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In the competition, we brought together two European grandees - the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8 - and the ambitious rookie Kia Quoris. Both Bavarians are packed to the maximum, Kia is simpler and offers a fundamentally different control algorithm. Instead of the traditional joystick surrounded by shortcuts, there is a touch screen and buttons scattered around the center console. True, the “Quoris” in the top configuration also has a multi-functional washer between the front seats, but this version was not available at the time of the test. All the better, because it became possible to compare different approaches to controlling on-board systems.
Experts - three people with different experiences with modern automotive electronics. They were asked to perform five simple exercises:
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The table opens in full size at the click of the mouse.
The first time - on the move, without first getting to know the machine, the second time - after thoughtfully reading the instructions and exploring the menu in a relaxed atmosphere. The results summarized in the table are eloquent: in almost all cases, the time to complete the exercises was reduced, sometimes many times. Although re-entry was more difficult: the settings needed to be changed on the go. The experiment took place on closed roads of the landfill. In real life, we strongly do not recommend being distracted by managing even the most sophisticated system.
We will not reproach any of the cars that any important function is buried in the depths of the onboard system. There are separate keys for almost all important and frequently used operations
We will not reproach any of the cars that any important function is buried in the depths of the onboard system. There are separate keys for almost all important and frequently used operations. We will not reproach any of the cars that any important function is buried in the depths of the onboard system. There are separate keys for almost all important and frequently used operations.
Kia Quoris
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At Kia, the status of a beginner is felt. And the point is not in the Navitel cards used in the car, but in the fact that the client, who paid almost 2, 600, 000 rubles, expects to see the original design. But did not like the buttons that include the main sections of the menu. Go find them among the twins for climate and audio!
In Quoris, everyone was looking for an inconspicuous key to change driving characteristics for a long time, some unsuccessfully
In the Quoris, everyone was looking for an inconspicuous key to change driving characteristics for a long time, some unsuccessfully. In Quoris, everyone was looking for an inconspicuous key to change driving characteristics for a long time, some unsuccessfully.
“Param. cluster.”, “Switch-tact”. - sometimes when communicating with“Kia”you don’t understand your native language
“Param. cluster.”, “Switch-tact”. - sometimes when communicating with“Kia”you don’t understand your native language. “Param. cluster.”, “Switch-tact”. - sometimes when communicating with“Kia”you don’t understand your native language.
In terms of the quality of the graphics, the “Korean” is clearly an outsider
In terms of the quality of the graphics, the “Korean” is clearly an outsider. In terms of the quality of the graphics, the “Korean” is clearly an outsider.
The functionality of the Setup key turned out to be variable. It causes the settings of the part of the complex that is now on the screen - illogical and inconvenient. Management of small service options (for example, projection display settings) is completely removed from the main system on the wheel on the steering wheel, and the menu is displayed on the instrument panel instead of a tachometer. Why, if there is a system specially designed for working with such functions and a large monitor?
Audi A8
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In “Audi” - branded washer on the center console, surrounded by hot keys. The first step in communicating with MMI is easier to do than in Kia. But already in the second you fall into a stupor. The names of some sections of the menu are spaced at the corners of the screen, they include individual buttons. Not the most logical decision - do not immediately think of it. True, you quickly get used to it.
A basic check of the technical condition can be carried out without leaving the machine
A basic check of the technical condition can be carried out without leaving the machine. A basic check of the technical condition can be carried out without leaving the machine.
The most extensive menu is in the car system settings. But why did the developers endow the local branch with a memory function? Returning to the section after managing navigation and other multimedia, you will find yourself in exactly the same place that you left. It would be much more logical each time to offer the user initial options. Moreover, it is here that controls the character of the car - the Audi Drive Select system, which changes the settings of the engine, transmission, chassis. Unlike other subcategories of the section, access to it should be made as simple as possible. Perhaps even display on a separate button.
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Non-standard options in the form of a touchpad and voice control in Audi work fine. When using them, the driver is much less likely to be distracted from the road
But the branded touchpad in the neighborhood with traditional controls is a great find. You enter the navigation address on it for about the same amount of time as it takes to select letters by rotating the washer. But, according to the sensations, it is easier to communicate with the sensor and in the movement you are much less distracted from the road: you can draw blindly, and the system will say what comes out from under the finger. Here are just some hard-to-write letters like E or B the first time not everyone is given - training is required.
Voice control is also provided, but, alas, not for all functions.
BMW 7 Series
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The Bavarian "seven" with the previous body made a splash not only with its design, but also with an unprecedented interface. “Ii-Drive” can rightfully be considered the founder of a revolutionary approach to controlling on-board systems - with the help of a multi-function joystick and a screen with menus and icons. Over 12 years, he survived more than one update and became very user friendly. Unlike Audi, the joystick is full-fledged: you can press, rotate and tilt it in four directions.
