Are Minimalist Car Interiors Just Another Passing Fad?

The rot set in before the new Golf, but it’s the new VW Golf Mk8 that’s really irked me. Even Volkswagen – which is about as open to sweeping controversial design changes as FBI agents are to fancy dress Fridays – has decided the Golf is officially Too Clever For Buttons. And it’s got rid of the lot.

If you want to adjust the temperature inside the new Golf, you slide your finger along a touch-sensitive gutter. Fancy a warm bum? The heated seat menu now lives in the touchscreen. A song you like’s just come on the radio – the volume depends on another touchpad. Everything else? Touchscreen. Except the hazard warning lights, and you get the sense VW begrudgingly kept that button because it was told to by The Powers That Be.

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MDarringer - 6/22/2020 10:07:49 AM

+4 Boost

The pendulum swings back and forth is all. My issue with touch screens is the extended time that eyes are off the road to navigate them.

Agent009 - 6/22/2020 10:29:32 AM

+6 Boost

100% agree on that

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/22/2020 4:24:09 PM

+5 Boost

It boggles my mind how touch screens front an back in a vehicle pass safety tests. What happens to occupants arms and hands in a crash? Where do they go as they are not caught by an airbag. What kind of forces can these tacked on screens endure before they become projectiles? Lastly what happens to the screen when it is toast? Does it allow you to drive home? Does it total out the car? I for one can live without a glass/digital dash.

scenicbyway12 - 6/22/2020 10:59:53 AM

+6 Boost

"Are Minimalist Car Interiors Just Another Passing Fad?"

I hope so.

qwertyfla1 - 6/22/2020 4:32:48 PM

0 Boost

No becuase it is much cheaper and faster to manufacture these types of "no frills" set ups and budget cars will be sure to follow suit in order to reduce costs and speed to market.

TomM - 6/22/2020 5:31:52 PM

+3 Boost

AS I have pointed out on numerous occasions - eventually we will not have real control of the cars that we might "drive". Speed, vehicle spacing, braking - all will be controlled and limited from the outside of the vehicle - the last vestiges of driving enjoyment are now being produced -and it is the Automated Driving that will eventually reduce a car to a mere appliance.

Tesla already has cars that inform their service departments when service is needed. And since YOU cannot access their computer systems - you really don't have many options for service. If you want a high performance vehicle - do not wait too long.

As far as minimalist interiors - that is a stylists nightmare - but eventually there will be more Luxurious interiors to replace them.

atc98092 - 6/22/2020 7:09:22 PM

+2 Boost

I truly hope they fade away as well. The proponents all talk about using a voice interface, but that's annoying when you have people in the car having a conversation. I don't want to tell my wife to stop talking so I can change an HVAC setting. Good way to be sleeping on the couch!

For some controls, it's OK if they are buried in a menu somewhere. I don't need a button on the dash to unlock the gas filler door, but I have one anyway. It could easily be on a screen, because I don't need to use it while in motion. But functions that are used regularly while driving need physical controls that can be used by touch, without taking your eyes off the road. Yes, there's a learning curve with a new car and you might need to look at the dash on occasion, but that doesn't last long.

LexSucks - 6/22/2020 9:10:43 PM

0 Boost

Looks like someone put a tablet inside of a coffin. Minimalist interiors are cold and somber looking.

MrEE - 6/25/2020 7:58:00 PM

+1 Boost

Just like people thought phones without keyboards would fail. A few select controls are all that is needed. Voice can fill in other functions and is safer than reaching for buttons.