I've occasionally wondered how long it was from when The Autocar was first published in late 1895 to when one of its journalists asked the question: "How much does it matter if an everyday car is really good to drive?"
Now, this seems like a non-question to us, because we consider it critical how well a car drives. But as car makers become more focused on technology and connectivity, it's easy to see why some might argue that people don't care about finer dynamics. So long as the car is safe and easy to drive, it will be fit for purpose. Head to almost any manufacturer's online configurator and you're nearly always asked about trim selection before you're asked what engine you want. Such is the priority order of style and equipment over performance and dynamics for most car buyers.
I remember discussing this point with your friend and mine, Matt Prior, for the first time many, many years ago. We came back to the irrefutable fact that, regardless of whether the driver is really able to articulate why they like it or not, a car that handles and rides beautifully will make a driver feel more confident than will a car that's just all right.
After all, that non-enthusiast motorist might have bought the car because it had wireless Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control, but the fact that it also has a spectacularly well-sorted secondary ride and easy-to-modulate brakes might well be the reason why they go back and buy that model or brand of car again. It doesn't really matter if the driver doesn't consciously appreciate the dynamics so long as those dynamics are doing their thing anyway.
Denne historien er fra April 12, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
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Denne historien er fra April 12, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal