

Not only will it be handy in the unlikely event of an accident, a full-face helmet will help protect you from flying debris, wind and noise. A helmet is optional in some states – check your local regulations – but I’d recommend wearing one anyway.

On a nice day, I’d feel just as safe in jeans and driving shoes or sneakers.

For my first ride in the new three-wheeler, I also wore motorcycle pants and boots – mostly for weather protection, because the forecast promised intermittent showers (which never materialized, thankfully). I choose to gear up for a ride in Slingshot like I would for a motorcycle ride, with a padded jacket, gloves, and a helmet with eye and ear protection. Getting into Slingshot takes a little bit of practice, but is nowhere near as awkward for me at six feet two inches than getting into an exotic Italian supercar, and is actually more comfortable and cozy once in place. Despite the upgrades and classier look, Slingshot’s cockpit can still be rinsed out with a hose and drained by pulling a plug in the floorboard. The steering wheel is now multi-function, and a racy flat-bottomed model. Standard keyless ignition cleans up more clutter, and gives you a cool “Start/Stop” button in the deal. There’s not a whole lot of covered storage in the cockpit – a glove compartment, center armrest, and two lockable bins behind the seats – but it’s a little smarter and easier to access than before, and there are several places to stash a cellphone or wallet. Slingshot walks the line between modern and stark. The challenge with an open cockpit like this is balancing durability and weather resistance with comfort and styling. LED interior lighting is a welcome addition. There’s been great attention paid to touchpoints – places where your body has to come into contact with the vehicle. Slingshot’s interior has been revamped for 2020, significantly upgrading the materials, finishes and build quality.
