Automakers: Steering Wheel Mute Buttons Please

I’d like more vehicles to offer this tiny feature, because it makes a big difference… so much that I’d consider it a key differentiator when cross-shopping this segment.

A steering-wheel Mute button, to instantly kill the radio.

Because if you must snap into hyper-focus,
first instinct is to shut the music off.

This button is the most efficient way, your left thumb is always beside it.

Which is why it’s puzzling to me that this button is very rare.

Every day I drove this SUV, I used it several times.

I can count on one hand the number of vehicles I’ve tested that have one.

I think they should all have one.

Found on a 2016 Hyundai Tucson.

 

 

How Many Doors on a Hyundai Veloster?

How many do you see? Answer is at bottom.

The rear hatch counts as 1.

Nice how the exterior colour carries into the interior, eh.

2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition

1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
6-speed manual transmission
201 hp & 195 lb-ft of torque

Starting at $27,199

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So, how many doors?

It’s a trick question.

Answer = 4.

The rear driver’s side door is fake!

Neat eh.

The backseat is accesible ONLY from the passenger side. I like it – means the driver’s seat never requires adjustment.

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PS – don’t know why, but there’s something about Hyundai and game posts – here’s a good one.

 

 

 

Play a Game – What Make & Model is this Car?

A reader of ‘Keri on Driving’ emailed me about his new car, referencing a column about de-badging a car from summer 2013. He says, “I wanted to make my car unrecognizable to almost everyone.”

So Darryl W. of London, ON issues this challenge:
can you identify the make and model of his car?

I got the make and model, but was off by 2 years. Then I asked to blog his pictures it was so fun.

So here you go, good luck! I’ve peppered this post with quotes from his email, so we have the same clues, same playing field. Answer is at bottom of post.

“My car was already somewhat rare to begin with, as this model from the manufacturer was only for sale in Canada for a period of 3 years.”

“I am also including a close up of the sticker(s) that I placed over the manufacturer symbol on the (4) centre wheel caps.”

Nice interior shot eh.

Got your answer?

Here’s the original column (and original post.)

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It’s a 2007 Hyundai Azera GLS

(in South Korea, the Azera model is called the Grandeur)