“ Buttons have always been a fundamental principle for Renault”

Os physical controls must not disappear Renault's cars – contrary to what has been happening in other manufacturers in an era of car digitisation.

In fact, the preference of motorists, especially in Europe, it's for the physical buttons. Volkswagen, for example, retreated from its strategy and came back in force with this type of controls with the new ID. Totally electric pole. Other examples are: Mercedes and Polestar. But in Japan Mazda claims they might even distract the driver more.

There is also pressure from vehicle safety testing experts: this year, Euro NCAP has penalised models that do not have physical buttons, or have them limited, for certain essential functions (i.e. only if they can be accessed by touch screens). And in China, authorities will now demand more physical commands for important functions.

At Renault, the position is clear: the physical controls are about to stay. Glen Sealey, the manufacturer’s general director in Australia, left this in an interview with GoAuto: “Buttons have always been a fundamental principle for Renault. Renault is a brand for life, and it's important to keep things simple, keep your eyes on the road, and shortcut buttons. It is easier to change radio station, change features, change volume or make changes from steering wheel”.

Safety is an essential asset for Renault, which considers that it depends largely on “keeping an eye on the road and attention on the road”. Although the touch screens are also already present in the range, according to Glen Sealey the idea is to provide easy and intuitive use, preserving shortcuts with physical buttons – even recognizing that this option “is more expensive”.