Virtual Cockpit Vs Standard Dials

[mjh_056]

Was in Milton Keynes yesterday and went into the Audi BMW and VW Dealers for a look around and one of the dilemma that walked away with was how did I feel about virtual cockpits?

In the Audi garage sat in the TT with the virtual cockpit and then the red S3 with the standard dials and think that much preferred the S3 dials?

The virtual cockpit does look really clean and when see functioning on you tube it looks really impressive especially when on navigation but the dials just look classy and have some character, the virtual display feels a bit soulless?

The the A3 definitely having this as an option on the new face lifts the the Virtual Cockpit will be a consideration if stray from the R.

It will of course be an option on Golfs pretty soon to.

Some general comments on these visits

BMW - There was some outrageous stickered discounts up to £10.000 off a 2016 2 series convertible.

But still not taken by BMW, pretty much forcing myself to like them, but even the burnt orange 135 i did not really grab me (sure the performance would but not styling, sitting in cabin and strange narrow entry to rear)

VW - Salesan said Tiguan was likely in showroom in May much as would expect. There was a white R there and a head turning Scirroco R in shocking green! Pretty much know what getting with the R and its still just #1 on my list but swaying to Lapiz Blue.

Audi - Best garage of the three for me, had all the cars and a spanking brand new R8 

Really liked the S3 but my choice would be bare specification and so the R wins out though the 187 BHP Quattro S Line is still in frame but virtual cockpit or not?

Ignore the incidental garage talk the question is to everyone thoughts on the virtual cockpits especially to those who have tried them out in anger and can really offer an insight - be a decision for most of us soon until the decision is taken away and these become standard opposed to option. (the must be cheaper once initial R&D costs drop out of the production costs?)

[Exonian]

Reliability will be an issue. You don't want the whole lot going blank like some head units do!
Looks wise, the electronic dash could be modified and no doubt there will be third party hacks before too long so you could have your dials resemble your favourite watch or whatever.

I'd like to spend a bit of time with one before making a judgment. The resolution and graphics quality would need to be good for it to win out.

[Hawaii-Five-O]

Out of interest, did the virtual cockpit graphics look hi-resolution - like iPhone screen quality?

[Booth11]

I'm actually not keen on virtual cockpits.  True they can look all snazzy and cool but it's all a bit fur coat.....

The resolution and graphics would have to be to a very high standard to get my attention.  Not seen anything yet that makes me want to ditch the traditional dials, and I am a 'techy' person.

I also have concerns about gesture control/haptic tech in cars.  Let's face it even basic touchscreen is still problematic at times. 

Time will tell I guess.

[Exonian]

Yeah, gesture control is a bit scary, one second you're making a suggestion to the taxi driver who has just cut you up as to what he does in his spare time, and the next thing you know your wipers are suddenly on full speed, your a aircon is on freezing with blowers on full blast and your MP3 track has been exchanged for classic FM!

[mjh_056]

Echo the sentiments here and much as Rebecca states am quite 'techy' too being in the industry and have my share of tech.

With the cars being static its hard to really judge them but the resolution and screen does look of a decent quality the display looks clean flat and sharp but was not able to navigate the UI.

The matte finish of the screen is obviously to offset glare which is another concern as we all struggle to see any screen in the sun, but that under controlled lighting was not something able to test as sharp and clear in the dark cabins.

The YouTube videos do give good insight to the functionality though and it does look pretty impressive especially on navigation.

However it struck me that was not in anyway excited about the prospect as I was just looking at another screen in my day! and its just another damn UI to learn and as soon as had a look over the S3 one of the features that grabbed me was the dials, they looked clean and classy, a would say a real feature.

Think the Golf dials are not as good to look at as the Audi, bit more cluttered? but having been out most of day in my GTD yesterday they still have a nice pleasing presence as look down onto them.

On the technical front imagine they would be pretty reliable but have heard that many times in my industry and its not always turned out well  and a blacked out screen at speed would be no fun. Also have no idea to how intelligent the UI is, this is to be seen, but if its a bit clunky, you are then into the territory of version updates! patches, etc.

There is also the HUD as an option, that not seen, but glass screen pops up with data then projected onto, really?! now that does sound really yuk and unnecessary.

In summary the whole experience will likely be very PlayStation the needle sweep on the virtual cockpit would be quite underwhelming imagine! and once novelty wears off sure many would miss the dials.

Might not put me off the Tiguan as dials are not really a feature for an SUV but on a performance car like the GTI, R and S3 think dials are a must.

So will be interesting to have a view from someone who has used in anger which sure will occur soon as they rolled out more and more.

[fredgroves]

The main reason for the digital clocks is that its cheaper in the long run for VW...

[mjh_056]

The main reason for the digital clocks is that its cheaper in the long run for VW...

Agreed, once R&D costs drop out its just another screen with a UI that can be mass produced at far less cost than the mechanicals in dials.

- It will be a cost option on the new A3 though and something personally would not pay for having now seen and compared with fixed dials. Bet its about £850 as an option.

[Mk7-GTD]

Out of interest, did the virtual cockpit graphics look hi-resolution - like iPhone screen quality?

iphone screen quality? If you think the iphone has a quality screen you will be fine.

It all depends on how the manufacturer does the screen. For a start it needs to be amoled for deep blacks and it has to have great graphics that are customisable to suit what different people want.

I have been driving my brothers Range Rover for the last couple of weeks and I'm not a fan of the screen in it. I had a Passat R line for a few days and it was much better but I still prefer the normal dash depending on what car it is.

My personal favourite is speed and revs either side and an active display on either side.

[GrahamFR]

ive sat in a TT with one and yes it seems high res to me, i love and cant wait for it to be on the next gen of cars