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Modern Cars Display Features Like Cameras in Mirrors, Electronic Door Handles, and Even Karaoke, but Many of Them Add Little to the Driver in Practice
Cars are becoming increasingly technological, with features that promise comfort, safety, and performance. However, some functions come with sophisticated names but ultimately do not add anything in practice. Often, they just increase the vehicle cost and are rarely used.
External Mirrors with Cameras
The Audi E-Tron, launched in Brazil in 2020, replaced traditional mirrors with cameras. The proposal seemed futuristic, but in practice, it did not bring advantages.
The field of view is similar to that of a regular mirror, and at night, there is no night vision. Additionally, in case of a malfunction, the repair is much more expensive than that of a traditional mirror.
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Therefore, it is a function that adds little to the driver.
Karaoke on Board
This novelty frequently appears in Chinese cars. The idea is for the driver and passengers to sing during trips.
It sounds fun on a long journey, but it is unlikely to be used in everyday life.
Most of the time, the feature is forgotten. As a result, it becomes an expendable item.
Electronic Door Handles
The technology arrived in Brazil with the Chevrolet Corvette C6 in 2005 and later gained traction in Tesla models. Instead of the traditional lever, an electronic button releases the door.
The problem is that the manual door handle already serves the function simply and effectively. Moreover, cars with electronic door handles need to maintain an extra mechanical system for emergencies in case of electrical failure. In other words, there is no real gain.
Heated Steering Wheel and Seats
Created for extremely cold countries, the feature is present in luxury cars. It heats the seats and steering wheel, providing comfort in negative temperatures.
In Brazil, however, the system rarely makes sense. The dashboard heater is already sufficient for dealing with cold days. Thus, the technology becomes useless for most drivers.
Compass on the Dashboard
Some vehicles, like Fiat’s Adventure line and the Nissan Sentra, offer an integrated compass. In the past, it could have been useful for orienting drivers in remote areas.
Today, with the advancement of smartphones and apps like Waze, the compass has lost its relevance. The cellphone, connected to the internet, already provides much more complete and accurate navigation.
What to Consider
When choosing a car, it’s important to evaluate which features truly provide benefits. Many devices are marketed as differentiators but end up being unnecessary in everyday life.
Additionally, they can increase the vehicle’s price and even lead to extra maintenance costs. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prioritize items that genuinely provide safety, economy, and practicality.
With information from Olhar Digital.
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