What cars have pedals that are close together?

starlit

What cars have pedals that are close together? What cars in particular suitable for someone of short height, small feet and short legs to reach pedals?

I know that the yaris, some of the kia's and peugeot's are good for these things but is there any other car that be similar that be suited to someone like me and looking for close pedals suited to short/small person?

The thing about the engine size 1.0L I don't think has enough power for long journeys or overtaking but is fine for short journeys. 1.2/3/4L would that have enough power? Also reasonable price as well be a factor.

I don't want too big a car either just in between size not too small not too big, that its easy to drive, good steering, manual - gears not big deal up to 5-6, easy to park and get in and out of tight spaces, easy to reverse, and good to overtake/for long and short journeys, what car tick all the boxes? What is a good overall car, good to maintain and economic on fuel? Just an ordinary car is all I am looking for!

RandomAccess

I have to ask if you're confusing pedals that are close together with pedals that are close to the driver? Pedals that are close together are a menace, I nearly crashed a 206 with them.

colm_mcm

106 and 206 are a nightmare for me, the pedals are so close together I hit both

corkgsxr

Can't wear work boots in the berlingo, makes me too tall. ( seat won't move back more) and the pedals are too close together, very hard not to hit accelerator with brake.

Doapy van, makes me want to poke Mr Citroen in the eye

mik_da_man

Yep Defo Pug 106 & 206.

I nearly crashed my cousins brand new 206 when I first drove it.
Also had a close call in my Pug 106 on the test drive before I bought it.

I can only drive it with skinny runners

goulders

any two cars in a head on collision usually end up with pedals fairly close together

colm_mcm

So the message is, don't buy a car that's just had a head on collision if you have big feet?

Senna

mik_da_man wrote: »

Yep Defo Pug 106 & 206.

Yeah Saxo (same thing) too, nearly put my sisters through a wall years ago because of the pedals.
Dont notice the Yaris pedals being close together.

eringobragh

Senna wrote: »

Yeah Saxo (same thing) too, nearly put my sisters through a wall years ago because of the pedals.
Dont notice the Yaris pedals being close together.

x2 mrs saxi is the same hate driving it, and it annoys me that theres no rest plate beside the clutch

challengemaster

doovdela wrote: »

What cars in particular suitable for someone of short height, small feet and short legs to reach pedals?

Ones with adjustable seats...

Remmy

the pedals in a fiat seicento are nearly touching theyre so close.

colm_mcm

Oddly enough I can drive a seicento no problem,

Remmy

colm_mcm wrote: »

Oddly enough I can drive a seicento no problem,

You heel and toeing it?:)

colm_mcm

A bit, but the accelerator is kinda angled unlike the pugs so you don't mash the pedals so much.

kirving

Most cars are designed such that both a 5ft, and 6ft 6 person will be able to drive them with ease. Distance to the pedals shouln't be much of a problem these days. Best thing to do is try out lots of different cars to see what you like if ergonomics is an issue.

starlit

Pedals close together and close to driver or either/both? Referring to both or either.

Ya yaris and kia aren't too bad they just right I think.

Really didn't know that, pedals too close together are dangerous?!

The thing is I have small feet, low arch and wear footwear that has a sole that I can feel the pedals not too thick or thin a sole. Trainers/pumps mainly and boots with thin sole.

Have driven a opel corsa and find pedals are grand but adjusting the seat a nightmare. I can't see my blindspots. Height is an issue too have to use a cushion to see outside properly and be in position better with the pedals. I use to go too close to wheel but find in between slot is grand but pushed back too far neither my legs or feet can reach the pedals. Driven a kia aswell it easier to drive and easier to handle pedals and gears and prefer it to the yaris but find the yaris just as good though but prefer a bigger engine.

I want a car that I don't have to adjust the seat too much a bit close but not too close and a bit height but not to a degree I cannot see my blindspots! The yaris or kia is ideal for seat adjustment but find opel corsa a nightmare for seat adjustment. Have had mixed views on peugeots before.

