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Daily Mirror

Lifestyle

Martin Winter

Modern motorists can't imagine driving without in-car Bluetooth, research finds

Motorpoint (Organization) Melvin Odoom

Drivers have revealed the top modern motor gadgets they couldn't go without – including in-car Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and keyless entry.

Research asked 2,000 adults, with a driving licence, to name the most important innovations in motoring history – with air-bags taking the top spot.

But tech such as GPS sat-nav, reversing cameras, and power steering followed closely behind.

And smartphone integration, and adaptive cruise control, are other features Brits now feel are key to have in their vehicles.

Meanwhile, heated features such as steering wheel or seats are on the wish list for one in ten drivers.

And almost a fifth (18%) would like their car to have assisted parking, such as parking sensors or self-parking.

The research was commissioned by Motorpoint to celebrate its 25th anniversary – during which time it has sold over a million vehicles since opening its first branch in Derby, and now has 19 stores across the UK.

To mark a quarter of a century, the nearly-new car retailer has partnered with radio and TV presenter and car collector, Melvin Odoom, and put him to the ultimate “Motormind” automotive knowledge test, where he scored a respectable six out of ten.

He said: “I’ve always loved cars – in fact, I’ve owned 12 in total, with my first being a Fiat Brava which I bought in 2002.

“I consider myself very clued-up on the subject of motoring, and my “Motormind” interview really challenged me.

“As it turns out, I seem to do alright when it comes to where brands are from, or when they launch a luxury division – but I had no idea everyone calls the Pope’s car the Popemobile.”

With technological features being so important to many, the 2020s were named the decade Brits think cars look the coolest – beating the 1960s and 1970s, which came second and third.

Over a quarter of drivers (28%) would love to own a classic car – but would struggle without modern-day gadgets such as electric windows, wing mirrors which show the blind spot, and tyre pressure monitoring.

It also emerged that nearly half (45%) have reminisced with others about old cars – including talking about their first car (37%), the car their parents had when they were a child (23%), and their favourite model (21%).

Some respondents cited family trips, and getting a sense of freedom when driving for the first time after getting their license, among the most memorable moments of their life.

Nearly-new car retailer Motorpoint is celebrating 25 years since its launch (Motorpoint)

Melvin Odoom added: “I think the car I was fondest of was a Bentley I owned. My mother hadn’t liked any of my previous cars, but became particularly attached to this one.

“From that point onwards, I became her chauffeur. I remember the Bentley always being full of suitcases, and will always associate that car with my mum.”

Mark Carpenter, CEO of Motorpoint, said: “Cars have evolved a lot since we opened our first store 25 years ago.

“Back in 1998, some of the tech we take for granted wasn’t even in development. Even then, it would have been inconceivable that cars could help us park, and smartphones were several years away.

“We’re proud to still be a part of the industry that’s kept Britain on the roads for a quarter of a century, and we as a business have grown a lot too.

“As we look forward to the next 25 years, it feels pertinent to reflect on fond memories of cars in the past, and to look ahead to an exciting future.”

TOP 20 MOST IMPORTANT DRIVING INNOVATIONS EVER, ACCORDING TO MOTORISTS: