The increasing reliance on digital screens in vehicles is becoming a safety concern. In the effort to provide sleek, contemporary vehicle interiors, automakers have pushed for prominent, center-mounted touchscreens, eliminating tactile buttons and dials. However, these screens can be distracting, leading to safety implications. Euro NCAP, a European car safety performance assessment program, has recognized this risk and announced that starting from 2026, vehicles lacking physical controls for certain functions would face a lower safety rating. In this article, we explore the current landscape of vehicles without center screens and discuss the ongoing debate between digital interfaces and physical controls in automobile design.
1. Vehicles without Center Screens
Despite the popularity of touchscreens in automotive interiors, there are still vehicles available without center screens. Brands like Dacia, for instance, offer the Sandero, Logan, Jogger, and Duster without a central display if the entry-level versions are chosen. Fiat markets the basic Panda model and the recently launched ë-C3 with a setup that excludes a screen. Moreover, the recently discontinued Volkswagen Up also lacked a center display in its basic trim.
2. Utilizing Existing Technology
While these vehicles may lack built-in center displays, many leverage existing technologies like smartphone connectivity for an improvised infotainment system. For example, the Volkswagen Up allowed owners to use their smartphones as removable infotainment systems. Similarly, Dacia provides a ‘Media Control’ option which turns your smartphone into a means to control car functions.
3. Automotive Luxuries Minus Screen Display
In the luxury car realm, brands such as Bugatti and Ferrari also shun center displays in favor of a more traditional aesthetic. Similarly, other commercial vehicles like the first-generation Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo opt for screen-free interfaces. Some might even argue that cars’ interiors without a screen look outdated in 2024, though, the absence of infotainment systems means more intuitive, functional, and old-school controls.
4. Compromise between Digital and Physical Controls
While there’s no perfect compromise between screen interfaces and physical controls, some car companies try to marry both elements. The recently updated Tucson from Hyundai retains its dual-screen setup but includes more tactile buttons. The brand has expressed its long-term commitment to physical controls, maintaining that they’re easier to use while driving.
5. The Future of Car Interiors
However, not all automakers share this perspective. BMW, for instance, has already done away with its iDrive controller in several car models, signaling a move away from physical controls towards more screen-based interfaces. As electric vehicles come to the fore, we can expect digital dominance in the automotive interior design.
To conclude, the increasing reliance on center screen displays in car interiors does cater to a tech-savvy generation of drivers, but it poses significant safety concerns. As automakers try to strike a balance between digital modernity and tactile functionality, the future of car interior design remains in flux. As consumers, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the potential distractions caused by screen-based interfaces, advocating for a safer driving experience.