Hard to beat the type of rotary control that became ubiquitous for a reason. Aggravating factor is designers wanting to convert them to full electronic control.
The Outlander is electronic but push-button which to me is much simpler than touch screen. I don't think it is quite as handy as 3 knobs - instead of a knob with pictures, there is a mode button to toggle round the different distribution modes. I like that it has a single button for defogging that just aims maximum blast and heat at the windscreen.
All quite nerdy and nearly as exciting as a discussion on floor mats, but what is really remarkable is that so many people seem unable to use the heating and ventilation controls to any useful effect.
The boss's best friend has a newish Ford that was always fogged up. The boss had made tactful suggestions as to how to fix this, to no avail so one day she just switched on the AC, turned down the fan, and turned off recirculation. Within two minutes all the windows were clear. Friend still has reservations because it can't be right to use AC unless she's too hot.
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