‘Technology is replacing common sense’

[petecossie]

Saw this on MSN, it is so true.

‘Technology is replacing common sense’: everything Telegraph readers hate about modern cars

We purchased a 2 year old Seat Leon 1.5 litre petrol earlier this year to replace my wife's 10 year old 2 litre Golf GT diesel which was coming up 100k miles. We've had three Golfs over the years and got so used to the build quality, performance, control layout etc. We looked at the latest Mk 8 Golfs but the weren't many available to the spec we wanted and they were so expensive. So the Leon was purchased, a great high spec model with leather heated seats, memory drivers seat, reversing camera etc with familiar VW running gear. However the "iPad" on the dash is an absolute pain, it's used to control just about everything on the car. The downside is that there are far too menus and sub menus for the simplest of tasks eg reset trip meter takes 4 sub menus, crazy!!!
Also any functions you cancel eg lane assist, lights on instead of just DTRL, etc have to be reset every time the ignition is switched on. As the article points out it's getting to be a safety issue, as you can't just turn a knob or flick a switch to get an instant result but have to use the "iPad" which is so distracting.
The car itself is great to drive, is very comfortable and does look great, but the lack of conventional switch gear is an absolute pain for everyday driving.
Seriously thing of going back over to the latest low mileage Mk 7½ VW Golf 2litre diesel I can find to get some sense of normality and enjoy driving again.

 

[andyglym]

Saw this on MSN, it is so true.

‘Technology is replacing common sense’: everything Telegraph readers hate about modern cars

We purchased a 2 year old Seat Leon 1.5 litre petrol earlier this year to replace my wife's 10 year old 2 litre Golf GT diesel which was coming up 100k miles. We've had three Golfs over the years and got so used to the build quality, performance, control layout etc. We looked at the latest Mk 8 Golfs but the weren't many available to the spec we wanted and they were so expensive. So the Leon was purchased, a great high spec model with leather heated seats, memory drivers seat, reversing camera etc with familiar VW running gear. However the "iPad" on the dash is an absolute pain, it's used to control just about everything on the car. The downside is that there are far too menus and sub menus for the simplest of tasks eg reset trip meter takes 4 sub menus, crazy!!!
Also any functions you cancel eg lane assist, lights on instead of just DTRL, etc have to be reset every time the ignition is switched on. As the article points out it's getting to be a safety issue, as you can't just turn a knob or flick a switch to get an instant result but have to use the "iPad" which is so distracting.
The car itself is great to drive, is very comfortable and does look great, but the lack of conventional switch gear is an absolute pain for everyday driving.
Seriously thing of going back over to the latest low mileage Mk 7½ VW Golf 2litre diesel I can find to get some sense of normality and enjoy driving again.

I can't be arsed with all this tek, it just gets in the way. It's even on motorbikes now, an ipad for a binnacle, WTF

 

[Argyll Andy]

Saw this on MSN, it is so true.

‘Technology is replacing common sense’: everything Telegraph readers hate about modern cars

We purchased a 2 year old Seat Leon 1.5 litre petrol earlier this year to replace my wife's 10 year old 2 litre Golf GT diesel which was coming up 100k miles. We've had three Golfs over the years and got so used to the build quality, performance, control layout etc. We looked at the latest Mk 8 Golfs but the weren't many available to the spec we wanted and they were so expensive. So the Leon was purchased, a great high spec model with leather heated seats, memory drivers seat, reversing camera etc with familiar VW running gear. However the "iPad" on the dash is an absolute pain, it's used to control just about everything on the car. The downside is that there are far too menus and sub menus for the simplest of tasks eg reset trip meter takes 4 sub menus, crazy!!!
Also any functions you cancel eg lane assist, lights on instead of just DTRL, etc have to be reset every time the ignition is switched on. As the article points out it's getting to be a safety issue, as you can't just turn a knob or flick a switch to get an instant result but have to use the "iPad" which is so distracting.
The car itself is great to drive, is very comfortable and does look great, but the lack of conventional switch gear is an absolute pain for everyday driving.
Seriously thing of going back over to the latest low mileage Mk 7½ VW Golf 2litre diesel I can find to get some sense of normality and enjoy driving again.

My OH recently got a new Petrol (proper engine ) Leon Cupra, absolute flying machine and a great car but like you the lack of switches etc is an absolute PITA. The worst is lane assist, I hate the bloody thing, I thought it would be like the Z4, switch it off once and forget about it, not bloody likely. Needs turned off everytime you press the ignition switch. In the Cupra you can switch this off via the steering wheel. Circular button on the left below the volume control, and press the right hand toggle button once to switch it off. Drive away from the house the one way every day, very quick reminder if I’ve forgotten to do it, going into the first left hander and it tries to kill me by throw me into the ditch, after a brief swearing rant I then switch off via the steering wheel

 

[Nodzed]

Yep Volvo is the same, that said near everything can be controlled by voice command and it works pretty much flawlessly, but I'd rather have switches.

 

[Ianmc]

Same with driverless cars, only any use to drunk petrol heads.

 

[elevensies]

i hate modern cars for exactly this. (modern as in anything post 2010 when every car maker wanted to go super tech)
my daily a few years ago was a 76 dodge pickup with a 5.8lt v8, but the fuel hike government forced my hand into selling it, and getting a old toyota van..during fuel hike i ran it off neat veg oil at half the price.


I like our z3, its simple like me

 

[Ianmc]

i hate modern cars for exactly this. (modern as in anything post 2010 when every car maker wanted to go super tech)

Couldn't agree more. All my cars are pre 2000; wouldn't want anything newer.

 

[RickyBobby]

I have a Tesla Model Y which has no buttons and relies on the central screen for everything - I don’t mind it and quite enjoy the technology and over the air software updates. The last one provided Amazon Music streaming.

But the lack of technology is exactly what appeals to me about the Zed's - you can't beat a focused driving experience if that's what you are out to do.

I loved the manual roof option in the Z3 and the fact they all had electric seats and a spare wheel but I do prefer the additional comfort the E89 interior affords - that said I think BMW absolutely nailed it with the E85 / E86 interior, especially if you get one with the extended leather option. I always described it as everyrhing you need and nothing you don't - assuming of course you got one without the SatNav option and additional CD changer

 

[the Nefyn cat]

I can't be arsed with all this tek, it just gets in the way. It's even on motorbikes now, an ipad for a binnacle, WTF

Behold the Royal Enfield answer to technophobia. Positively swamped with information, me.

And 90-something mpg, too.

 

[Toby]

Readán article last week, and research has shown, switches and buttons are quicker and safer than touch screens and infotainment centres.

Who would have guessed that

 

[mwpe]

The Z3 is the most modern car I ever want. I sold the E46 and bought a 1971, Fiat 500 much simpler.

 

[Grumps]

I can't stand new tech. My daily is a 2012 BMW 520gt, it's a lovely car and has everything required, all the usual extras, heated leather blar blar. And behold! It has switches to turn on lights, adjust the heating settings etc, a wonderful invention the switch! For those that don't know me, I'm a lorry driver, I've had the same truck from new, it's a 2019 and was due to be renewed in September for a brand new Merc of the same model. I was dreading it as mine has switches and mirrors! I turned off adaptive cruise and lane assist when I got it back in 2019 and never gad to reset them since. Thankfully my company is feeling the pinch a little so decided to keep the trucks for another two years. The new model has everything controlled by a tablet, no switches. Mirrors are gone and replaced by cameras which are prone to fail, in that case you are sat at the side of a motorway awaiting breakdown services. Safe? Nope.
I was so pleased when they said we would have to keep our trucks another two years. I've covered 580k in mine now and it still drives fine.
I will try to keep my GT for as many years as possible and relish the last two years in my old truck. Long live the switch!

 

[t-tony]

The amount of people that drive on DRLs when it’s almost dark in Florida truly amazes us. They’re totally oblivious as to whether they have any rear lights displayed at all, mostly they don’t. And all they need to do is set the light switch to “auto”. It’s not too difficult is it?

Tony.

 

[Toby]

The amount of people that drive on DRLs when it’s almost dark in Florida truly amazes us. They’re totally oblivious as to whether they have any rear lights displayed at all, mostly they don’t. And all they need to do is set the light switch to “auto”. It’s not too difficult is it?

Tony.

Same here tbh Tony - because they illuminate the dash, folks think their lights are on.

The other year, pulled up behind a driving instructors car at traffic lights, dusk and no rear lights on. Got out and scared the instructor by tapping on the window.
Suggested she got the driver to turn her lights on. Instructor replied that they were on already, looking at the dash. I just explained they were only DRL. So they then struggled to look for the light switch.

Why DRL didnt include rear sidelights, is a foolish oversight.

 

[t-tony]

Front DRL are so bright that when they roll up behind someone, they assume their headlights are on.

Tony.

 

[Ianmc]

DRLs are a stupid invention. If you need lights, turn them on. If not, turn them off. Simple really. Bright lights in daylight are distracting, if not dazzling.
Ian
No nanny state party.
(Membership of one!)

 

[Pond]

Why DRL didnt include rear sidelights, is a foolish oversight.

Pretty sure they do in Sweden, etc.

Seen a few people (only just) driving along the A1 in almost darkness with just DRLs on. It's scary.

 

[mikeyH]

My E85 is a great car it has everything I need and no more. I saw a program about new cars that send info back to the makers and in some cases this is sent to the govt and insurers. Info about speed, where you have been and where you are now, and you can't turn it off. No thanks.

 

[Toby]

My E85 is a great car it has everything I need and no more. I saw a program about new cars that send info back to the makers and in some cases this is sent to the govt and insurers. Info about speed, where you have been and where you are now, and you can't turn it off. No thanks.

That was GM in USA, collecting driving style and habits, and selling that info onto insureance co. so they could adjust your premium. Dont think it was every given to the Gov. or law enforcement - no money in it .

 

[Dxbolton]

Readán article last week, and research has shown, switches and buttons are quicker and safer than touch screens and infotainment centres.

Who would have guessed that

The problem is switches cost more than a circuit board, so the accounts only want an iPad fitted.
it’s all about the money