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There is no touchpad in the BMW, and the way to enter letters and numbers is the same as with Audi. But the typesetting disc with the alphabet turned out to be more convenient. And in the rest of the exercises, the testers made fewer mistakes and spent less time. Difficulties arose only when searching for the nearest gas station among the recorded navigation. The process does not start the line that the logic prompts. Developers to fix this - a couple of trifles, you do not even need to wait for restyling. Of course, like a direct competitor with rings on the radiator grill, there is voice control.
Climate control in the form of a separate block of buttons saved on all machines. Audi and BMW sophisticated natures offer additional settings in the wilds of the menu
Climate control in the form of a separate block of buttons saved on all machines. Audi and BMW sophisticated natures offer additional settings in the wilds of the menu. Climate control in the form of a separate block of buttons saved on all machines. Audi and BMW sophisticated natures offer additional settings in the wilds of the menu.
The point of interest category (POI) and search area are specified, but the start line of the search is inactive. Perhaps the only unobvious moment in the whole “i-drive”
The point of interest category (POI) and search area are specified, but the start line of the search is inactive. Perhaps the only unobvious moment in the whole “i-drive”. The point of interest category (POI) and search area are specified, but the start line of the search is inactive. Perhaps the only unobvious moment in the whole “i-drive”.
THERE IS A CONTACT
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Oh, these current cars! At first, it seems that finding a common language with them is almost impossible. But after a while, the fingers glide blindly over the buttons, the cursor flies through the menu, and individual actions are completely performed reflexively. Therefore, when placing management systems in the top places, I relied precisely on my first impressions. The easiest way to make contact is BMW - I put its system at the highest level. The controls are convenient, its algorithm is logically built, and the “i-drive” looks more aesthetic than the other two systems. MMI is close in ideology and structure, but in communication it turns out to be more complicated and confused - I spent more time on the same operations. Therefore, Audi put in second place. "Kia" on the latter, which is quite natural. Simple controls, a poor set of functions, dull graphics. And most importantly - a poorly debugged algorithm. It was during communication with “Kvoris” that despair repeatedly compelled me to make me take instructions.
Maxim Sachkov
Head of Science and Technology
MIND AND LOGIC
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As an ordinary user, I came up with the following rule: if you can’t figure it out with a household appliance - a TV, smartphone, microwave, etc., its interface is poor for intuitive understanding. In the car, the level of development should be even higher, because most of the work is done on the go. Frankly, before the start of our test, I expected the worst results. As regards specific machines, Kia did not become a whipping boy, although it is still too early to record it as full competitors to German technological masterpieces: the functionality is more modest, the graphics do not reach the premium level. And I would award gold to BMW. Everything is excellent in his system: a worthy result of more than ten years of evolution.
Kirill MILESHKIN
editor of science and technology
RESULT IS OBVIOUS
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Everything was done correctly in Audi: a convenient twist, the necessary menu buttons around it, and the transition key a little higher. You can work blindly, you will not get confused. Touch panel is very useful - it helps to enter the address faster. BMW has a similar scheme, but due to the advanced functions of the joystick it is more convenient. Everything is logical, you get used to it quickly, the search is convenient. The translation into Russian is correct, you won’t be mistaken in the choice of functions. Quoris is simpler. For example, changing the operating modes of the suspension is assigned to a separate button, but the indication is modest - you do not immediately understand that you changed the mode. If you arrange the seats, then the first I would give BMW, the second - “Audi”, the third - “Quoris”.
Gennady EMELKIN
Head of the technical center “Driving”
TOTAL
There were fewer differences in approaches than we expected. All systems are quite functional and do not have serious miscalculations in ergonomics. Even a novice copes with them, and you can get the status of a pro after a short training. A rare case: all experts are unanimous in their opinion! Complex complex cannot be made perfect on the first try. BMW and Audi experts have solid experience, and Koreans clearly lack it. Maybe you should have spied some decisions with the elders? For example, take the same “i-drive” as a reference point (all the more so since the gearbox selector is very reminiscent of a non-drive). Or, conversely, try to overtake the masters and invest in the next generation system, which will replace today's interfaces: they will be replaced by voice, gestures and touch panels.
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BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE TEST
There is something to blame for the winner, although this is not directly related to the subject of the tests. Due to a 20-inch low-profile tire torn on broken spring roads, the test was in jeopardy. You can’t find such a tire even in a large city far from the first store, and there’s no spare tire, because BMW has run-flat tires. A disappointing result: decommissioned tires, damaged during a long hobbled drive to the service and two precious days without a car. Is the price too high, dear manufacturers and marketers?
