How clued-up are you on cars? Take quiz to test your knowledge of driving developments

Drivers have revealed what they believe to be the top motoring innovations of all time - including airbags, sat-nav, and reversing cameras

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Cars

Martin Winter

16:24, 25 APR 2023

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How clued-up on cars are you? Do you know your Volvos from your Vauxhalls – or is it time to shift your knowledge up a gear?

Take this quiz to find out how much attention you pay when it comes to driving developments.

The quiz was created by nearly-new car retailer, Motorpoint, to celebrate 25 years since its launch in Derby – during which time it has opened 19 stores across the UK, and sold over a million vehicles.

The dealership also commissioned research of 2,000 drivers, asking them to name the most important driving innovations in motoring history – and the gadgets they would not want to drive without.

Having multiple airbags in a car topped the list, followed by GPS sat-nav, and reversing cameras.

And when it came to modern car tech motorists could not do without, in-car Bluetooth was their top priority – along with keyless entry, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control.

As part of its research, Motorpoint partnered with radio and TV presenter and car collector, Melvin Odoom, and put him to the ultimate “Motormind” automotive knowledge test, where he scored a respectable six out of ten.

He said: “I’ve always loved cars – in fact, I’ve owned 12 in total, with my first being a Fiat Brava which I bought in 2002.

“I consider myself very clued-up on the subject of motoring, and my “Motormind” interview really challenged me.

“As it turns out, I seem to do alright when it comes to where brands are from, or when they launch a luxury division – but I had no idea everyone calls the Pope’s car the Popemobile.”

The study, carried out via OnePoll, found almost one in five (18%) said assisted parking in any form would be the feature they’d like to have in their car – such as self-parking or parking sensors.

And just under one in ten dream of having heated features such as seats, steering wheel, or front screen.

With technological features being so important to many, the 2020s were named the decade Brits think cars look the coolest – beating the 1960s and 1970s, which came second and third.

Over a quarter of drivers (28%) would love to own a classic car – but would struggle without modern-day gadgets such as electric windows, wing mirrors which show the blind spot, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Nearly-new car retailer Motorpoint is celebrating 25 years since its launch (Image: Motorpoint)

It also emerged that nearly half (45%) have reminisced with others about old cars – including talking about their first car (37%), the car their parents had when they were a child (23%), and their favourite model (21%).

Some respondents cited family trips, and getting a sense of freedom when driving for the first time after getting their license, among the most memorable moments of their life.

Melvin Odoom added: “I think the car I was fondest of was a Bentley I owned. My mother hadn’t liked any of my previous cars, but became particularly attached to this one.

“From that point onwards, I became her chauffeur. I remember the Bentley always being full of suitcases, and will always associate that car with my mum.”

Mark Carpenter, CEO of Motorpoint, said: “Cars have evolved a lot since we opened our first store 25 years ago.

“Back in 1998, some of the tech we take for granted wasn’t even in development. Even then, it would have been inconceivable that cars could help us park, and smartphones were several years away.

“We’re proud to still be a part of the industry that’s kept Britain on the roads for a quarter of a century, and we as a business have grown a lot too.

“As we look forward to the next 25 years, it feels pertinent to reflect on fond memories of cars in the past, and to look ahead to an exciting future.”

TOP 20 MOST IMPORTANT DRIVING INNOVATIONS EVER, ACCORDING TO MOTORISTS: