In its latest round of vehicle safety tests, Euro NCAP has reaffirmed its belief that the use of physical buttons or controls for basic functions is safer.
This point is illustrated by the differing performances of the latest generation Audi Q7, the Kia EV2 and the new Xpeng X9, due in Ireland next year.
Both the Q7 and the X9 are large, premium cars aimed at families, but, according to Euro NCAP, the Q7 SUV shows how to make driving controls simple, intuitive and ultimately safe, whereas the X9 relies too heavily on touchscreen technology.
Under the Safe Driving section of Euro NCAP’s safety rating, the key driving controls – indicators, windscreen wipers and washer, hazard warning lights, horn and eCall emergency button – should be operated by a direct physical input rather than hidden within a menu on a touchscreen.
Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, which has previously been criticised for doing away with buttons and switches, scores a high 90 per cent overall for driving controls: 100 per cent for the essential driving tasks and 80 per cent for comfort and infotainment.
Euro NCAP said the new Q7 uses buttons and stalks that are clearly visible and ergonomically sited, are easily operated manually and reduce the chances of driver distraction.
The Kia EV2, a smaller SUV also achieves excellent scores for its driving controls.
In contrast, Euro NCAP said Chinese car maker Xpeng relies too heavily on the central touchscreen, which can be distracting, scoring only 20 per cent for its primary driving controls.
