A new study from Hyundai has revealed that Brits are missing out by not embracing the technology already available in their cars, with many drivers having no idea how to use their sophisticated car tech.
The poll of 500 modern car owners, found two thirds (68%) feel overwhelmed with the capabilities of their vehicle, with over a third (40%) admitting they don’t use it to its full potential.
Despite cars being the most expensive piece of technology 86% of Brits own, most aren’t making the most of it. A separate poll of 500 British drivers has revealed that 65% don’t use voice activation, 57% heated seats and 44% remote engine starting, even though nearly a third (30%) use technology to feel safer in the car and nearly two fifths (39%) desire more safety features.
The study also uncovers that unlike cars, drivers have actively embraced other tech items in their life. Over three quarters (78%) of drivers say they’re confident in engaging with the tech on their mobile phones, TVs (78%) and laptops and computers (67%).
However, when asked why their car technology wasn’t being used to its full potential, over half admitted it was due to complete ignorance (55%), while for others it was a lack of confidence when it comes to knowing how to use the tech properly (31%). Motorists also admitted to only discovering some of the technology in their car six months after purchase (55%). Conclusions from the study have proven that the more drivers embrace the advanced technology in cars, the more pleasurable owning a car can be. 30% of those surveyed, for example, said that they feel safer, with 29% more relaxed when using the technology in their car to its full advantage.
The research has also shown that it’s Gen Z that take more time and effort to learn how to use the technology available to them. People under 30 are significantly more likely to regularly use their car tech (78%), compared to people over 30, with those over 60 being the least likely to regularly use tech (63%). With new 2023 registration plates already on the road, the research has also shown that when it comes to buying a new car, brands (27%), size (22%) and the technology within it (21%) are the biggest priorities.
"At Hyundai, we’re proud to be leading the way with tech innovation. For example, our award winning IONIQ 5’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature has an adapter from which domestic appliances can be plugged into. From stopping to make a coffee on a scenic route or powering your accommodation at a campsite through V2L, the whole experience demonstrates the practicality of pioneering technology. It is interesting to see the divide between tech adoption in our wider lifestyle choices and that in our vehicles. As a leading EV mobility brand, we can already see Hyundai customers are big tech adopters, with over three quarters (78%) of our EV customers getting tangible benefits from using Bluelink, enabling convenient features such as remote access to your car’s battery status and traffic forecasting. 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." - Ashley AndrewPresident of Hyundai Motor UK.
Hyundai’s experiment has lead us to think about other brand’s useful technology that might be being overlooked by customers.
Nissan is a brand that features an array of technology, so we thought we would list some of their main features.
ProPILOT is a driver assist technology designed for motorway use in single-lane traffic. It is a combination of steering, accelerating, and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode, helping to create more confident and comfortable driving. It centres you in your lane and helps to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. It includes a stop-and-hold function that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place and can bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.
- Nissan Connect Services App
The NissanConnect Services app offers remote access to safety and convenience features, provides vehicle information and lets you program personalised alerts. Read our other blog post on the Nissan Connect Services App to find out more about these specific features.
- Regenerative Braking on the LEAF
This feature can add power back to the battery and enhance the LEAF’s range. It also makes e-Pedal driving even more efficient compared to a petrol or diesel equivalent. Every time you slow down or brake, your LEAF automatically will apply regenerative braking, but there are a few things you can do to enhance the system. Use the e-Pedal. By employing the e-Pedal system, your LEAF can enhance the amount of regenerative braking by employing the brakes more gradually.
Renault
The Cruise Control function is great for motorway driving. The feature allows you to take your foot off the pedal on long journeys and helps you to maintain your driving speed at a speed that you choose, called the cruising speed. This cruising speed may be set at any speed above 19 mph (30 km/h).
The speed limiter function helps you to stay within the driving speed limit that you choose, known as the limit speed. When a limit speed has been set but not yet reached, driving is similar to driving a vehicle without the speed limiter function. Once you have reached the stored speed, no effort on the accelerator pedal will allow you to exceed the programmed speed.
MG
- Intelligent High beam control
Automated headlight adaption. During auto position, the high beam automatically switches to low beam when it detects a car ahead. This prevents blinding the driver with a bright light.
With Traffic Jam Assist technology, your vehicle can come to a stop and then accelerate again by itself when it detects a traffic jam. It does this by monitoring the car in front and automatically following its pattern.
Overall, It is important that customers do their research on these features so that they can gain the most benefits from their cars.
