Car Tech Frustrations: Readers Say Enough is Enough
A recent influx of complex technology in modern cars has sparked consternation among drivers, with many expressing concerns that usability and safety are being compromised in the pursuit of innovation. Several Telegraph readers have voiced their dissatisfaction, echoing a common sentiment: that the technology has, in many cases, gone too far.
The crux of the issue, according to many, lies in the prevalence of touchscreen interfaces that have replaced physical buttons and dials for essential functions. This forces drivers to take their eyes off the road to navigate through layers of menus to adjust simple settings like the heating or radio volume.
“The first thing I do is switch off all the auto functions,” says Andrew Marchant, the owner of a 2024 Range Rover hybrid.
Credit: Christopher Pledger
One of the primary concerns is safety. The distraction caused by touchscreen controls can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, the dependence on technology has led to a loss of intuitive controls, which many readers believe undermines the driving experience.
Eppie Hutchings, who owns a Volkswagen Golf Mk8, highlights another set of problems, including the lack of physical buttons for heated seats and the overzealous intervention of safety systems.
Credit: John Robertson
“Every time I put my VW into reverse, it tells me to look and make sure it’s safe to move. It will not let me reverse into my tiny drive space… it slams on the emergency brakes at least four times,” shares Hutchings.
Other common complaints from readers encompass multiple chimes and beeps, over-intrusive lane-keeping assist systems, and the annoyance of features like electrically operated handbrakes.
Andrew Marchant, who has owned nine Range Rovers over the past two decades, also speaks to the frustration of having to navigate touchscreen menus to perform simple operations and the perceived unreliability of voice control systems. He is critical of the industry’s shift towards tech over simplicity.
Credit: Christopher Pledger
Several readers also discussed the lack of useful settings that can be saved for each driver profile.
“I don’t like the iPad set-up for how much time is taken with your eyes off the road to do simple stuff like change the radio station,” says Linda Marchant.
Other readers expressed similar sentiments.
Ashley Poundall states, “I dislike every new car more and more.”
Credit: John Robertson
The collective voices of Telegraph readers highlight a growing unease with the direction of modern car design, suggesting that manufacturers may have reached a point where technological advancement is at odds with user experience and safety. The call for a return to more intuitive controls and less intrusive technology appears to be growing louder.