How are the megane/clio/mazda/polo/golf/mini cooper,seat ibiza/punto/fiats/fords? Not gone on the Hyundai/mitzubishi. The venga/toyota corrolla/passat/volvo would be as big as I go not keen on a big car cause I don't think I could drive it with my height and feet!

Thanks a mill for the advice. I try to do the heel-toe thing too!

Redisle

Yeah as others have said I don't think you want a car with pedals that are close together. That is a real menace in the 106 and the Saxo, the accelerator is also right against the wheel arch making driving with large shoes a serious pain. You probably want pedals close to the driver? Or a seat with height adjustment maybe...

106 and Saxo are terrible cars nowdays from a saftey point of view too so best avoided.

Edit: What's your budget OP?

You could take a look at a Hyundai i20. It has very good seat adjustment up/down and forward/back and also an adjustable steering wheel. Hyundai's from the last few years are very good in terms of build quality as they are built in Europe now. Leagues ahead of the old Getz etc and they come very well equipped too.

starlit

Redisle wrote: »

Yeah as others have said I don't think you want a car with pedals that are close together. That is a real menace in the 106 and the Saxo, the accelerator is also right against the wheel arch making driving with large shoes a serious pain. You probably want pedals close to the driver? Or a seat with height adjustment maybe...

106 and Saxo are terrible cars nowdays from a saftey point of view too so best avoided.

That be the main thing, engine power wouldn't be an issue have a 0998L/1.0L but prefer one a little more than that. I want one with height adjustment but that won't affect my blindspots.

areyawell

Fiat Punto pedals are stuck together. Grand cars once you don't rev the ****e out of em when changing gears.

Matt Simis

Alfa 156 pedals too close and also angled too far to the driver, designed for people with tiny legs but longer arms.. :pac:

ABajaninCork

Peugeot 206 have the pedals very close together. When I first got mine, I found it a real nuisance TBH, and it took me ages to get used to it. My husband didn't like the pedals either. If you're not used to it, the pedals can be dangerous...

We now have a Fiesta with pedals a decent width apart.

@OP. Why do you want the pedals so close together? As a matter of interest, I'm 5ft 2 and find absolutely no problem with pedals whatever car I drive. It's simply a matter of adjusting the seat and the steering column (if you can) to a comfortable level.

Redisle

Something like this could be an option too. Would probably want to be declared to the insurance company or maybe even ask them first..

starlit

I am notorious for revving unfortunately so punto best not suited to me!

I quiet like the Kias though - picanto, rio, creed/c'eed is it? The venga?
I like the toyotas too other than the yaris/auris and maybe the lower band of toyota corolla the hybird type not the saloon. Haven't seen the new years for hybird type (short back) of Toyota corolla around mainly older ones.

Other issue sometimes at a junction that has poor view I have to have my head out and bent over to see both sides would how I am positioned affect this or is it the car itself - pedals/seat an issue?

RandomAccess

Try a Honda Jazz / aka Honda Fit

ABajaninCork

I'd recommend a Fiesta. Dead easy to drive, easy to park, and if you get a Zetec model, a fair bit of poke too.

I have a 1.2 Steel (recommended by the good folks on this board! ). Great for city driving, and not too shabby on the motorways either. It feels more powerful than my old Peugeot 206 which was a 1.4 and could shift a bit too

starlit

Size of the pedals I have are no bother just to get to them is the issue and that I am being in a safe and correct position to drive in as well as it being comfortable and that I can see all round.

ABajaninCork

You should be able to adjust the seat/steering column, like I said...

starlit

I used to like the honda but not too gone on it, not into boy racer or sports cars!! Just a normal car for normal everyday driving.

I live in the countryside but often make trips to town and other places 15 mins to an hours drive the odd time. Half hours drives other than town be most often. I have yet to drive on a motorway but probably will in the future. Haven't driven in a city except in busy towns. I'd still be looking into a car that is good for country/town driving as well as city/motorway driving.

Whether its me overtaking or being overtaken I find the power of the engine isn't enough in the 0.998/1.0L. 1.2/1.3/1.4 would be what I be looking into any more than that I'd find it too powerful.

