Why don't you like HUDs?

Some of your recent comments have suggested you don't think much of heads-up displays. You have referred to them as "gimmicks".

This is the first car I have owned with one I am very impressed. The info is presented in your line of sight, but several meters forward of the windscreen, meaning you don't have to look down or switch your eyes to near-focus. I find that this makes sat-nav info, warning messages etc far less distracting. Also, the way the image is overlayed on the real world is very like a video-game which must be intuitive for the next generation of drivers. What is it that you don't like about them?

Asked on 29 December 2016 by MrPogle

Answered by Honest John

No. I have not referred to them specifically as "gimmicks" except in a list of gimmicks. The best speedometer ever is in the original Toyota Yaris where your speed is not only displayed digitally and in line of sight, it is at the same focal length as the road ahead. Next best is a clear digital speed display at the bottom of the screen (Prius) or the centre of the dash (old Citroen C4, Citroen C3 Picasso, etc). Next best, a digital display in front of the driver when the speedo is properly placed. So, though an HUD is okay (I don't mind them), everything they display including satnav instructions, can be displayed in the pod directly in front of the driver where they don't affect (some) drivers judgement of widths and distances.

Tags: instruments head up display technology

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