Smart driving: Let's update Hyundai’s next-gen steering wheel

A vehicle’s steering wheel has had no significant changes over the decades — except maybe for updates like push buttons and paddle shifters. But engineers at Hyundai are pushing the envelope, and are making the next-generation steering wheel. 

1. What does it mean for you?

It means a lot, and there are multiple implications. Hyundai is redesigning the steering wheel by integrating liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screens to replace buttons eventually.

The dramatic increase of LCD screen usage has been very particularly noticeable as they’ve all but replaced analog gauges in many vehicles.

New steering wheels will feature liquid crystal display (LCD) screens within them

But will it disappear in time like other features? Are we brave enough to lose any button on the steering wheel? When Hyundai and its competitors finally make the plunge into a fully digital steering wheel?

Look inside the cockpit of Tesla Models that have an LCD screen as big as 15 inches. Instead of buttons used on a steering wheel, why not use LCD touchscreens as the chosen interface for it? The proposed layout will use two touch screens where the thumbs usually rest — an update in itself.

Digital screens are becoming common in modern cars

To prove that this approach is valid and has a good chance of overall success when implemented, a Hyundai i30 was exhibited recently with a center LCD touchscreen, all-digital gauges on the driver’s dash, and with two LCD screens on the right and left spokes of the steering wheel.

2. What else to know about

Limiting the reach of innovative designs and features is self-defeating because it does not benefit all customers. So it makes sense to target even more affordable models as recipients of new technology.

It makes sense to target even more affordable models as recipients of new technology

Achieving a near-seamless interface for all Hyundai cars is achievable with the integration of innovative designs and features for the broadest customer base possible. 

Just like every car maker today, Hyundai has a road map that its customers should be eager to know about. Hyundai’s “virtual cockpit” is the sum of all technologies that will allow the best interfaces or controls that are native to this brand. The virtual cockpit initiative will hopefully get your nod by the time it is fully realized.

3. Ease of use 

The best technologies are those which present the best convenience without a steep learning curve. All screens to be used are forgiving of even big fingers and allows the driver a less cluttered screen to manipulate.

Using five “configurable” virtual buttons for each display make it less tedious, unlike other touch screens that aren’t user-friendly. A welcome add-on is haptic feedback that improves the interface with these LCD screens. 

This isn’t the first Hyundai attempt at a virtual cockpit; the brand did it in 2015. This is the fourth version of the product.

This isn’t the first Hyundai attempt at a virtual cockpit; the brand did it in 2015. This is the fourth version of the product

Prior versions did not have the steering wheel LCD screen. One distinct difference between the digital meter dashboard is using dual screens with a three-dimensional effect. Its object is better overall visibility that leads to better safety for the driver.

What are the implications of a virtual cockpit and how do they impact the future of all Hyundai cars to come? Don’t expect to see it in the current lineup of cars. There are some refinements and bugs to work out before rolling it out. The heart of all this research and development is the creation of flawless technologies that are intuitive and easy to use. 

>>> Latest updates on upcoming Hyundai cars can be found in our Complete guide to the Hyundai Philippines' local lineup

Wrapping up 

The question is whether or not the industry will make the same move with redesigning the steering wheel according to Hyundai.

Keeping everything as they are is very important. Even top European brands aren’t entertaining ideas that are very radical. But transforming the steering wheel as we get into the age of electric cars and more advanced car tech may be the nudge to get it accepted.

>>> Check out: Japanese, Korean, European or American cars: Which to buy?

The question is whether or not the industry will make the same move with redesigning the steering wheel

Philkotse.com is all about presenting trends and changes to inform and make drivers aware. Will these be accepted or not?