UK drivers shun safety systems for practical features

Written By Phill Tromans

A new study has revealed that many British motorists would rather have simple, easy-to-use tech like parking sensors and USB ports than the latest high-tech safety systems found in modern cars.

According to research by eBay, parking sensors were rated the most essential in-car feature by 37% of UK drivers. USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity were close behind, with 29% of respondents picking each as must-haves.

The study comes at a time when the UK’s car fleet is ageing. Around 11.4 million cars on British roads –nearly one in three – are more than 12 years old, meaning many missing on these modern features.

Natually, eBay points out that you can update such old cars using third-party systems that can be bought online.

More complex advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like automatic emergency braking or lane keeping assist, weren’t as popular. In fact, 38% of motorists said they find these features uncomfortable or intrusive, and more than half (51%) admitted they’d never used one or more of the advanced features already fitted to their cars.

Top 10 in-car features UK drivers really want:

Parking sensors – 37%
USB charging – 29%
Bluetooth connectivity – 29%
Reversing camera – 27%
Assisted steering – 20%
Heated seats – 17%
Phone mirroring – 14%
Dashcam – 13%
Blind spot assist – 11%
Upgraded stereo – 10%

It's relatively easy to add some of the more preferred systems to older cars.

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Top 10 in-car features UK drivers really want:

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