New research has found two-thirds admit they struggle to get their head around all the features on modern cars – and just over half think driving skills are on the decline due to modern features
A survey has revealed that six out of 10 drivers believe modern technology is taking the joy out of driving, with many set to miss spare wheels, handbrakes, and manual gears when they become a thing of the past.
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 drivers aged 18 and over, found that two-thirds struggle to understand all the features on modern cars and just over half believe that driving skills are deteriorating due to these new features.
Handbrake levers (31%), manual gears (28%), clutch pedals (28%), engine noise (26%), and key ignition (24%) are among the other features that will be missed. And a third of drivers will be saddened when spare wheels are completely phased out.
Drivers are most nostalgic about tape decks (19%), door mirrors instead of cameras (17%), and dashboard buttons (14%).
With touchscreens becoming a standard feature in modern cars, nearly half of drivers are nostalgic for the ‘old fashioned’ knobs and buttons. Those aged 65 and over are most likely to miss the spare wheel and manual gearboxes. However, younger drivers aged between 18 to 24 yearn for pop up headlights and manual sunroofs.
The research was commissioned by car shopping site CarGurus, which has created a guide on popular retro car features and which models still have them.
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Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK editorial director, commented: “As new models continue to be released with the latest technology, there is clearly plenty of appetite from consumers to hold onto some traditional features.”
“A mixture of nostalgia and user-friendliness has drivers wishing to have more analogue elements to their cars, while, at the same time, appreciating the added safety and convenience offered by today’s modern features.”
Over half of those surveyed believe that new drivers will miss out on the joys of driving due to the phasing out of traditional features. Additionally, 52% agree that the end of manual controls like handbrake levers and clutch pedals will make driving less enjoyable.
Interestingly, the study also found that 44% of drivers don’t tend to use new tech-driven features such as lane assist because they find them distracting or don’t trust them.
It’s the 18 to 24 year olds who feel that modern technology is taking the fun out of driving (82%), compared to 50% of those aged 65 and over. Despite this, the study found that 45% believe roads are becoming safer due to increased technology in cars. Similarly, 53% think that advances in technology are making vehicles easier to drive.
Among the modern features people appreciate the most are parking sensors, reverse cameras, and heated seats. The most used tech features during a typical drive are rain-sensing windshield wipers and reverse cameras.
When it comes to purchasing their latest motor, 57% of drivers consider tech a moderate or high priority. However, nearly half (49%) of 18 to 24 year olds have bought a car specifically for its more traditional features, compared to just 8% of those aged 65 and over.
Future cars could see motorists desiring features such as wireless charging for EVs (33%), external airbags (25%), and digital windscreens (24%).
Chris Knapman chimed in: “Some of the modern technology within new cars is desirable and valued, but there are various elements that drivers would prefer to avoid – and this balance is unique to each person.”
“The good news for drivers looking to hold onto their favorite aspects of analogue driving is that the used-car market offers a selection of models with a great mix of both new and older features.”
TOP 20 CAR FEATURES DRIVERS WOULD MISS
1. Spare wheel
2. Handbrake lever
3. Mirrors instead of cameras
4. Manual gearbox
5. Clutch pedal
6. Typical car engine noise
7. Key-operated ignition
8. CD/cassette player
9. Center dashboard buttons instead of a screen
10. Climate Control Knobs
11. Key operated doors/boot
12. Push-button AM/FM radio presets
13. Analogue dials and gauges
14. CD auto-changer
15. Manual window winders
16. Pop-up headlights
17. Roll-down quarter windows (vent windows)
18. Ashtrays and cigarette lighters
19. Manual sunroof (crank-operated)
20. Choke