Really, been in a few fiestas but are they not a bit big?

starlit

What's the nissan micra/note, saab, the skoda and the suzuki like? Looked into citroen alright not so sure about them.

RandomAccess

Redisle wrote: »

Something like this could be an option too. Would probably want to be declared to the insurance company or maybe even ask them first..

If your driving position puts you uncomfortably close to the wheel and more importantly the airbag, then I would seriously consider asking your insurance company about those pedal extensions.

They may make it easier for you to brake hard in an emergency and keep you a safe distance from being struck by the airbag in an accident.

Redisle

You still haven't mentioned a budget?

I do think you should take a look at a Hyundai i20. The recent Hyundai's are miles ahead of the old Getz etc and are Europe built. Their chief designer is of BMW fame now and they are very well spec'd for a supermini. Parents have one and they are very adjustable with seat height and steering wheel adjust too. Pretty quick for a 1.2 and very economical too.

starlit

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Peugeot 206 have the pedals very close together. When I first got mine, I found it a real nuisance TBH, and it took me ages to get used to it. My husband didn't like the pedals either. If you're not used to it, the pedals can be dangerous...

We now have a Fiesta with pedals a decent width apart.

@OP. Why do you want the pedals so close together? As a matter of interest, I'm 5ft 2 and find absolutely no problem with pedals whatever car I drive. It's simply a matter of adjusting the seat and the steering column (if you can) to a comfortable level.

I thought for shorter people/small feet that having pedals close together be suitable!? I'm 4"10-4"11!!
The one I have I just push the seat forward in between and have a cushion to help with height and stretch to pedals. With a corsa I'd have to do that as well as bring it up a bit but doesn't help as it obstructs my blindspot views! Can see very little all around.

RandomAccess

doovdela wrote: »

I used to like the honda but not too gone on it, not into boy racer or sports cars!! Just a normal car for normal everyday driving.

I live in the countryside but often make trips to town and other places 15 mins to an hours drive the odd time. Half hours drives other than town be most often. I have yet to drive on a motorway but probably will in the future. Haven't driven in a city except in busy towns. I'd still be looking into a car that is good for country/town driving as well as city/motorway driving.

Whether its me overtaking or being overtaken I find the power of the engine isn't enough in the 0.998/1.0L. 1.2/1.3/1.4 would be what I be looking into any more than that I'd find it too powerful.

Really, been in a few fiestas but are they not a bit big?

The Honda jazz is a small city car, has no boy racer image or sports car pretensions at all so definitely don't rule it out for those reasons.

Other small cars to consider could be the vw lupo. That was available in a range of engines. Or maybe the Audi A2. Unless someone on here wants to volunteer themselves as being "short of leg" and authoritative on the subject, then the rest of us will just continue to suggest best guess options!

starlit

A reasonable budget really. Just in between. Between €11,000-€24,000 roughly if brand new, less than €10,000 at least if it second hand/trade in in garage/motor place/private sale.

Nothing too flashy like. Not mad on Audi's, BMW's or Merc's. Not big on status cars now!!

Remmy

With that budget you should have the pick of any of the cars mentioned second hand anyway, dunno how much they go for new but they probably still fit within your budget.

starlit

Have seen the new yaris with bigger engine for roughly near 15,000-20,000.
Lowest is 14,000 for yaris brand new for the new one. Picanto cheapest seen is 11,000 roughly. That is the price lists I've seen online. Second hand wise I get it for almost the same value more than the value of the car I have. Probably trade it in and get a new one. Its 8 years old.

ABajaninCork

doovdela wrote: »

I thought for shorter people/small feet that having pedals close together be suitable!? I'm 4"10-4"11!!
The one I have I just push the seat forward in between and have a cushion to help with height and stretch to pedals. With a corsa I'd have to do that as well as bring it up a bit but doesn't help as it obstructs my blindspot views! Can see very little all around.

Not at all!! Not for me anyway. I find having pedals close together is downright dangerous! Then again, unusually I don't drive right up to the steering wheel either.

