There’s a growing divide among UK drivers over the role of technology in modern cars, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance.
As cars become increasingly more sophisticated and packed full of new technology, a large proportion of motorists do not necessarily see this as a benefit. Though some have embraced it, for many it is too much, and drivers are increasingly overwhelmed by digital overload.
Although a third (34%) of drivers say they use some of the technology in their cars, only one in five (21%) actually claim to use all of it. Meanwhile, 31% agree that modern tech improves the driving experience, but a significant 25% believe cars now have too many features - many of which are taking their attention away from the road. 18% agree that big screens are distracting, and 16% would rather have less technology in their vehicle. Intrusive driver alerts are also an issue for 16% of motorists, followed closely by the lack of physical buttons (15%).
Concerningly, 13% believe modern tech increases the risk of accidents, and the same number find digital dashboards hard to read. 13% also agree that infotainment systems are too complicated, highlighting the fact that some technology is not necessarily viewed as progress for a lot of UK motorists.
John Cassidy, Managing Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, added: “While the majority of manufacturers strive to innovate and ensure their cars have the latest tech, the reality is that this doesn’t translate into a better experience for a vast amount of consumers.
“With many key functions of a car, such as climate controls, important settings, and other commonly used features now requiring multiple inputs on a large screen, the issue isn’t just one of usability, but safety. Manufacturers need to prioritise user experience over impressive tech, given that the majority of drivers aren’t actually utlising the whole host of options available.
“For motorists who would rather have a car with less distracting and complicated features, dealers will be able to guide customers towards models which will better suit their needs, and financing options may open up a wider breadth of options for buyers to choose from.”
