Several individuals bemoan the vanishing of buttons in car cabins, in preference for displays and touch-sensitive controls. For car manufacturers, these tangible inputs come at a cost, hence the reason they are gradually disappearing. Those who value buttons know they are easy to locate just by touch, without diverting attention from the road. This undoubtedly enhances safety, and it appears that in approximately two years, European assessors will begin treating it as a critical aspect. To achieve the highest achievable European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety rating moving forward, manufacturers will have to integrate a minimum number of physical inputs for essential functions.
Before jumping ahead, the standards unfortunately do not specify that controls frequently adjusted, like those for the HVAC system or basic media activities, must be operated off a touchscreen. In this case, Euro NCAP seems mainly focused on functions crucial to safety. As quoted by The Verge from The Times of London, “vehicles will be required to utilize buttons, dials, or stalks for hazard warning lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, SOS calls, and the horn.”
Thankfully, I cannot recall the last time I used a vehicle that depended on capacitive inputs for any of those functions. It might not be the comprehensive change most prefer, but it is a step in the right direction. Of course, Tesla is known for moving turn signals to touch-sensitive operation, a change that many seem to dislike. If this adjustment helps in simplifying operation for drivers of the world’s most popular EV, it will undoubtedly enhance safety for all road users. Personally, I am in favor of this.
The 2025 Volkswagen GTI’s updated interior features hard buttons on the steering wheel. Volkswagen
It is important to note that adherence to the Euro NCAP regulations is entirely voluntary and not legally mandated. In this context, it is akin to the assessments conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the U.S. Many automakers are keen on showcasing their IIHS ratings when favorable, particularly because the IIHS’ standards are significantly more rigorous compared to those of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whose rules are grounded in dated legislation. It is reasonable to assume that modifications made for other markets may eventually influence our own, to avoid unnecessary expenses. Why abandon a turn signal stalk you have already engineered, unless you have a principled objection to practicality?
This initiative may not revolutionize modern car interiors overnight, but it will certainly be beneficial. It aligns with the efforts of various car manufacturers to reintroduce buttons and physical controls into their vehicles, aiming to regain favor with dissatisfied customers. Volkswagen is spearheading this with the new GTI and Golf R, replacing the troublesome Mk8 steering wheel with its entirely touch-sensitive controls for one featuring exclusively hard keys. Hyundai has also pledged to join the cause. Let’s hope other major players follow suit.
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