The List: 4 Addictive Comfort And Convenience Features

I like the sunroof and seats, don't care about the other 2. Features I have a harder time living without now: iPod integration of some kind (even if its just via a headphone jack), one-touch up and down windows (at least on the driver's side), automatic headlights and remote start for winter (no garage for my daily driver, sadly).

I don't think so.

I'd like the option of not doubling the price of the vehicle for a few over-priced extras.

Funny. Vented seats, yes. The oversized sunroof looks nice, but I'd hardly call it one of the four most addictive.

Along with moon111, a nice comfort feature would be the option to buy the feature(s) I want without having to buy twenty that I don't. I appreciate the need for packages, but it's gone too far.

I like big sunroofs but only if they open. Otherwise not worth the cost.

I have no need for heated or cooled seats as both my cars have cloth seats.

The cooled compartment might be nice on really long trips but I don't do them enough to make it worth the expense.

If it's cold enough to want a heated steering wheel then I would be wearing gloves so no sale.

Things I would pay extra for...

- a good sound system with bluetooth and usb
- a large opening sunroof
- a dvd player (on people movers, I have young kids)
- a manual gearbox/ clutch good enough not to be considered an afterthought
- an interesting choice of colours (interior and exterior)
- clever storage ( i.e. sto and go, the Fits clever back seat)

I would trade almost any of those for auto-dimming rear-view and side mirrors. Having one vehicle with and one without, I will tell you that the side mirrors especially are worth it.

I'm really surprised at the monster sunroof trend. These things tend to have so many drawbacks that I think most people just don't think it through when they're buying and end up with something that is more trouble than not.

For example:

1. Solar gain - most of these things (Cadillac and Mini are among the ones I'm aware of and have experienced) have horrible sun shades. They raise the temperature in the car substantially in sunny climates, requiring the climate control to be cranked up. Even then, in the many CTS-Vs I've driven with the ultra sun-roof setup, you can still feel the heat radiating down from the glass through the shade onto your head. Which brings me to...

2. Headroom compromises. I suppose it wouldn't be as big a deal on a large SUV, but in cars like the Mini or the Caddy, what is already tight headroom becomes almost claustrophobic with an extra couple of inches taken out to accomodate the glass roof.

3. Chassis compromises. In order to give these things sufficient roof strength, they have to be adding substantial weight in the worst possible place on the car. Bad for dynamics, and probably a serious concern for rattles and creaks as the car ages (I know the big multi pane roofs on the old Pontiac G6 and the Scion TC rattled like crazy).

Worst of all, is that on the Mini and Caddy, a monster glass roof really doesn't give a convertible feel at all, even when opened. So you don't get the best part of the vert experiences, which is the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the air around you.

As for the rest, really not too important for me. As someone else said, gloves and icechest accomodate the rare occasions when I would need the steering wheel or coolbox. The cooled seats could be nice, but I've never had swampass issues if the vehicle AC is working properly anyways. Now, cooled seats in a convertible...hmmm, that could be nice.

I live in Florida. I won't buy a car without cooled seats. I wish more cars had this option.

fw: "I have no need for heated or cooled seats as both my cars have cloth seats."

My last car had cloth seats. It cooked in the sun all day at work. I woulda killed for vented seats in that car.

I don't know why they don't offer the feature on cloth. It'd be easier to do.

I totally love both features in my new VW CC which are pretty typical in german vehicles. Number1 is the 1 tap triple turn signal, the other is the digital speedo readout alongside an analog readout. I also really like the fact that its a 4 seat sedan rather than 5. It has USABLE cup holders in the rear. All 4 window auto-up/down is nice also. Electro parking brake is nice...granted it allows for 0 snow drifting being FWD lol.

heated steering wheels are awesome in practice.
cooled seats are awesome in theory. yet to try them in infiniti, but benz/lexus/caddy have been 'alright' - not awesome.

brn

I guess it depends where you live. Must get hotter there then here.

fw: temperature ranged this last year from 105F to -38F. We get it all.

My next car will be cloth, but I'd still like vented.

Protective sun-drenched driving

e Glass Roof Mustang offers consumers convertible-like driving without the need for sunscreen, because its factory-installed panoramic glass roof filters 90 percent of the sun's heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The UV-filtering capability of the new Mustang's fixed glass roof is comparable to sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50, which exceeds the dermatologist-recommended sunscreen strength of at least SPF-15.

The glass roof's ability to filter IR rays reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable while enjoying the sun. The reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating.

Good for the sou
l
Sun-soaked cruising is the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang's top appeal factor. Scientific studies show that increased exposure to sunshine or bright light is therapeutic because it regulates the body's synthesis of melatonin, a mood-regulating hormone that modulates the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Sunshine also triggers the body's conversion to active vitamin D, considered to be an effective natural remedy for "the blues."

Health experts caution that cool breezes in convertibles can misleadingly mask the sun's harmful rays as occupants may not feel as hot as when they're stationary under the sun. Therefore, dermatologists recommend the use of sun-block lotion or moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher prior for top-down drives.

Panoramic glass used on the Glass Roof Mustang filters almost all of the sun's harmful rays and reduces cool-down time and wind noise while offering a convertible-like driving experience
Scientific studies show increased exposure to sunshine or bright light – like that provided in the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang – is therapeutic because it regulates the body's mood-regulating hormone and circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness; also triggers a natural remedy for "the blues"
Panoramic sunroofs have doubled in popularity during the past five years; tilt/slide type sunroofs will remain dominant, followed by panoramic and spoiler types through 2011
The 2011 Mustang – including Glass Roof and convertible versions – builds on the safety success of the 2008 Mustang – the first sports car and first convertible to earn five-star ratings in U.S. government frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests

The Mustang's considerable body stiffness contributes to its driving performance and has an added benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is 31 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity than its predecessor, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff – creating a "safety cage" that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure is designed to absorb and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. The Mustang's front rails have an octagonal shape designed to spread forces evenly at the firewall and progressively deform for increased protection in offset frontal crashes.

Roof glass popularity rising

According to J.D. Power feature content research, 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment wanted a sunroof/moon roof on their next vehicle. Since its introduction in 2008, the Glass Roof Mustang – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V-6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10 percent of all Mustang sales. The convertible accounts for 25 percent of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.

Mustang is just one Ford model that features ample sunlight and generous views. The 2011 Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX also offer sun-splashed driving enjoyment with an optional panoramic roof glass that is privacy tinted for the occupants' comfort and protection.

According to CSM Worldwide, over the last five years panoramic sunroofs have doubled in the popularity in North America. The installation of tilt/slide type sunroofs will remain dominant, followed by panoramic and spoiler types throughout 2011.

I'd buy it again for certain. I usually keep the shade shut on sunny days because it's too much light for me. But it's open on cloudy days or at night.

I have it on mine and love it. The sun shade works great. It gives the cabin a more open feeling.

If it's anything like the Vista roof on my wife's 2011 Edge I would love it on a Mustang.

The oversized sunroof gives you all of the baking you usually get in a top-down convertible (both heat and UV rays) with none of the open-top fresh air goodness. That's the worst of both worlds if you ask me.

The ventillated/climate controlled seats seem pretty sensible since that is probably a more efficient way to make the occupants comfortable compared to adjusting the air temperature of the entire cabin.

@firstwagon

You're Canadian right? So:

1) "If it's cold enough to want a heated steering wheel then I would be wearing gloves so no sale." If it's cold enough for a Canadian to wear gloves will the car even start?

2) "I guess it depends where you live. Must get hotter there then here." Yup. Obviously leather/vinyl is worse but I even cloth seats lead to swampiness

Signed,

Someone baking in the Southern California desert. :)

I'll pass on all of these.

1. sunroofs = no thanks. It's too bloody hot in San Diego as it is; add in a sun absorbing giant sunroof and I'll always be cooking.

2. Seats = again, no thanks. A decent HVAC system keeps the seats and interior cool. Of course if you like the giant sunroofs then an HVAC seat is NEEDED.

3. Cooled compartments = for what? I never transport anything that needs to be cooled for that long. All of this city is pretty much accessible within 20 minutes.

4. Heated wheel = um...yeah never that cold. Opposite problem. Too hot here.

I'll pay extra for:
Manual
Sport seats
sport suspension
Less weight
4 doors

"I'll pass on all of these."

Agreed. In fact, I'd pay extra to delete a hole in the roof.

"I'll pay extra for:
Manual
Sport seats
sport suspension
Less weight
4 doors"

Ditto.

stovt001

I grew up in around Ottawa, Ont where it could be over 100 deg F and humid in the summer and near minus 40 in the winter( worst case). My Dad always bought the cheapest cars meaning vinyl seats (miserable in the heat or cold). Cloth seats were wonderful things my friends parents had. Too this day all my cars have cloth seats.... but there may be limits as you say.

Cars were tough to start in the winter in the 70's but newer cars will start fine if you remember to plug them in on really cold nights.

Now however I've wimped out and live near Vancouver. The hottest I remember this summer here was around 80 deg F and the coldest it got last winter would be around 28 deg F. Right now it is a perfect summer day at 75 deg F (23 C) which is normal for this time of year.

(Only downside is the rains will start in a couple weeks)

blueguydotcom, the sunroof actually keeps my car a little cooler. I pop it open slightly, so it can vent the hot air that builds up in the car.

Having said that, I think sun roofs are too expensive and probably wouldn't get another.

@firstwagon: I just can't pass up an opportunity to make a baseless generalization about Canadians.

stovt001

No problem

Sittting outside all afternoon drinking Molsons and enjoying the sun. perfect day for meaningless off topic chatter.

I'm sure I could do some baseless generalization about Americans but I just came in to get some more beer so later.

(btw...I really do not want be at work at 6:30 am tomorrow)

Although the heated and cooled seats are really nice...none of these are my gotta-have list.

Heated exterior mirrors
Remote start
Bluetooth integration
Back-up camera

These are the top of my list. In fact, my entire feature list of my dream car would read something like this:

Wagon or hatchback body style with real fold-flat seats (dog crates hate the hump)
Non-crappy automatic tranny (for the wife who refuses to learn manual)
AC
Cruise
Stereo with iPod integration
Power windows and locks (hard to get a car without them anymore...again, mainly for the wife)
Heated exterior mirrors
Remote start
Bluetooth integration
Back-up camera (again, for the wife that likes to back up into things)
Heated seats

When you park a car outside in Chicagoland in winter, some things are just more important 5 months out of the year.

Wow, I must be really out of touch with the mainstream.

#1: I hate sunroofs, and would never pay for one.
#2: These are nice, but I find myself using my heated seats maybe a half-dozen times per year. I suspect I'd use cooled seats about the same amount. I wouldn't pay for either given the choice.
#3: I would have literally no use for this. I only carry drinks on long trips, and then it's usually coffee.
#4: Frivolity that I would just as soon do without to reduce complexity.

I guess I'll be sticking with base trim levels.

Personally, I don't really care about numbers 1 and 3. Just my taste.

And living in a place with an actual winter season, I don't really mind the cold steering wheel. Weird, I either like it, or am indifferent, depending on the day. I would love it if they had an auto cooling feature for the steering wheel for those hot summer days.

Climate controlled seats are an innovation whos time has come. They have the potential to dramatically reduce AC demand, and that sun-scortched seat will cool off very quickly. I'd love to see MANUAL, cloth, climate-controlled seats. I'd like to see them reall light-weigh, built with mesh like an ergon chair. Super light, super comfy, very thin.

Sunroofs are too expensive and compromised. I don't want to pay $1k+ for a hole in the roof. The cold-box will just wind up being used to store other stuff. I'll carry a cooler on the occasion I need one. Heated steering wheel is nice but not that important.

Here are comfort & convenience features important to me...

I'd love to see infotainment systems that are basically just a dock for your tablet or phone, or stand-alone base-model device. They'd run an application for your specific car for car-specific features, but you could upgrade nav, sound, and hardware regularly. Now you don't have that 10-year-old car stuck with CD nav on a 3" screen, no blue-tooth and a non-MP3 CD-player. The tech is just too integrated into the car and becomes dated way too fast. I want an easy upgrade path, both for hardware and software.

I'd like to see more wagon/hatch bodies. Sedans are pointless. I want to be able to put my mountain bike in the car. All cars should have fold-down back seats at the very least.

Keyless access and start is nice to have if priced under $350 or so.

I'd love to have a waterproof key fob.

I'd like new cars to have great visibility, like an old Jeep Cherokee. They're hard to see out of now days and have huge blindspots.

I like manual seats. They're quicker to adjust, not to mention cheaper, lighter, and more reliable.

I sold Nissans a few years back and show a woman a Maxima with a heated steering wheel in the winter and the car is sold. It was especially nice that I could run across the street to our Toyota store and grab a loaded Avalon, stickering for 8 grand more that did not offer the feature. It also did not allow you to open the windows in the summer with the remote or key in the door lock, another surprisingly good feature to sell with the test driver standing by the car waiting for you to get the keys and your tag in the summer. Feeling that burst of hot air escaping the cabin before they even get in and turn the ac on, nails alot of people too. As I told people you can air out the cabin while putting your groceries in the trunk.

Heated steering wheels are essential in NYC.

Keyless entry and push button start.
Heated and ventilated seats.
Adjustable suspension height.
Automatic brake rotor drying in the rain.
Active corner illuminating head and fog lights.
Automatic headlight washers.
Front and Rear park assist
Voice Command.
Four zone climate control.
Power sunshades and front and side sun visors.
Power adjustable steering wheel in x and y direction.
Tire pressure monitoring
Flappy padal gear box
Active Body Control

Don't need any of them. I have a wife. I would really like to find a nice, not luxureous, 5 passenger SUV with an 8 way power passenger seat.

Don't need any of them. I have a wife. I would really like to find a nice, not luxureous, 5 passenger SUV with an 8 way power passenger seat.

Don't need any of them. I have a wife. I would really like to find a nice, not luxureous, 5 passenger SUV with an 8 way power passenger seat.