Thousands of drivers ‘overwhelmed’ by car’s tech features

Thousands of motorists feel “overwhelmed” by the technical capabilities of their cars – with cruise control, assisted parking, and getting connected to Bluetooth among the most baffling features. In a poll of 500 car owners with a vehicle less than two years old, 68 percent said they struggle to get to grips with everything – taken aback by the likes of sports mode, electronic handbrakes, and autonomous emergency braking.

And 40 percent don’t believe they are using their beloved vehicle to its full potential – despite it being the most expensive tech purchase for 86 percent of drivers.

Sat-navs, voice activation, and reverse parking cameras are also things that bemuse drivers.

And 19 percent haven’t even heard of blind spot alert, while 18 percent don’t know about lane assist or digital key.

The research also found that over half (55 percent) admit it took six months for them to discover their motor came with certain features.

Following the findings, Hyundai, which commissioned the research, has created a quiz to expose the untapped potential of modern technology in new cars, and give drivers the knowledge they need to make their car-owning experience more pleasurable.

Further research of 500 new car drivers also found people are most likely to use car tech when it’s integrated into their driving routines.

And in the future, motorists would like to see new tech that helps with comfort (48 percent), followed by safety (40 percent), entertainment (33 percent), navigation (31 percent), and self-driving (23 percent).

It also emerged those under 40 are significantly more likely to want more comfort in their car, compared to older people – while 52 percent of under-30s desire more in-car entertainment.

Dr Martha Newson, cognitive psychologist who facilitated the consumer study, said: “With any car purchase being one of life’s bigger spends, drivers should take more time understanding the tech available at their fingertips, so they don’t miss out on safer, more comfortable, and more pleasurable experiences, every time they get in the car.

“We’ve proven that over half of drivers are missing out on this experience, and that’s why we want to bring this issue to light.

“I’ve been working with Hyundai to create this quiz to help drivers gauge how tech savvy they are, and show them how to change their relationship with technology for a better overall driving and ownership experience.”

It also emerged that it took an average of three-and-a-half months before owners got used to their car’s technology – with more than one in ten (13 percent) not realising it came with features like lane assist and cruise control.

But 31 percent don’t feel confident using the modern gadgets in their car – despite 73 percent describing themselves as tech savvy.

However, eight in ten like having the option to use advanced tech in their car – as it makes life easier for 55 percent, and leaves 39 percent feeling safer.

And a third (34 percent) of those polled, via OnePoll.com, are so used to driving a modern car, they could never drive an older model again.

Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai Motor UK, added: “It is interesting to see the divide between tech adoption in our wider lifestyle choices, and that in our vehicles.

“We want to empower all drivers to embrace the technology available to them, and seize the opportunity to engage with our innovative tech, for a more pleasurable experience.”