This might disappoint drivers and seems to be at odds with the number of manufacturers switching back to physical controls in their latest models; the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo, for example, has recently introduced physical climate control toggles to replace the touch-sensitive sliders in the old ID.3. However, this appears to have been done in response to customer feedback and frustration, rather than in a bid to comply with safety regulations.

Adding insult to injury is how little the ‘key driving controls’ element of the Safe Driving segment in Euro NCAP’s test appears to affect a car’s overall rating. The XPeng G9, for example, only scored 20 per cent here, but was still awarded the full five stars overall. Granted, the Chinese electric MPV did offer strong scores in both the Crash Avoidance and Post Crash Safety sections of Euro NCAP’s tests.

Likewise, the Kia EV2 and Audi Q7 also both got the full five stars. Dr. Williams said Euro NCAP “reward[s] the intelligent use of physical buttons and controls, as this can reduce driver distraction, and both Audi’s new Q7 and Kia’s EV2 do an excellent job of keeping safety simple.” That said, the Q7 does, unfortunately, incorporate its climate controls into the touchscreen – albeit in a fixed position at the bottom.

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