Parking sensors and reversing camera ‘most-used’ car tech

Three-quarters (76%) of drivers think that too much technology in a vehicle can be distracting, according to research conducted by Dacia.

The carmaker found that more than half (61%) of respondents would rather have a more affordable car with just the technology they actually use. 

For drivers that have a long list of technological features on their own car, around a third think that there are too many fitted in the first place, while 69% think that in-car technology has become too complicated.

The research revealed that on average, drivers only use around 40% of the technological features fitted to their vehicles, with drivers aged between 25 and 34 regularly using the largest number of features in their car.

The features drivers want their cars to be fitted with over anything else are parking sensors, sat-nav and DAB radio.

Luke Broad, brand director for Dacia UK and Ireland, said: “We believe in providing our customers with everything that is essential, all for the best value – it keeps us faithful to our DNA.

“Features and technology on our cars should be in line with our customers’ demands so they pay for only what they need.

“At Dacia, we get the balance right, offering the most advanced features and technology that are essential for the driver’s comfort and pleasure but maintaining the best value.

“This survey shows that our vehicles are perfectly aligned with our customers’ expectations, and we still offer a unique proposition that resonates with the times.”

Across the New Duster range two of the UK’s most commonly used features of DAB radio and Bluetooth are fitted as standard, while one step up the range to Comfort and Prestige models brings a reversing camera and parking sensors, some of the UK’s other favoured technological features, while Media Nav brings satellite navigation – another UK favourite. The New Duster also now features an 8.0-inch infotainment screen.

This is reflected in the Sandero and rugged Sandero Stepway specifications, with all versions featuring DAB and Bluetooth, as well as parking sensors on the Comfort specification.

The same 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the New Duster is also available to Sandero customers.