip economy reading 45.7 mpg (6.2 l/100). It took 54.31 litres which suggests it was very close to empty.
I have checked the accuracy of the odometer against the motorway distance boards, and my My Garmin Nuvi satnav over a trip of 57 miles (91 km). The car odometer is reading 1.98% slow - that is - if the car odometer shows a travel distance of 100 miles (160 km) - the car has actually done 102 miles (164 km).
Using this information I calculate that the car has averaged 42.96 mpg (6.6 I/100) since the previous refill and that for this tank the car's economy trip is reading 6% optimistic.
Although about 60% of the miles covered have been on motorways, I am surprised at this result.
* I was not expecting my 6 speed auto to average more than 38 mpg (7.4 l/100) - my previous manual 1.6 Venga averaged 42.17 mpg (6.7 l/100) over 17,000 miles (27000 km) which the auto has bettered (on the first tank).
* The range on this first tank was 503 miles (809 km) - in my previous manual Venga I only exceeded this twice - and both those tanks included cruising to and from Scotland and to and from Cornwall at 55mph (88 kph) average speeds.
* The economy trip recorder on this car is about 6% optimistic - my previous manual Venga and the 3 Hyundai i30's I owned before that all had economy trips that were pessimistic in the range 4% to 11%
It is early days to be categorical about the economy of the 6 speed auto - but the signs are looking good.
Post by: eye30 on October 09, 2015, 12:16:34
Keep up the good work Alan
Post by: AlanHo on October 09, 2015, 12:28:41
With the way you do your testing may be the EU emmissions commission have an opening for you.
Keep up the good work Alan
I hope you are not implying that I am farting around all the time...... :evil:
Post by: Phil №❶ on October 09, 2015, 21:19:47
Auto's are making headway in the economy dept, when the engine loosens up it may still get better yet. :goodjob2:
Post by: Dazzler on October 09, 2015, 21:24:25
Post by: AlanHo on October 09, 2015, 22:20:06
Has the wife had a drive yet, Alan. :question:
Auto's are making headway in the economy dept, when the engine loosens up it may still get better yet. :goodjob2:
Libby approached her first drive with considerable apprehension. However, after about an hour of driving around some quiet roads under supervision and advice - which included a very steep hill start which she dreaded - she reluctantly had to admit it was OK. She has been out in the car on her own and her only complaint is that the brake pedal is too high for her small feet. It actually isn't any higher than the previous manual car but she needed to find something to moan about - otherwise I would have been 100% right about changing to an auto.
Small SUV's like the Hyundai ix20, The KIA Venga, the Ford C Max, The Vauxhall Mokka, the Citroen C4 Picasso, the Audi Q3, the Nissan Qashqai, the VW Golf Plus and the like are rapidly gaining in popularity with small families and those of a certain age who seek a car with plenty of cabin space, good luggage capacity and a high seating position. OK they don't have much street cred with the young ones but at long last we have a car that is perfect for our life style and physical limitations.
You will also note that my changing from diesel to petrol last year was a timely and wise decision - there is no way I will go back to diesel. The Venga is as spirited as I require and the 6 speed auto is as smooth as any auto I have ever owned. You only feel the gear changes during hard acceleration or up a very steep hill.
Post by: AlanHo on October 13, 2015, 16:24:36
Members may recall that way back in 2012, before buying a new GD i30, I did some cabin noise comparisons with my FD i30, a test drive in a GD i30 and a test drive in a VW golf - all diesels and all manual gearboxes. I have a professional decibel meter left over from the days when I was an engineer - it has not been calibrated against a master noise generator for a few years but is accurate enough for comparison purposes
I got Libby to drive today whilst I took noise readings in the new Venga - which is a petrol auto. I have added the results to the table I originally posted on the forum.
These are the results (the M42 no longer has any concrete sections so this cannot be reported)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/Cabin%20Noise%20Levels_zpsuk3hkgwr.jpg)
You will see there is little to choose between the Golf, GD i30 and Venga which are all much quieter than my original FD i30. The Venga is the quietest car when stationary - probably due to it being petrol rather than diesel.
Note the differing wheel sizes and tyres on the various cars - you would expect the cars with 16" wheels would be noisier than those with 15" wheels but the Venga and my 2012 i30 with 16" wheels hold their own with the 15" wheeled Golf.
Hence I would argue that the current Hyundai and KIA models compare well with offerings from the VW Group. Those who argue differently need to make a scientific comparison and not a subjective one.
Post by: Dazzler on October 13, 2015, 21:50:41
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 04:08:49
There's no doubt the GD is quieter than the FD, but if I can add something here, my experience has been that there is a much more significant difference in ride quality and road noise between 17" and 16" than between 15" and 16". Once you get onto 45 series tyres their internal construction is slanted towards performance rather than comfort.
Whilst it wouldn't explain the full difference, I feel it would be a significant factor.
BTW, I don't have a Microsoft phone but I found a similar ap for my Samsung S2. Looking forward to trying it out (different topic thread I know :crazy1:)
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 14, 2015, 08:29:52
Is that a scientific or subjective comparison? :undecided:
There's no doubt the GD is quieter than the FD, but if I can add something here, my experience has been that there is a much more significant difference in ride quality and road noise between 17" and 16" than between 15" and 16". Once you get onto 45 series tyres their internal construction is slanted towards performance rather than comfort.
Whilst it wouldn't explain the full difference, I feel it would be a significant factor.
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 09:44:12
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 14, 2015, 09:44:43
Over the years I participated in and saw the results of many tests which confirmed that.
Scientifically? :D
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 09:46:29
Scientifically. :P
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 14, 2015, 09:47:23
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 09:49:27
Ask Alan! :PIt's not even 5pm over there. Why aren't you stalking someone?
Oh!
Wait! :fum:
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 14, 2015, 09:50:43
Ask Alan! :PIt's not even 5pm over there. Why aren't you stalking someone?
Oh!
Wait! :fum:
Define stalking. :D
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 10:00:02
Stalking. ...the act of being or desiring to be a Dave.
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 14, 2015, 10:23:16
My dictionary says....
Stalking. ...the act of being or desiring to be a Dave.
:lol:
Or a doggie.
Post by: AlanHo on October 14, 2015, 20:15:22
Ready-steady-go the car bonnet up and paint protectors in place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020322_zpseovv9hag.jpg)
The first task is to remove the front Bumper assembly.
There are 4 screws along the top as can be seen in the above photo, One screw above the wheel arch each side and 3 screws under the bottom of the bumper each side. The bumper is then carefully pulled away from the spigots around its periphery where it meets the side bodywork.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020325_zpsczxcvmhq.jpg)
This is a shot of the front of the car looking rather naked.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020331_zpswuajshpi.jpg)
If you ever need to access the washer bottle water pump or horn – they are on the offside of the car behind the front bumper.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020341_zpsgxjidkp2.jpg)
The next stage is to place the bumper on foam protected stands and remove the energy absorber. This is held in place by a metal clip at each end which grip a spigot projecting from the bumper moulding.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020328_zpsqyawbqe5.jpg)
Here is a shot with the energy absorber removed making the bumper ready for the sensor positions to be carefully marked out. A 2 mm pilot hole was then drilled at the position of each sensor followed by an 8 mm drill to enable a Cobra tool to be used to create the sensor holes.
Before the holes are punched the inner face of the bumper is thoroughly cleaned with spirit then given a coating of a cleaning primer fluid supplied with the Cobra kit. It is done at this stage because it keeps the primer away from the front of the bumper – where it would damage the paint.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020329_zps9nzgo0jz.jpg)
This is a shot of the half of the Cobra punch tool that sits on the outside of the bumper. An 8mm bolt passes through this punch and then through a die in the inner face of the bumper surmounted by a nut. Tightening the nut pulls the punch through the bumper and creates a dead sized hole with a nice rounded edge on the outer face. Using a hole saw is not recommended.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020336_zpspgkhtito.jpg)
This is a shot of the hole it creates. It’s difficult to photograph but there is a rounded edge to the front of hole which still retains original paint.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020337_zpskcs4gyzz.jpg)
The Cobra sensors are in two pieces – an outer sensor mounting collar and the sensor itself which fits inside the collar at an adjustable depth to suit the thickness of the bumper.
The collar is attached to the inside face of the bumper with a double backed adhesive ring supplied with the kit. You must ensure that the sensor connectors are pointing vertically down
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020339_zpsm9ggt8zg.jpg)
The wiring loom can then be connected to the sensors. The wires come marked with the sensor numbers which go 1 to 4 from left to right. After plugging in the wires to the sensors the weatherproof rubber boots are clipped in place and the wires run across the bumper toward the nearside of the car. The bumper has some convenient loops moulded into its inner surface which provides ideal points to use cable ties to hold the wires in place
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020343_zpsezzmnmbk.jpg)
Once the wires are run across the bumper they are wrapped together using fabric wrapping tape for their full length where they are already terminated with small plugs that go into sockets on the sensor control box (which is yet to be mounted in the car).
The energy absorber is then replaced on the inside of the bumper and retained with the metal gripper clips.
The bumper can now be reinstalled on the car at the same time routing the cable harness to the inside of the engine compartment, round the top suspension strut mount then down to where there is a cable run through a large grommet in the bulkhead.
This grommet is not easy to reach – it pays to be slim, fit and dextrous which might rule out a DIY job for a few of our members.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020345_zpsiowwdicq.jpg)
Once the sensor wires have been passed through the grommet the assembly is rendered secure and weatherproof with appropriate tape.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020348_zpst8a6er2b.jpg)
Before mounting the ECU control box to the bulkhead behind the glove box, it was connected to a laptop computer and programmed using Cobra software. The technician can set the sensitivity and range of each sensor to suit the installation. In my case it was set to first detect at 100 cms, then start multi beeping at 70 cms followed by the continuous warning at 35 cms.
The sensor controller has to be wired to an ignition controlled source and the one chosen was the wiring to the power socket in the central binnacle. It was necessary to remove the side panels in the footwells and the panel surrounding the gear lever to do this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020351_zpsa9zzy9op.jpg)
The standard Cobra front sensor installation is activated when you select reverse gear and remains active as long as reverse gear is selected. This is to ensure the front sensors are on when you reverse out from between two vehicles and give you a warning if you swing the front of the car round prematurely. After activation, if the front system does not detect an obstacle within 10 or 60s it deactivates. Time out can be set to 10s or 60s.
The system will reactivate by either, engaging reverse gear, pressing the switch or turning the ignition/engine off and back on.
I didn’t want this mode of operation – I went for the provision of an on-off switch mounted on the side of the central binnacle that switched the sensors on or off at will. My previous i30’s and Venga had the sensors wired like this and enabled me to leave them active permanently. Thus neither I, nor my wife, had to remember to switch them on when parking (or de-parking)
After the system was tested the ECU was mounted behind the glove box, the beeper mounted in the base of the central binnacle and all the trim replaced.
The whole job took 3.5 hours.
Here is the end result – you can see the 4 front sensors in the bumper but they are not obvious and look as sleek as a factory installation
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020354_zpsibp2mkgq.jpg)
Here is a close-up of a sensor. It is dead flush with the bumper surface.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/P1020358_zpstzvbl8xn.jpg)
Finally a word about the installer.
I located Professional Retrofits Ltd by Googling for “Cobra Parking Sensor Installers”.
Their website can be found here :-
:link: OE Style Flush Mount Cobra Parkmaster R0394 and F0394 (http://poollretrofits.com/parking-aid-systems/)
Their workshop is located near Nuneaton in the Midlands – but they provide at extra cost a mobile fitting service at your home if further afield.
Because Nuneaton is not too far from my home, I elected to have the work carried out at their workshop, which is located in a small industrial estate. I took the car there this morning and as soon as the owner Paul Ostrowski opened the roller shutter door for me to drive in, I knew from my 60 years experience in engineering, that I was in safe hands. His workshop is immaculate with everything in its place and Paul oozes experience and confidence.
We first discussed what type of installation I wanted before Paul got to work. He was kind enough to let me watch and photograph the work as it progressed and I was impressed with his methodical and tidy approach throughout. He is a true professional. This was the first KIA Venga he had worked on so he proceeded with due caution – being on a learning curve the anticipated time to do the work took about 30 minutes longer than expected. No big deal – time is something I am not short of.
My message is – if you are based in the UK and want to have parking sensors, aftermarket cruise control, Bluetooth or other gadgets fitted to your car – I can thoroughly recommend Professional Retrofits – they live up to their name.
Another tip - there are plenty of cheap sensor kits advertised on the web and Ebay, and some of them may well work OK. However - one of my friends bought a cheap kit off the internet for his SEAT and decided to do the installation himself. After three days of struggle he could not get it working properly, the supplier was unhelpful and he eventually gave up. Having seen an experienced professional do the installation using the proper tools - I guess that only a very brave and/or experienced person could do the work satisfactorily. To fit flush sensors properly you really need to buy a leading brand - and in the UK none are better than Cobra who supply Hyundai, KIA and other leading cars manufacturers for OEM factory fitting. You also need to factor in the purchase of a proper punch to cut the holes - this costs £40 and then you have to calibrate the installation which is a long and frustrating manual job without the Cobra software which is provided only to their registered installers.
Post by: Surferdude on October 14, 2015, 20:23:19
Kudos to the installer too.
Will you take it back and show the idiot at the dealership?
Post by: Dazzler on October 14, 2015, 22:28:04
Awesome, Alan.
Kudos to the installer too.
Will you take it back and show the idiot at the dealership?
:iws:
Thanks heaps. Very interesting for our members to see. Worth the cost of having someone else do it. :goodjob:
Post by: AlanHo on October 14, 2015, 22:35:57
Awesome, Alan.
Kudos to the installer too.
Will you take it back and show the idiot at the dealership?
As much as the evil side of me would like to - I would gain nothing from doing so.
As a dealership they are generally very good - despite my recent experiences to the contrary. However - they are my nearest dealers and I wish to continue to have the car serviced there. getting well on the wrong side of their master technician would be like insulting a chef. My next meal might be spat in.
I am happy with the outcome and will leave it there.
Post by: eye30 on October 14, 2015, 22:41:05
I bet not many, IF any, would allow you to be there as the job is done.
Post by: AlanHo on October 28, 2015, 12:54:50
:link: CAR DOOR SILL PROTECTOR SILLS GUARD compatible with KIA VENGA [2010-2014] | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331160876871)
:link: PROFILED REAR BUMPER COVER compatible with KIA VENGA [since 2010] | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331649430340)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/WP_20151028_09_54_10_Pro_zpssvcu8bjt.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/AlanHo1937/KIA%20Forum/WP_20151028_09_54_25_Pro_zpskqjeyrhr.jpg)
Post by: CraigB on October 28, 2015, 14:43:19
I wanted some stainless sill guards but they don't do them for my model, only for the 5 doors :Pout:
I spoke too soon, finally found some :head_knock: :link: Hyundai I30 3 Door 2012 Onward Aluminium Sill Guards Plates A6450ADE01ST | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Hyundai-I30-3-Door-2012-Onward-Aluminium-Sill-Guards-Plates-A6450ADE01ST-/281410959987?hash=item4185667a73:m:mzlxIEMCWfmA9Z7tjdWBvnw)
Post by: asathorny on October 28, 2015, 14:51:25
Post by: asathorny on October 28, 2015, 14:53:20
are they held on with Adhesive Alan??
OK I went to the site... question answered :Shocked: :Shocked: :evil: :evil:
Post by: AlanHo on October 28, 2015, 20:22:03
I suppose I should give her a hand really. :evil:
You i30 guys can get one too...
:link: hyundai i30 bumper protector | eBay (http://tinyurl.com/pxtwkhe)
Post by: Doggie 1 on October 29, 2015, 00:08:18
I really needed the bumper protector - management has a habit of dragging heavy stuff out of the boot and catching the top of the bumper.
I suppose I should give her a hand really. :evil:
No, don't do it Alan.
I tried clapping once when the same thing happened.
It wasn't pretty. :disapp:
Post by: John B on October 29, 2015, 00:57:41
Post by: AlanHo on October 29, 2015, 15:44:19
I really needed the bumper protector - management has a habit of dragging heavy stuff out of the boot and catching the top of the bumper.
I suppose I should give her a hand really. :evil:
No, don't do it Alan.
I tried clapping once when the same thing happened.
It wasn't pretty. :disapp:
Giving your wife the clap was not a smart move. :rofl: