The Most Pointless Features Introduced in Modern Cars: A Critical Look
The automobile industry is constantly innovating, introducing new features to enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. But amidst this wave of technological advancements, some features stand out as more hindrance than help. This article delves into the most useless and often obtrusive features in modern cars, exploring their shortcomings and questioning their true value.
1. Pointless Lane and Speed Monitoring Systems
Many modern cars come equipped with systems designed to inform the driver about lane departure, speeding, and potential collisions. While these systems may offer some level of safety, they often fail to deliver the desired outcomes. For instance, lane departure warnings can bark at the driver for minor distractions, and speed monitoring displays can be overwhelming, especially in situations where the display might flash incessantly due to frequent speed sign changes.
Example: Imagine driving peacefully along a familiar route and suddenly being startled by a beeping alarm because you wobbled a bit on the lane line. This happens frequently, and it disrupts the driving experience.
2. Overcomplication with Electronics and Infotainment Systems
Modern cars are increasingly laden with infotainment systems designed to offer a wide range of features, from WiFi and Bluetooth to complicated touchscreen interfaces. However, these systems often prove to be more of a hindrance than a help in daily driving. Features like rearview cameras, while useful in larger vehicles, are often redundant in compact cars with poor visibility.
Example: I have an MX-5 Miata, and in this small, agile vehicle, the top-down visibility is exceptional. The rearview camera is simply an unnecessary feature that complicates a driving experience where simplicity is key.
3. Panoply of Unnecessary and Confusing Controls
The trend towards touchscreens and away from traditional buttons and knobs has seen an uptick, catering to an increasingly tech-savvy consumer base. However, this shift towards digitization has often led to overcomplicated infotainment systems. Interacting with touchscreens for basic functions like adjusting the temperature, selecting radio stations, or changing the navigation route can be distracting and potentially dangerous.
Example: Automobiles like the Tesla Model 3 have controversially eliminated buttons and knobs, leaving the dashboard barren and confusing. While new electric vehicles are equipped with advanced safety tech, the digital interface often fails to integrate seamlessly with the tactile and visual elements that traditional car dashboards provide.
4. Excessive and Misleading Technology
Modern cars are riddled with features that seem innovative but often remain underutilized or even frustrating. For instance, auto stop-start systems are plagued with issues, including poor battery management, inconsistent performance, and the risk of software glitches.
Example: The auto stop-start feature in many cars can be more annoying than helpful, especially in colder climates. It frequently fails to engage properly, leading to a jerky start or no start at all, all while distracting the driver.
Conclusion
While the automobile industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it is crucial to ensure that new features enhance the driving experience rather than detract from it. The focus should be on practical and user-friendly features that genuinely contribute to safety, convenience, and enjoyment.
By reevaluating the necessity of these features and striving for simpler, more intuitive designs, the automotive industry can create vehicles that truly resonate with drivers and make the driving experience safer and more enjoyable. Whether it's the dashboard of the Hyundai Kona Electric or the user-friendly controls of a traditional car, the goal should be to prioritize ease of use and functional excellence over mere technological advancement.