Can I ask? When the car's up to top speed, there should be no need to keep your foot on the clutch. I usually keep my left foot flat to the floor, unless I need to change gear and lightly rest the right on the gas to keep the speed/revs up.

Try having the back of the seat fairly upright, move the seat a bit closer and adjust the height of the steering wheel (if you can). Might make a difference.

starlit

I used to drive close to wheel but was not comfortable as my knees be hitting off under the wheel. So put it at in between position and suits me better, see all round better, better able to reach pedals and do everything more safely.

Ya I am good not to coast too much. I just clutch when necessary. Ya I always leave my left foot on the floor after clutching. Exception maybe when reversing and in traffic I might generally only use it when changing gears and before stopping.

The car I have doesn't adjust height just pushes it back and forth. Have to use cushion to raise me up. Corsa have to do that too but adjust height but it makes it awkward to see all round and not see blindspots very well just obstructs my view all round and not comfy in that position I am at even if it the seat pushes me in position to suit my height and legs. I am stiff upright.

Wheel at correct adjustment with car I have.

RandomAccess

Slightly OT but I thought this was a pretty cool gadget!

One step closer to a 456 Italia multifunction steering wheel, well somewhat.

listermint

Renault Kangoo. absolute nightmare to drive unless you have small female feet.

R.O.R

My sister is the same height as you OP, and has size 2 feet (yep, size 2!) and doesn't have any issues driving more or less anything.

She's currenty got a Grand Scenic (no, she didnt' ask my advice before buying....) but before that had a Kia Sorento, a few 307's as company cars and we shared a Focus for a few weeks (that I had to move the chair back before I could even get in).

As long as the seat and mirrors have good adhustments then anything should suit.

starlit

R.O.R wrote: »

My sister is the same height as you OP, and has size 2 feet (yep, size 2!) and doesn't have any issues driving more or less anything.

She's currenty got a Grand Scenic (no, she didnt' ask my advice before buying....) but before that had a Kia Sorento, a few 307's as company cars and we shared a Focus for a few weeks (that I had to move the chair back before I could even get in).

As long as the seat and mirrors have good adhustments then anything should suit.

I'm a size 3 foot so not far off!

Ya just hard to find a car that has good seat adjustments to suit me and be able to see blindspots that's all!

starlit

I'm still looking! But probably wait till nearer to 2014 to get one whether new or second hand!

I've a list of a few car's I'm interested in from research purposes:

Toyota Yaris, Verso-s and Auris
Mazda 2, Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta
Hyundai i20, ix20, i30
Kia piacanto, rio, pro-ceed/ceed, venga

The Yaris with a bigger sized engine 1.3L. Reviews bit mixed on the new yaris though best reviews for the new ford fiesta, hyundai and kia rio at the moment.

What is the difference with the hybrid for yaris/auris compared to the ordinary ones? They a manual but think they likely to be automatics?

Never thought I'd think of going for a i20/i30 hyundai. I spotted one in town a few days ago and I liked the size of it. I've seen the kia piacanto I loved it but might be a bit too small and too like the yaris with under 1.0L.

Though online the renault clio was recommended after valuing the car I have to run it compared to the clio.

I really like a car that have a decent sized engine, preferably petrol but with reasonable road tax and co2 emissions, fuel economy as I mentioned in thread previously.

In terms of the engine I know there be a massive difference between a 0.988L and 1.5L or 1.6L say but is there much of a difference between a 0 .988L and 1L/1.1L? Would a 1.2L, 1.3L or 1.4L be just about right for engine power for everyday driving, country drives and town driving? Longest I'd drive be an hours drive.

Thanks in advance for advice!

ABajaninCork

I've driven an i20. Nice car, very easy to drive. Good to park too. Never thought I'd say that about a Hyundai, but there you go!

I wouldn't go for a 1l. Not if you live in the countryside. It's all right for city driving, but anything other than that, it's a dead loss. If it's a manual, then you'd be looking for a clutch pretty quick too.

The very least would be a 1200. Like I said, I drive a 1200 Fiesta and it's a good all-round car. Great ciyy driving, and not too bad on the motorways either.