Kamal Ghorui
Buying a new car in India has become a very different experience today. As soon as you step into a showroom, you’re greeted with long feature lists, big screens and tech-heavy models. No doubt, it all looks exciting. And for many buyers, features now influence decisions as much as the engine or mileage. But there’s more to the bigger picture. Indian roads, traffic, weather and daily driving habits don’t always match what these features are designed for. As a result, several modern car features remain unused after the first few weeks of ownership. Let’s take a look at some of them. To be clear, none of these features are bad. They add to the showroom appeal and help brands stand out in a competitive market. But for Indian buyers, everyday basics still matter more.
Gesture control
One such example is gesture control. It sounds futuristic and looks cool during a dealership demo. A wave of the hand is supposed to change tracks or adjust settings. In the real world, though, it’s inconsistent. It often reacts at the wrong time or doesn’t react at all. While driving, sometimes it can even get distracting. Most owners eventually switch it off and rely on the touchscreen or steering-mounted controls.
Powered tailgates
Powered tailgates are another feature that feels premium but isn’t always practical. Yes, it helps when your hands are full. But in India, slow operation, sensor errors and the fear of repair costs after minor accidents make it less appealing. In crowded parking areas or tight basements, many drivers actually prefer the control of a manual boot.
Rear-seat entertainment screens
Rear-seat entertainment screens also look impressive, especially in family cars. But with smartphones and tablets being easily available, their use is limited. Kids prefer their own devices. Adults do too. These screens also age quickly and can be expensive to fix if damaged.
Voice commands
Voice commands promise hands-free convenience. In theory. In practice, background noise, strong accents and patchy recognition make them frustrating to use. Saying the same command three times is not exactly convenient. Many owners stop using voice control altogether after a few failed attempts.
Wireless charging
Wireless charging pads fall into a similar category. They’re useful, but only sometimes. Charging is slower compared to a cable. Phones tend to heat up. And on broken roads, the phone keeps sliding around. A simple wired charger still works better for most people.
Auto park assist
Auto park assist is another feature that struggles in Indian conditions. It works best in neatly marked parking bays. Those are rare. Tight spots, uneven surfaces and unpredictable traffic confuse the system. Most Indian drivers trust their own judgement more than a computer doing the parking.
Panoramic runroof
Finally, there’s the panoramic sunroof. It has become one of the biggest selling points in compact SUVs and midsize cars. But in a country where summer temperatures often cross 40 degrees, it stays shut most of the time. The blind remains closed. Add dust, pollution and concerns about long-term maintenance, and its actual usage is limited. For many owners, it becomes a feature they show friends once and then forget about.
