Greetings; and Few Questions

[rider]

Hey guys. I’m a long time lurker and a massive fan of Atom. Absolutely would love to have a 4. My ideal goal is to have an A4 and Seven 420R. But, I'll start with A4 and consider Seven before ICE gets sunset. I'm located in the US by the way.

I've a few questions I'm trying to figure out.
1. Since the controls (steering, clutch and break) are unassisted, are they difficult to use?
1.1 On a related note, is it hard to switch back and forth between Atom (unassisted) and regular sports cars (with assisted controls)?
2. Is it possible for the driver to get inside without stepping on the seat? I'm a clean-freak! Stepping on the seat with dirty shoes is a no-go!

Before putting down the deposit, I'll really need to find a way to drive one just for 10 minutes.

Thanks.

[speedmachine]

1 easy peasy, the car weighs 1/3 of a regular car, so doenst need the assists
1.1 no problem
2 is possible, but less easy and the hard plastic is easy to clean.

[AlanP]

Answer to all three.

Nope

[JT1020]

In my experience,
1) clutch is the same, steering is fine like a go kart lol, braking I found a bit different without servo assist, you need to press on it a bit harder than usual.
1.1) I’m comfortable switching from atom to hatchback to SUV to van regularly.
2)if your steering wheel is removable it is possible to step in without standing on the seat but clean your trainers and get on with it and stand on the centre of the seat lol.

Some driving experiences may allow you to drive an Atom. Otherwise you’d be lucky to get a shot of one on private grounds, or on public roads if you get the proper insurance.

Hope this helps

[rider]

Thank you, gentlemen; appreciate the responses.

.....2 is possible, but less easy and the hard plastic is easy to clean.

Might be easy to clean; but, it's the idea of stepping on the seat with shoes that I'm having a problem with!

...
1) ........you need to press on it a bit harder than usual.
...
2)if your steering wheel is removable it is possible to step in without standing on the seat but clean your trainers and get on with it and stand on the centre of the seat lol.

Some driving experiences may allow you to drive an Atom. Otherwise you’d be lucky to get a shot of one on private grounds, or on public roads if you get the proper insurance.

Hope this helps

Yeah, I expect the controls, break pedal in particular, needing much more pressure; understandable. But, glad to know it's not jarring when switching between regular vehicles and Atom. Just needed a confirmation.

One mitigation I'm thinking with respect to seat issue (to me) is to place a rug (such as a small bathroom rug) on the seat, step on it, once in pull it out; reverse the process when getting out. Would need some practice to perfect it; but, doable!

Will need to hit up the US sub-forum and Facebook for a sympathetic A4 owner for a 10-minute drive in exchange for a nice, fat lunch and a few rounds of ice cold ones! TMI, the US builder, is useless in promoting and helping potential buyers. They couldn't care less; I'm even willing to pay for a drive. So, just have to rely on sympathetic owners.

Thanks again guys.

[JT1020]

I think you’re overthinking getting the seat dirty. When you drive along all sorts of debris and wildlife runs through the car.
It another solution may be, a seat cover, or you can put a small piece of clear vinyl wrap on the seat and then have a small dusting cloth hidden away to wipe it. That’s what I’d do if it bugged me. . Were about in the U.S are you?

[reggaeo]

FYI it is about a 2 yr wait if you order new in the US by my estimate. I have been waiting 15 mths with no end in sight.

[skyfx]

FYI it is about a 2 yr wait if you order new in the US by my estimate. I have been waiting 15 mths with no end in sight.

Even 2 yrs is probably wishful thinking. I'm coming up on that next month with no end in sight. What's the latest estimate you've been given? Also, care to share your chassis number?

If you're interested, shoot me a private message with your cell number, and I'll get you added to a Whatsapp group some other US-based owners and I started.

[rider]

......
2)if your steering wheel is removable it is possible to step in without standing on the seat but clean your trainers and get on with it and stand on the centre of the seat lol.
.....

Forgot to address: I don't plan to spec removable steering wheel. One less component to fail (due to regular/frequent removal).

I think you’re overthinking getting the seat dirty. When you drive along all sorts of debris and wildlife runs through the car.
It another solution may be, a seat cover, or you can put a small piece of clear vinyl wrap on the seat and then have a small dusting cloth hidden away to wipe it. That’s what I’d do if it bugged me. . Were about in the U.S are you?

I really do need to over-think this through as I'm a germaphobe! With the clear side panels on, do you still think debris can fly-in? I'm in Minneapolis.

FYI it is about a 2 yr wait if you order new in the US by my estimate. I have been waiting 15 mths with no end in sight.

Reading others' comments and experiences, it appears the actual wait time is "unknown"! TMI can't be trusted for any kind of time estimate. We want the car; they are the only game in town. So, they can play however they want. Pure-ICE sunset is imminent. The next Civic Type R is highly likely to be hybrid. Atom would follow suit. So, the demand will continue to climb. Thankfully, I can wait.

[Ben_payne]

I get in without standing on the seat and the wheel on.

Sit on the chassis.
One leg in. In front of the seat.
Hold chassis and put other leg in.
Lower yourself in...

Easy!

[JT1020]

I’d rather not sit on the chassis over fear of scratching it with buttons from your jeans etc.

[MDifficult]

Considering the amount of bug guts, bird crap, horse manure, mud, rainwater, pigeon parts and other non-specific filth I’ve cleaned out of my Atom over just 12 months… despite having side panels… I really don’t think it’s the kind of car for a germaphobe who doesn’t want to stand on the seat . You may want to look at some other options?

[JT1020]

Horse manure? You been watching too much Back To The Future … “ I Hate MANURE” lol.
Yeh all cars get bug splats regardless. Because the Ariel vehicles have no normal body panels per say so the bug splats get in all nooks and crannies lol

[MDifficult]

Yup, took a shortcut last autumn down a country lane and ended up with loads of horseshit in the car! Thankfully it’s mainly just disassembled insects most of the time.

[K20A2]

To avoid damaging the seat I am using a piece of insulation mat. You can just replace it when it becomes dirty or ugly.
Just an idea and there are certainly more beautiful ways to do it