Almost one in four drivers with adaptive cruise control choose not to use it, according to new research from family-run dealership group Dick Lovett.
The survey of 1,350 UK motorists found that 25.9% of respondents with adaptive cruise control ignored the feature.
More than one in five, or 21.3%, said they did not use automatic emergency braking despite having it available, while 17.9% ignored lane-keeping assistance.
Seven per cent of motorists with adaptive cruise control or augmented reality head-up displays admitted they did not know how to use the technology.
The results suggest car dealers could have an important role in helping customers understand the safety, connectivity and convenience equipment fitted to increasingly sophisticated vehicles.
Simple features remain favourites
Bluetooth connectivity was the most valued in-car technology, with 58.3% of motorists saying they used it regularly and liked it.
Reversing cameras ranked second at 45.7%, followed by built-in navigation at 44.5% and heated windscreens at 41%.
Many newer premium features remained absent from most vehicles represented in the survey.
Some 67.3% of respondents said their car did not have massaging seats, while 62% lacked remote vehicle starting through an app.
A further 60.5% did not have an augmented reality head-up display and 57.3% lacked app-controlled climate settings.
Alex Lee, motoring expert at Dick Lovett, said: “Bluetooth, reversing cameras and built-in navigation have become everyday essentials because they solve real problems for motorists. At the same time, many of the newest connected technologies and driver assistance systems remain underused, either because drivers don’t feel confident using them or simply don’t understand everything their vehicle is capable of.
“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.”
Younger drivers embrace apps
Connected technology was generally more popular among younger drivers.
Bluetooth was regularly used by 68.5% of motorists aged between 25 and 34 and 68.8% of those aged between 35 and 44. Usage fell to 49.7% among drivers aged 55 and over.
Wireless phone charging was used regularly by 44.4% of 35 to 44-year-olds, compared with 20.7% of motorists aged over 55.
More than a quarter of drivers under 35 used app-based remote vehicle starting, compared with 5.1% of those aged over 55.
The pattern was reversed for practical comfort features.
Heated windscreen use increased from 27.2% among drivers aged between 18 and 24 to almost 45% among those aged between 45 and 54.
Dick Lovett which commissioned Censuswide to survey 1,350 UK motorists represents BMW, BMW Motorrad, Mini, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche and Aston Martin across the South West.
The UK’s 10 favourite car technologies
- Bluetooth connectivity, 58.3%
- Reversing camera, 45.7%
- Built-in navigation, 44.5%
- Heated windscreen, 41%
- Heated seats, 31.9%
- Wireless phone charging, 31.9%
- Blind-spot monitoring, 29.4%
- 360-degree camera, 27.8%
- Driving modes, 27.3%
- Adaptive cruise control, 26.9%
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