Bluetooth Tops List of Britain’s Favourite In-Car Tech, Followed by Reversing Cameras and Navigation

Bluetooth connectivity has been named the UK’s favourite in-car technology, according to new research that suggests many motorists are ignoring the advanced features already fitted to their vehicles.

A survey of 1,350 UK drivers by Dick Lovett found 58.3% regularly use and value Bluetooth, placing it ahead of reversing cameras (45.7%), satnav (44.5%) and heated windscreens (41%). Despite manufacturers continuing to add increasingly sophisticated driver assistance systems, many owners admit they either avoid them or don’t know how to use them.

Among drivers whose cars are equipped with adaptive cruise control, 25.9% said they choose not to use it, while 21.3% avoid automatic emergency braking and 17.9% switch off lane-keeping assist. Around 7% of drivers with adaptive cruise control or augmented reality head-up displays admitted they don’t know how to operate the systems. The research also found that many premium technologies are still absent from UK cars.
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More than two-thirds (67.3%) said their vehicle doesn’t have massaging seats, while 62% lack remote vehicle start via an app and 60.5% don’t have an augmented reality head-up display.

Alex Lee, motoring expert at Dick Lovett, said drivers still place the greatest value on technology that solves everyday problems rather than headline-grabbing innovations: “Bluetooth, reversing cameras and built-in navigation have become everyday essentials because they solve real problems for motorists. 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 survey also highlighted a clear generational divide, with younger drivers making greater use of connected features such as wireless phone charging and remote vehicle start, while older motorists were more likely to value practical features including heated windscreens.

Here’s the full run-down of favourite in-car tech:

1. Bluetooth connectivity (58.3%)
2. Reversing cameras (45.7%)
3. Satnav (44.5%)
4. Heated windscreens (41%)
5. Heated seats (31.9%)
6. Wireless phone charging (31.9%)
7. Blind spot monitoring (29.4%)
8. 360-degree cameras (27.8%)
9. Driving modes (27.3%)
10. Adaptive cruise control (26.9%)

dicklovett.co.uk

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