Why Some Modern Car Features Might Not Be Worth It Yet
A recent analysis by the Analytical agency Avtostat sheds light on what drivers actually value in new cars and which options buyers are most willing to skip. The takeaway is clear: not every gadget earns its keep when you weigh the cost against real-world use. In markets across North America, this kind insight helps buyers focus on features that improve daily driving rather than add unnecessary complexity or expense.
In a survey of car owners and prospective buyers, a striking 70% indicated they would be happy to do without a power trunk. The convenience of a powered liftgate sounds appealing, but for many users the payoff is not enough to justify the extra cost, potential maintenance, and added weight. The data points to a broader pattern: people often prioritize core usability over premium niceties when evaluating a vehicle’s value proposition.
Following closely, roughly 60% of participants said they could live without an omnidirectional imaging system. While surround-view cameras enhance parking confidence and situational awareness, a sizable portion of drivers still rely on traditional mirrors and careful maneuvering, especially in areas with stringent vehicle size limits or tighter street layouts. This finding underscores how advanced driver assistance systems are welcomed by many—yet not universally deemed essential for every user case.
Another notable result shows that about 58.4% feel comfortable without heated steering wheels. Seat warmth and steering wheel heat are appreciated in cold seasons and chilly commutes, but the majority of drivers weigh the cost against the practical need. For some, remote start or climate-control settings provide a comparable comfort level without the extra hardware linked to heated components. The implication is that comfort features may lose some of their perceived value when the winter climate becomes milder or when remote accessibility already satisfies the desire for quick cabin warmth.
Beyond these top items, the survey identified a cluster of features that attracted more modest attention. Parking assist systems received 56.8% interest from participants who value easier parking in busy lots or tight garages. Cruise control and hill start assist followed closely at 56.7% and 56.5%, signaling a strong but not universal appreciation for convenience aids that reduce driver workload on long journeys or hilly routes. Adaptive headlights, cited by 55% of respondents, reflect a growing demand for better visibility in varying lighting conditions, while a central armrest at 54% shows that ergonomic comfort continues to matter, especially during longer drives. The immobilizer and heated windshield washer nozzles, both hovering around 51%, reveal that security and weather-ready maintenance still hold some appeal, though not as strongly as the most popular features.
Earlier efforts by Citydrive, a car-sharing service, and analytics firm A2:Research highlighted what drivers find most compelling on a daily basis. The consensus was that automatic engine start is a top pick because it blends convenience with perceived efficiency. That preference aligns with broader trends toward quick, user-friendly experiences inside the vehicle, particularly for people who value a seamless morning routine or want to avoid cold-start delays in winter months. This kind of feature often slides into the category of essential convenience rather than an optional luxury, depending on climate and personal schedule.
In a related line of inquiry, researchers looked at what Russian drivers say should not stay in the car when cold weather arrives. The practical takeaway emphasizes preparedness and the avoidance of unnecessary clutter that could hinder performance in low temperatures. The practical implications apply well beyond one market, as drivers in many regions face similar decisions about which features to prioritise and which to skip when temperatures drop or when budgeting for a new vehicle is tight. The overarching message is clear: the best-equipped cars are those that deliver real, everyday value without forcing compromises in reliability, safety, or efficiency.