Digital Dashboards
Digital instrument clusters, head-up displays and configurable screens — what they show, how to set them up and whether they beat analogue dials.
The instrument cluster in front of the driver has become a screen on most new cars, from budget hatchbacks with a small digital panel to premium models with a wide, configurable display. A digital dashboard can show a full-screen map, the adaptive cruise control's view of the traffic ahead, a large fuel-consumption readout or a classic pair of dials, depending on what the driver chooses. Head-up displays go a step further and project speed, navigation and warnings onto the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.
The real advantages are flexibility and clarity: the information you want is where you look, and warnings arrive with explanations rather than a cryptic symbol. The drawbacks are glare in strong sun on some designs, a learning curve in the menus, and the occasional temptation to look at the screen rather than the road. When comparing new cars, judge a digital cluster in daylight, on a test drive, and check how much of it is configurable on the variant you are pricing rather than only on the top model.
Digital Dashboards — questions
The questions people ask about digital dashboards, answered plainly.
What is a digital instrument cluster?
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It is a screen that replaces the traditional analogue speedometer and rev counter behind the steering wheel. It can display speed and revs as dials or numbers, and switch to navigation, media, trip data or driver-assistance information at the touch of a steering-wheel button. Most can be customised so the layout you prefer appears every time you start the car.
What is a head-up display and is it worth having?
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A head-up display projects key information, usually speed, navigation prompts and safety warnings, onto the windscreen or a small transparent panel so the driver reads it without looking down. Owners who cover long distances or drive in heavy traffic tend to value it highly. Polarised sunglasses can make some head-up displays hard to read, so test it wearing yours.
Are digital dashboards harder to read in bright sunlight?
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Modern clusters are bright and anti-reflective, and most adjust automatically to ambient light, but low sun at certain angles can still wash out some designs. The hooded cluster design used by most manufacturers helps. Check it on a test drive in daylight, and remember that brightness and contrast are usually adjustable in the settings.
Can a digital dashboard fail, and is it covered by warranty?
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Like any electronic component it can develop a fault, and if it does the car is usually still driveable but may lose its speedometer, which is a safety issue. The cluster is covered by the manufacturer's warranty as a defect in materials or workmanship, so a fault on a new car is a matter for the franchise dealer at no cost to you.
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