Product development 101

Subaru have been making cars since 1954 and yet birefringence in polycarbonates, liquid crystal polarization and polarised sunglasses are obviously not on their check list.

I can’t see the climate control display in my new Outback from any angle without taking off my sunnies.

And then there is the electronic handbrake. It’s retarded beyond belief.

Firstly, it’s a ‘push to engage’ number, unlike every handbrake that has ever existed. Secondly, it’s hidden out of the way such that you have to look for where it is in order to use it. Thirdly, under some conditions it will automatically disengage when you start moving off. But not always, and I can’t figure out why.

Hidden away, right next to the electric handbrake is the hill start button. This little number automatically applies the handbrake when you are stopped on a hill. But only sometimes, subject to the degree of incline which is not indicated! So you don’t know it’s not on until you start rolling backwards. Also you have to remember to turn it on every time you start the ignition – it defaults to off.

Then there is the big touch screen. Every single time I use it after starting the car, before being able to access the radio or the map, I have to “agree” that it’s dangerous to use it while the vehicle is moving. Which I can do even while the vehicle is moving.

The hazard lights are usefully placed right under the airco controls so that at least once a week they are accidentally engaged.

The driver’s seat memory function only works some of the the time. Subaru is famous for intermittent electrics. In my last one it was the cruise control.

I know that these are first world problems but my professional R&D manager’s training is severely offended by these obvious shortcomings.

It’s what happens when senior management is totally disconnected from the products. Especially in Japan where there is no direct translation for “calling it”.