Heels & Horsepower Magazine

5 Most Annoying Car Features

By Vuyi Mpofu

Not all car features work to make driving easier and can instead be more irritating than helpful

Cars are fitted with numerous features aimed at making travel safe and convenient for both drivers and passengers.  Most of these features serve that purpose but there are a few which work well in principle but fall short in reality. 

Here are the 5 features which annoy me the most.

  1. Inaccurate GPS

Satellite navigation is great for guiding you to your destination – provided it’s up-to-date and is accurate.  Nothing irritates me more than trying to find my way using an ineffective navigation system, particularly when it comes as a standard feature in a freshly minted vehicle.  

Sure, roads change all the time but it is inexcusable that some manufacturers release cars with outdated GPS, leaving motorists to navigate using their phones.

2. Voice-control systems

Voice control systems are a pain in the you-know-what and nothing can be more irritating than a computerized voice parroting your commands inaccurately.  Granted, voice control systems weren’t designed with African languages in mind and unless the system is fitted in a premium ride, they can be exasperating to use.

3. Auto Stop/Start system

Although they have been around for a while, the jury (comprised of everyday motorists), is still not unanimous on the overall effectiveness of auto Stop/Start systems.  While they are great for saving fuel and are environmentally friendly, the general concern of many motorists is the amount of strain exacted on the engine as a result of the constant stopping and starting.

The other concern relates to the increased friction on some components within the engine and ignition system which can take quite a bit of strain when the car is in constant stop-and-go traffic as you consistently engage the brakes under heavy traffic conditions.  At any given time in Johannesburg, congestion on the road could be caused by motorists slowing down to rubberneck an accident site, merging lanes dues to roadworks, a vehicular breakdown, or just plain ol’ bumper-to-bumper traffic; all of which could cause the engine to stop and start hundreds of times.

In my opinion, though, the inclusion of an auto stop/start system in a car results in better fuel efficiency and emissions figures (which is advantageous to manufacturers) than it provides a good driving experience for drivers.

4. Non-adjustable steering wheels

It is difficult to assume a safe seating position when you can’t adjust the steering wheel to suit your posture.  Most steering wheels can be adjusted up and down but I think all steering wheels should come with the option of being pushed inwards towards the dash and outwards towards your chest as well.

A non-adjustable steering wheel is uncomfortable and can make driving dangerous which is why it’s one of my biggest bugbears.

5. Low-quality reverse cameras

Reverse cameras are generally a good idea but some manufacturers fit units that simply do not meet the basic quality standards of a mid-grade mobile phone.  Poor visuals, fuzzy images, and low lighting (even after you’ve made the necessary adjustments) all result in a headache for the driver.  In some instances, it would be better to just look over your shoulder!

New Cars On The Tarmac

Here are a few of the latest cars available on the market in South Africa.

  1. DATSUN GO

Anilda van Heedern attended the launch of the new Automatic CVT (continuous variable transmission) versions of the Datsun GO and GO+ which now have improved power and fuel economy.

The new Datsun Go models are equipped with a three-cylinder engine which delivers 57kW of power (7kW more than in the manual) and 104Nm of torque. They also come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, reverse parking sensors, follow-me-home headlamps, front and rear power windows, battery saving features, remote key, power steering and 14” machined Alloy wheels. The vehicles are available in a range of exciting colours including Red, Silver, Grey, White, Orange and the new colour Vivid Blue (additionally we have Sandstone Brown for GO+).

Anilda’s most memorable impressions are: 

LIKES

  • USB port
  • LCD touch screen
  • Apple/Android interface
  • 2 cup holders in front of handbrake area
  • Very fuel efficient (around 5L per 100km)

DISLIKES

  • Lack of quick acceleration e.g. to overtake a truck.
  • Petrol gauge is small and not that visible.
  • Seat belts don’t adjust up or down.
  • The boot only opens with a key, and there is no door handle on the boot door either
  • Using the handbrake is a must even when the car is in Park as it does not hold a dead stop but continues to run either back/forward for a few centimetres.  

Starting price: R

  • PEUGEOT 5008

The all-new PEUGEOT 5008 breaks new ground as a large seven-seater SUV.  Featuring a raised ride height, it’s striking front includes a prominent chrome grille with decorative chrome inserts, signature headlamps with LED daytime running lights, slanted rear windows and a three-claw LED lights, integrated into the rear black panel. 

Offering an exceptional on-board experience for occupants and a myriad of smart features for additional driving ease, the Peugeot 5008 boasts a compact steering wheel, an 8” touchscreen, and a 12.3” high-resolution digital head-up instrument.  Seven central satin chrome dashboard switches offer quick access to functionssuch as: Radio, Air Conditioning, Satellite Navigation, vehicle settings, telephone, apps, and hazard warning lights.  

Ideal for families, the 5008’s has aninnovative seating configuration- three matching, separate, folding and tilting seats in the second rowand two removable, separate, folding seats in the third row; as well as a practical hands-free smart electric tailgate.

The Peugeot 5008 is available in two petrol engines – 1.6L THP 121kW six speed automaticand 2.0L HDI 110kW six-speed automatic.

Starting Price: R534 900-00 incl. VAT

  • TOYOTA QUANTUM VX

Signalling new territory for the Toyota Quantum range, the Quantum VX enters the luxury-people-carrier arena with an impressive array of luxury and comfort features.  It features17” alloy wheels, a large chrome-finished radiator grille, chrome exterior door handles and power adjustable, auto-retracting mirrors, with blind spot monitoring functionality.

The 9-seater Quantum VX provides a limousine-like degree of cabin comfort for up to eight passengers, including a large captain’s chair, independent rear climate control and multiple USB ports, quilted leather upholstery, power-adjustment for the backrest and a fold out “ottoman” leg-rest.  Other features consist of an array of driver assistance features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite.  These include Pre-Collision Safety system (PCS) with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day only); high-speed active cruise control; lane departure alert; road sign assist; as well as a 4.2” multi-information display, rain-sensing wipers, LED room lamps, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, power windows and rear sunshade, to mention a few.

Powering the Quantum VX is a 6-speed automatic transmission linked to Toyota’s proven four-cylinder 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine, with outputs of 115kW and 420Nm.

Priced at: R 843 600

  • MAZDA2 FACELIFT

Featuring a new, more sophisticated design, new Skyactiv-Technologies and enhanced i-Activsense safety features, an upgraded version of the  popular hatchback, the Mazda2, is now available. 

With a very capable 1.5L petrol engine in both manual and automatic transmissions, the G-Generation Mazda2 range consists of six derivatives made up of the Active (Entry spec), Dynamic (Mid spec) and Individual and Hazumi (High spec) grade levels. 

Comfort and convenience on board have been improved through the availability of the Bluetooth hands-free system across the range, from the Dynamic model; an auto- dimming rear view mirror, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), for smoother vehicle movements and handling. 

An expanded range of advanced safety features now includes LED headlamps fitted as standard across the model range. Side and curtain airbags, auto dimming rear-view mirror from the Dynamic model. Auto fold mirrors, reverse camera, rear parking sensors from the Individual model and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Hazumi. 

Starting price:  R254 300