Good article written about the functionality disasters of car trends (big wheels,etc)

[K-A]

Of course, this is a Car Forum, so we have a bit of a distorted view when it comes to the role of the Automobile. But true is true, and a good article is a good article, and I think this is something that needs to be pointed out.

Lots of people in all Car Forums have been complaining about harsh rides, tire blowouts (on 18's mind you, never mind those who go bigger), due to potholes, and crumbling roads.

Also, blind spots are becoming issues, along with headroom, etc. etc.

This is a good article, calling out many of the design trends that are functionality (and safety) disasters. And it focuses mostly on everyday commuter cars (even giving passes to the likes of exotics, full blown Sports Cars, etc.).

LINK:
Design Disasters - Yahoo! Autos

This is one thing I always said when picking my E over the CLS's I was cross-shopping. I like Sedans so I don't think "plunging roofline = sexy look" automatically, and I think a car like the E (or 5-Series, or S-Class, etc., i.e dynamic 3-Box shapes) nails the "style/functionality" aspect perfectly, with a stately yet sexy proportional look, an airy cabin, yet maintaining a sporty dynamic, all at the same time.

 

[Human]

Very interesting and a good read! And we all can relate to each and every situation (especially those of us who love our cars and driving)

 

[K-A]

Agreed my friend.

I think the word "appropriate" is getting forgotten about in car-land.

Everyone is trying to be everything at once. I mean, now you get get a Hyundai Sonata for under $20K with a faux "4-Door Coupe" theme, and my Chevy Malibu has such small windows/greenhouse, and looks like such a chop-top, it's difficult to maneuver until you get the hang of it. The drivers of these types of cars are being put to tasks.

I'm more than happy to see Sedans being more dynamic than ever, with Coupe like profiles, yet Sedan functionality, but I'd love to see Sedans stay Sedans, Coupes stay Coupes, and SUV's/Crossovers stay just what they are. As like the article states, some of these big cars with tiny sightliness is a safety risk.

 

[Kowalski]

Dear K-A.

Go to your nearest Buick dealer and ask to test-drive the new Regal. It's the worst offender of this "Form over Function" trend IMO and chances are that will be in your opinion too.

 

[K-A]

Will do. Considering it's cut from the same cloth as my Malibu, I'm sure I can already imagine. I am really happy with my Chevy actually, and the tiny greenhouse does give such a economical car choice quite some character, but I think character can be given without sacrificing so much function, interior airy ambiance, and safety. This is what Designers get paid the big bucks for!

 

[martinbo]

I couldn't agree more with the writer of that article. So incensed am I by the mindless dogma of people buying a car purely based on how it looks on the showroom floor (rather than taking it for a good 'ol test and evaluating how it drives as opposed to increasing your driveway cred) that I go out of my way to explain the folly of going for an X5 Sport over an X5 Exclusive, or a Kia Sportage over a Hyundai iX35 for example.

A good mate of mine took my advice when recently purchasing his new X5. Heeding my experience he opted to evaluate a standard X5 alongside the sport with its 20" wheels and stiff suspension. He is delighted with his purchase of the standard model on sensibly sized rims. Handling is more than impressive for a car of its size and heft and yet, the ride is damn near magic carpet. Being single, he was first after an X6 but after experiencing the superior visibility out of the X5 the choice became a good deal more straightforward.

It's funny how as a race, we're so hell-bent on portraying the right image. We'd rather buy a car that looks the part even if it falls short in day-to-day livability, practicality and safety...

Another classic pet hate of mine are these button-festooned centre consoles. Ergonomically - they're crap. Whatever happened to the good ol' three dial concept? You don't (and shouldn't have to - in the interests of safety) need to glance down looking for a 1.5 cm button with a fan and a plus sign on it just to up the fan speed. With a quick twist of the wrist one should be able to adjust ventilation speed, mode and temperature without looking at the hangdown console. Volvo is one company that gets these ergonomics damn near perfect - I love the intuitive ease-of-use of the controls on their floating centre consoles.

 

[K-A]

Agreed!