When a person born last century complains about technology, they’re labeled as old-fashioned or behind the times. Especially with new-fangled devices in cars.
But the video below is the voice of a young woman, sitting in the driver’s seat of a 2026 Mini Cooper, and asking what has happened to cars today?
We’re all in favour of technological advancements, especially for safety’s sake. And the dashboard of the Mini is beautiful in its own minimalist way. But hiding the gear selector, climate controls or other basics of vehicular operation is not an improvement. It’s change for the sake of being different, not better.
There’s a lot to be said for the simplicity of old cars …. crank up windows, the old “whip” radio antenna, bias tires, carburetors, bumpers that weighed 50kg. The “good old”, bad old days. But, I still prefer the newer ones!
I hear you. My newest car is 10 years old, and my oldest is 30+ but has ben modified with many modern conveniences. But if I can’t even find the gear selector on a car, there’s a problem. Just because it’s new or different doesn’t make it better.
I AM an old man, and new stuff sucks. Whether it’s cars or washing machines or dryers or refrigerators. They all suck compared to stuff made to last decades ago…
Not going to argue this point with you.
I actually sat in that same car (from the video) at the autoshow last year. There’s literally rope spokes between the steering wheel rim and hub. So, so weird.
Hiding everything makes it harder to steal. No manual transmission is a no-go for me. Is this mini electric or gas?
I think the Mini in the picture is gas, but the electric looks the same inside. Almost identical.
While ‘hiding’ controls might make it harder to steal, it also makes it way harder for the driver in an emergency situation. I’ve had times where I was in an (auto) car and had to quickly reverse out of a situation, then put it in drive and quickly get away. Good luck doing that with a knob or touchpad or other silly PRNDL alternative.