The new interiors are supposed to include slim line seats, similar to those in the DHC 8-Q300, providing an extra 1-2 inches leg room.
The climb performance of the ATR certainly is poor, particularly with 68 pax in ISA+ conditions or icing. According to ATC it is marginally faster than other Air NZ Link aircraft in the cruise and descent. It can be very difficult in crosswind conditions given it's narrow undercarriage and long fuselage.
Benefits from the pilots point of view include its power management system, which means no adjustment required to the Power Levers in the climb and cruise and a quiet, spacious cockpit with modern systems. The best bit is it's average sector burn is 640kg per hour, keeps the accountants happy!