Just a few thoughts...
How can one have too much torque? This is not some high-performance thing that runs away with you if you so much as breathe on the gas pedal!
That torque will save a beginner from stalling many a time.
My wife showed an interest in keeping our old Indica for herself to learn; she was nervous about trying on the brand-new swift. I told her: the Swift is easy to drive, but you need experience just to keep that old Indica running sometimes. She didn't need stuff like remembering to turn off the AC before any acceleration is possible doing a U-turn on the East Coast Road. Even I didn't need that.
(BTW, I have to say that apart from the hight issue, what difference does it make that it is a woman driving? There are short guys too.)
I also have to say that small cars are not necessarily easier to drive than big ones. But they are easier to get through small gaps in cities. The Swift is good for this, but one of the narrower cars mentioned might be even better.
Has she done that sitting test in other cars? It is a very good place to start: ability to reach the pedals without sitting on top of wheel, comfortability with view... Make sure she sits properly, as she would when driving. There is a beginner's tendency to lean forward. |