It's easy to get caught up in high-visibility issues regarding vehicle design. Do I like the slope of the roofline? Is the drivetrain refined and powerful? Do I have the option of hearing satellite radio?
On our long-term 2008 Hyundai Veracruz the answer to all of these questions is "Yes." But it's the little things, including the controls on the driver's door, that confirm Hyundai's committment in getting this crossover "right." The look and feel of the window switches, power locks and mirror controls transmit a sense of purpose and quality that you don't always get in modern automobiles. I also like the location of these controls, as they are easy to see and reach. It's not uncommon for these items to be scattered about the lower dash and center console, but this is where they should be in my not-so-humble opinion...
Karl Brauer, Edmunds.com Editor in Chief @ 6404 miles
arm51 says:
02:19 PM, 03/24/08
Personally, I like the window switches on the center console (like previous versions of the BMW 3 Series). I think that this design melds with a manual much better. However, on a car with an auto, window switches on the armrests are good.
jriz says:
03:19 PM, 03/24/08
Keep this argument on hand when the G8 shows up.
thebigal says:
03:34 PM, 03/24/08
personally, I prefer window switches and especially the mirror controls on the door. However, if they are located between the driver and passenger, I do not mind provided they are LOGICALLY located, such as the center console, or below the shifter. I had an old Chrysler that had them in this location and it wasn't a bad place, especially once you got used to the location. If you have your arm resting on the center console, it's not that big of a deal to reach down with your fingertips and press a button.
But if place the switches in odd locations like the top of the dash ala PT Cruiser, than that is arguably a dumb location.
empowah says:
04:53 PM, 03/24/08
The location might be purposeful, but there's certainly nothing artistic about that design. They look like generic parts-bin leftovers from ten or fifteen years ago, though this is a common trait with most Asian-branded vehicles.
Audi, on the other hand...
ahightower says:
06:28 PM, 03/24/08
Agreed, that's nice to have windows, locks, and mirrors all in one place. Often you find the locks on the doors vertical plane, and the mirrors somewhere on the dash. Owners get used to those things, and some journalists make too big a deal about ergonomics in *my* not-so-humble opinion... But yeah, this is a good design.
roar02ram says:
08:40 PM, 03/24/08
There was something oh-so-European about controls on the console. They didn't make any sense, but they were so foreign and quirky that you had to like them. Kind of like x100 tachometers.
dougtheeng says:
06:19 AM, 03/25/08
The switches themselves still look sorta cheap, imo.
vacagrande says:
06:58 AM, 03/25/08
I don't think he's saying that they're hallmarks of great aesthetic design, just that they feel substantial and are ergonomically pleasing - something you really can't take for granted. Chrysler, I'm looking in your direction.
aspade says:
11:07 AM, 03/25/08
"Not artistic" and "generic parts bin" are complimentary. Basic vehicle controls are not the place for originality or art.
(I don't think complex controls are the place either; that leads to idrive and climate control systems that take 15 seconds to turn the AC up.)
Save the artistic inspired design crap for the outside of the car where it's seen but not used.