Really thoughtful design features
Discussion
Sorry if there is already a thread on this (I couldn't find one), but, in contrast to the "Annoying things your car has" thread, does your car have any design features that you think are really useful or clever (not everyday things like auto box or cruise control). For example, my Audi B6 S4 has a feature on the light switch that automatically turns off fog lights when you turn off your lights. As a consequence you must make a conscious decision to turn your fogs on each time you need them - they can't just be left on. It also has a little sunvisor above the rear view mirror, which is very handy.
CR6ZZ said:
For example, my Audi B6 S4 has a feature on the light switch that automatically turns off fog lights when you turn off your lights. As a consequence you must make a conscious decision to turn your fogs on each time you need them - they can't just be left on.
Every car I've ever owned does this, right back to my 1996 Honda Civic 1.4. I'm surprised anyone would design lighting controls that didn't work in this way. KaraK said:
My Impreza has a little sunvisor above the rearview mirror as well.. Great idea even if it's a touch too small to be truly useful.
Volkswagen used to have them too - my old 2001 Polo GTI did - until VW probably decided it would be cheaper to use a tinted bit instead. Not quite the same.Favourite feature I've seen lately are the LED map reading lights in the new Audi TT. Rather than have a button, you just touch the light cover itself to turn on and off.
lauda said:
CR6ZZ said:
For example, my Audi B6 S4 has a feature on the light switch that automatically turns off fog lights when you turn off your lights. As a consequence you must make a conscious decision to turn your fogs on each time you need them - they can't just be left on.
Every car I've ever owned does this, right back to my 1996 Honda Civic 1.4. I'm surprised anyone would design lighting controls that didn't work in this way. 1999 Avensis
When you have the heaters on and pointed at the windscreen to clear it, the central dash vents still blow cool air when opened. The only other car I have known to do this was my old mk2 Astra, it's small but very thoughtful and stops you getting too hot when you need the heating on
When you have the heaters on and pointed at the windscreen to clear it, the central dash vents still blow cool air when opened. The only other car I have known to do this was my old mk2 Astra, it's small but very thoughtful and stops you getting too hot when you need the heating on
That little sun visor that A4s have is such a simple but great thing. I don't know why manufacturers don't give you more stuff to block out the sun with - it can be such a pain at this time of year.
On the subject of light switches, the front fogs on my Volvo don't illuminate a light on the dash. The light is on the switch, which is hidden by my knee and the steering wheel.
On the subject of light switches, the front fogs on my Volvo don't illuminate a light on the dash. The light is on the switch, which is hidden by my knee and the steering wheel.
lauda said:
CR6ZZ said:
For example, my Audi B6 S4 has a feature on the light switch that automatically turns off fog lights when you turn off your lights. As a consequence you must make a conscious decision to turn your fogs on each time you need them - they can't just be left on.
Every car I've ever owned does this, right back to my 1996 Honda Civic 1.4. I'm surprised anyone would design lighting controls that didn't work in this way. 
Prawo Jazdy said:
That little sun visor that A4s have is such a simple but great thing. I don't know why manufacturers don't give you more stuff to block out the sun with - it can be such a pain at this time of year.
My Range Rover has double sun visors so you swing one down and then sideways to block the sun in the side winowow, and then another behind that can be flipped down to work in the forward window.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff