ThatBlueS3
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So I've had my S3 for about two weeks now. Absolutely love it and one of the best features of it is the Virtual Cockpit. I put together an overview video of it in case anyone wants to see it in action.
Facelift Virtual Cockpit Overview
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WarwickL
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Had a try with VC again on a local car and after that second try out and watching your video it only confirms how much I dislike it.
Behaves like it has a 286 chip powering it
God, what an abomination.
Good that you love the car though. I'm impressed with the seven speed.
Behaves like it has a 286 chip powering it
God, what an abomination.
Good that you love the car though. I'm impressed with the seven speed.
Flying Scotsman
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Not impressed with that video overview. It just reinforces why I ordered the standard display with analog/analogue gauges. As I stated before, I have not seen any car video display that can compare with a well designed analog cluster of gauges for ease of view, clarity.and visual pleasure. The so called cool factor of a VC display wears off very quickly.
this pretty much sums up why the virtual cockpit is a must have. those who dont like it sound like the types of people who would be better off on horseback
WarwickL
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Don't fix what ain't broke
Some say at least it's pretty, don't agree. Looks Fisher Price
Some say at least it's pretty, don't agree. Looks Fisher Price
Thanks for putting that video together.
We've had the VC in my wife's TT just over a week and I like it.
I collect my S3 Saloon with it (more functionality than her TT) on Thursday so will see it and use it on a daily basis.
Will the novelty wear off? Possibly, but only time will tell. But at the moment I'm glad I ordered it.
We've had the VC in my wife's TT just over a week and I like it.
I collect my S3 Saloon with it (more functionality than her TT) on Thursday so will see it and use it on a daily basis.
Will the novelty wear off? Possibly, but only time will tell. But at the moment I'm glad I ordered it.
Ozmosis
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I think it looks pretty cool, seen in the flesh in a TT at the dealers. However, it makes sense in the TT as there is no central screen for MMI, yet every other model has a screen of some sort. So I do not really see the point but appreciate that it does look good.
Now another worry is that by adding "more functionality" to this in the S3 compared to the TT, how many drivers are going to be massively distracted by it??
Now another worry is that by adding "more functionality" to this in the S3 compared to the TT, how many drivers are going to be massively distracted by it??
That's the ongoing trend like it or not, i think in several years, all manufacturers will offer them... and TBH, Audi's VC is much much more tasteful than what Mercedes is doing... they look like it's from those 1970 Buick for god sake...
Personally, the analog cockpit does look a little dated, but the full VC is a bit too much, I like the S6 cockpit the best, two analog dials with full size DIS in the middle, best of both worlds...
Personally, the analog cockpit does look a little dated, but the full VC is a bit too much, I like the S6 cockpit the best, two analog dials with full size DIS in the middle, best of both worlds...
I've had mine a month now and have not got tired of it yet. I do like the option it gives you to hide the centre screen and just use the cluster at night and still be able to see a map
I agree about the distraction factor.
I'll probably not change the views too much whilst on the move, unless necessary.
The ability to customise it appeals to me.
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I wonder what the service life of the system will be?
Could imagine a few years down the line the screen going blank for some reason....You will be absolutely stuffed when it goes wrong..How will you be able to know what speed etc..
Could imagine a few years down the line the screen going blank for some reason....You will be absolutely stuffed when it goes wrong..How will you be able to know what speed etc..
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You almost went native again FS...lol
Ozmosis
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I understand this, progress and everything. VW have added to the FL Golf too, though that one seems to be more a digital representation of analogue instruments from what I have seen so far.
The 'basic' format of a rev counter with digital speed display works for me within the virtual display, yes analogue dials/needles are traditional but even they are becoming more difficult to read due to increased detail and/or overstyled fonts.
I do agree about the Mercedes version though, especially the E- Class. Just looks like two wide angle tablets joined together!
Isnt it odd that so many people that don't like technological improvements buy cars from a firm that has for decades spouted the constant and irritating mantra;
Vorsprung Durch Technik
Progress through technology.
The fact is that it offers you choice and that's a huge bonus. It offers you the choice of looking exactly like a vintage analog two-dial binnacle, or as close to it as possible these days, or you can do many other useful things with it.
The don't fix what ain't broke argument is perhaps misplaced. Let's not forget that the standard clocks are leagues away from what would be considered a basic speedo and rev counter set up. You have a mutlifunction colour LCD display in the middle capable of telling you all manner of information, sweeping pointers, digital fuel, temperature / boost indicators, and more processing power than it took to get to the moon.
Virtual cockpit is just a natural evolution of the standard binnacle. They've removed the mechanical drives and extended the DIS, and made better use of the space available to give you access to more info, more data, and more choice.
The criticism of speed is unfounded. The speed lag is apparent when using google earth view, and its down to the speed of the data connection, not the processors. The speed of response of every other part of the display is unchanged.
Google earth view is pointless though, I grant you that. It's a show off view, a 'look what we can do' option that's actually ***** to use and nowhere near as good to use as traffic view, which offers the 'at-a-glance' capability you need, and a very wide view of routes. I'm also not sold on the so-called 'sport' view on the S3, which is also a bit of a show off mode.
Those that don't like the look of it because it lacks ease of viewing or clarity are, I'm afraid, wrong. My wife didn't even notice the dials were fake for an hour or so. It's very natural and is no different to watching traditional indicators. You glance down, read your speed, look back up. the fact that your looking at thousands of pixels is immaterial and unnoticed.
Vorsprung Durch Technik
Progress through technology.
The fact is that it offers you choice and that's a huge bonus. It offers you the choice of looking exactly like a vintage analog two-dial binnacle, or as close to it as possible these days, or you can do many other useful things with it.
The don't fix what ain't broke argument is perhaps misplaced. Let's not forget that the standard clocks are leagues away from what would be considered a basic speedo and rev counter set up. You have a mutlifunction colour LCD display in the middle capable of telling you all manner of information, sweeping pointers, digital fuel, temperature / boost indicators, and more processing power than it took to get to the moon.
Virtual cockpit is just a natural evolution of the standard binnacle. They've removed the mechanical drives and extended the DIS, and made better use of the space available to give you access to more info, more data, and more choice.
The criticism of speed is unfounded. The speed lag is apparent when using google earth view, and its down to the speed of the data connection, not the processors. The speed of response of every other part of the display is unchanged.
Google earth view is pointless though, I grant you that. It's a show off view, a 'look what we can do' option that's actually ***** to use and nowhere near as good to use as traffic view, which offers the 'at-a-glance' capability you need, and a very wide view of routes. I'm also not sold on the so-called 'sport' view on the S3, which is also a bit of a show off mode.
Those that don't like the look of it because it lacks ease of viewing or clarity are, I'm afraid, wrong. My wife didn't even notice the dials were fake for an hour or so. It's very natural and is no different to watching traditional indicators. You glance down, read your speed, look back up. the fact that your looking at thousands of pixels is immaterial and unnoticed.
WarwickL
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No improvement but yes it is tech
God it looks average, wife thought so too. Very Apple like in transition and performance
Edit - can fully understand if you optioned it you would want to like it and defend it. Human nature.
God it looks average, wife thought so too. Very Apple like in transition and performance
Edit - can fully understand if you optioned it you would want to like it and defend it. Human nature.
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I'm with Warwick on this one.
Definitely has potential but geez if my phone was that laggy I'd throw it at the nearest brick wall !! No excuse for it in this day and age.
Definitely has potential but geez if my phone was that laggy I'd throw it at the nearest brick wall !! No excuse for it in this day and age.
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I bought it because I was getting a bit punchy with the options list, and thought it offered a decent set of advantages over the standard system. I'd driven range rovers with similar setups, and found them to be mightily impressive. Trust me though, if it were rubbish, I'd tell you it was rubbish.No improvement but yes it is tech
God it looks average, wife thought so too. Very Apple like in transition and performance
Edit - can fully understand if you optioned it you would want to like it and defend it. Human nature.
It's purposely designed to look average, in fact, that's very much it's most positive aspect from Audi's point of view. Digital speedos and dashboards are dangerous ground for manufacturers. They have always garnered extreme criticism from motoring hacks, and found very little public acceptance because they've been 'too' different. The result has often been ****** awful;
Use the high definition displays to replicate a set of traditional dials though, and resist the urge to add any bling, glitter, tinsel, racing stripes or gimmicky animations, and you can gain wider acceptance whilst still offering the technology. This minimalism also avoids the Aston Martin taste paradox, where in what is surely one of the naffest dashboard features ever made, they've programmed the DIS on the dash to flash the words "Power Beauty Soul' at you every time you start it up.
Everyone wants to be Apple like these days, Apple have hit the sweet spot in user display and user interfaces, and it's so overwhelmingly good that people forgive the fact the software it's controlling is often not that great. The key is making it untuitive, usable, but not intrusive. The irony of making in-your-face high technology not quite so 'in your face'...
WarwickL
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I bought it because I was getting a bit punchy with the options list, and thought it offered a decent set of advantages over the standard system. I'd driven range rovers with similar setups, and found them to be mightily impressive. Trust me though, if it were rubbish, I'd tell you it was rubbish.
It's purposely designed to look average, in fact, that's very much it's most positive aspect from Audi's point of view. Digital speedos and dashboards are dangerous ground for manufacturers. They have always garnered extreme criticism from motoring hacks, and found very little public acceptance because they've been 'too' different. The result has often been ****** awful;
View attachment 109713
Use the high definition displays to replicate a set of traditional dials though, and resist the urge to add any bling, glitter, tinsel, racing stripes or gimmicky animations, and you can gain wider acceptance whilst still offering the technology. This minimalism also avoids the Aston Martin taste paradox, where in what is surely one of the naffest dashboard features ever made, they've programmed the DIS on the dash to flash the words "Power Beauty Soul' at you every time you start it up.
Everyone wants to be Apple like these days, Apple have hit the sweet spot in user display and user interfaces, and it's so overwhelmingly good that people forgive the fact the software it's controlling is often not that great. The key is making it untuitive, usable, but not intrusive. The irony of making in-your-face high technology not quite so 'in your face'...
Now that's more like it....................always wanted a car I could call Kit!! lol
i wonder if all this tech is going to push car sales up in the near future? 2yrs down the line when your VC's are all laggy and the new version is out surely you will want to upgrade? It would be good if Audi or other manufacturers made these systems future proof by being able to upgrade certain elements. I personally love the look of it but as it is a fairly new piece of car tech I'm going to wait and see what the future holds. I usually buy my car cash then sell on after a few yrs so i would be a little worried what this would be like later down the line on the 2nd hand market.
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looking at that picture I had forgotten about the Astra GTE I had back in the 90's...LIked it at first but after a few months really hated it....Got rid when the pixels started to fail....I bought it because I was getting a bit punchy with the options list, and thought it offered a decent set of advantages over the standard system. I'd driven range rovers with similar setups, and found them to be mightily impressive. Trust me though, if it were rubbish, I'd tell you it was rubbish.
It's purposely designed to look average, in fact, that's very much it's most positive aspect from Audi's point of view. Digital speedos and dashboards are dangerous ground for manufacturers. They have always garnered extreme criticism from motoring hacks, and found very little public acceptance because they've been 'too' different. The result has often been ****** awful;
View attachment 109713
Use the high definition displays to replicate a set of traditional dials though, and resist the urge to add any bling, glitter, tinsel, racing stripes or gimmicky animations, and you can gain wider acceptance whilst still offering the technology. This minimalism also avoids the Aston Martin taste paradox, where in what is surely one of the naffest dashboard features ever made, they've programmed the DIS on the dash to flash the words "Power Beauty Soul' at you every time you start it up.
Everyone wants to be Apple like these days, Apple have hit the sweet spot in user display and user interfaces, and it's so overwhelmingly good that people forgive the fact the software it's controlling is often not that great. The key is making it untuitive, usable, but not intrusive. The irony of making in-your-face high technology not quite so 'in your face'...
Ozmosis
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Now that's more like it....................always wanted a car I could call Kit!! lol
When do they put Super Pursuit Mode onto my RS3?? LoL
Especially on toast.Mmmmmm
Ah, but do you prefer bread made with flour milled on a stone outside your front door or that new fangled stuff that someone makes for you and you can buy from a supermarket??
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Depends on how windy it is...lolAh, but do you prefer bread made with flour milled on a stone outside your front door or that new fangled stuff that someone makes for you and you can buy from a supermarket??
Martin L
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Having now used it in a few rental cars, while it's a nice to have it's definitely not something I would pay extra for.
New VW golf will have them now too on some models as standard like the Tiguan.
New VW golf will have them now too on some models as standard like the Tiguan.
Scottyg
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One of the best systems I've seen other than the VC is Peugeot's new display in their new 3008. A much improved looking small SUV with a cracking interior. Never at a Pug but this is turning my head.
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Best going second hand on that one Scotty...It won't be cheap new but will be considerably cheap second hand...
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Ha ha ........Like a bit o crumpet.....Crumpets.....mmmmm
Scottyg
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Best going second hand on that one Scotty...It won't be cheap new but will be considerably cheap second hand...
They start at 22k which is more expensive than the Q2.
Ozmosis
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Thought the 3008 was a bigger car too, Q3 would be the same size.
Plus the Q2 is not a nice looking thing in the metal. Was not impressed by it when I saw at Geneva.
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If you get VC surely the middle screen should be junked? Seems strange to me to have both. I had it in a hire car A4 and wasn't that impressed tbh.
TX.
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TX.
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Like them with some melted butter on top.............. but they always complain and run away boom boom!Ha ha ........Like a bit o crumpet.....
Sorry!
