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Bluetooth, reversing cameras, satnav top drivers’ favourite in-car tech, survey finds

The research suggests many drivers are not making full use of the technology already fitted to their cars.

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Bluetooth connectivity has become the UK’s most valued in-car technology, while millions of motorists admit they rarely use or do not know how to operate some of the advanced features fitted to their vehicles, according to new research from Dick Lovett.

The survey of 1,350 UK motorists found 58.3% regularly use and value Bluetooth connectivity, making it the nation’s favourite in-car feature.

Reversing cameras (45.7%), built-in satellite navigation (44.5%) and heated windscreens (41%) also ranked highly.

Despite the growing availability of advanced driver assistance systems, the research suggests many drivers are not making full use of the technology already fitted to their cars.

Nearly one in four (25.9%) motorists with adaptive cruise control said they choose not to use it, while 21.3% do not use automatic emergency braking and 17.9% ignore lane-keeping assist. Seven per cent of drivers with adaptive cruise control or augmented reality head-up displays said they do not know how to use the features.

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The survey also found many premium technologies remain absent from most vehicles on UK roads. More than two-thirds (67.3%) of respondents said their car does not have massaging seats, while 62% lack remote vehicle start via an app, 60.5% do not have an augmented reality head-up display and 57.3% do not have app-controlled climate settings.

Alex Lee, motoring expert at Dick Lovett, said: “Modern vehicles now come equipped with more technology than ever before, but our research shows drivers still value the features that genuinely make everyday driving easier, safer and more convenient.

“Bluetooth, reversing cameras and built-in navigation have become everyday essentials because they solve real problems for motorists. At the same time, many of the newest connected technologies and driver assistance systems remain underused, either because drivers don’t feel confident using them or simply don’t understand everything their vehicle is capable of.

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“As cars become increasingly sophisticated, taking time to learn what your vehicle can do isn’t just about getting value for money, it could also help improve safety, comfort and the overall driving experience.”

The research found younger motorists are more likely to embrace connected technologies. Bluetooth is used regularly by 68.5% of drivers aged 25-34 and 68.8% of those aged 35-44, compared with 49.7% of drivers aged 55 and over.

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Wireless phone charging is regularly used by 44.4% of drivers aged 35-44, compared with 20.7% of over-55s, while remote vehicle start via an app is used by more than a quarter of motorists under 35 but just 5.1% of those aged over 55.

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However, practical comfort features become more popular with age. Heated windscreens are regularly used by 27.2% of drivers aged 18-24, rising to almost 45% among those aged 45-54.

According to the survey, the UK’s 10 favourite in-car technologies are Bluetooth connectivity (58.3%), reversing cameras (45.7%), built-in navigation (44.5%), heated windscreens (41%), heated seats (31.9%), wireless phone charging (31.9%), blind spot monitoring (29.4%), 360-degree cameras (27.8%), driving modes (27.3%) and adaptive cruise control (26.9%).

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