Manufacturers like to set their cars apart from the rest by giving them cool design touches or interesting quirks that other vehicles won’t have.
Sometimes though cars can come with truly weird features that would be out of place anywhere else, but have become an oddity that has stuck with the model it’s installed on.
Voted for by 2,000 drivers in a survey carried out by automotive video service CitNOW, here are the best hidden features on vehicles…
Volkswagen Golf GTI gear knob
If you go for the manual version of the Golf GTI, you will find it comes with a golf ball-style gear knob – showing that the Germans can sometimes have a sense of humour.
Volkswagen Beetle vase
Originally put in as part of the original model so people could make their dashboards more colourful, the vase has stayed a part of the model’s make-up for more than 50 years and continues to be used by drivers.
Vauxhall Corsa FlexFix integrated bike rack
Although this may not suit all drivers, this can be incredibly useful for cycling enthusiasts. Fitted behind the rear number plate, users could pull the rack out after lifting a handle in the boot, fit their bikes, then add an extra set of lights before getting on their way.
Skoda integrated umbrella
The Czech brand’s motto is ‘Simply Clever’ and this solution can be incredibly handy. Fitted into the door itself, users can retrieve the umbrella if adverse weather comes and easily slots back in when it isn’t needed.
Mini ambient lighting
With the main unit fitted around the circular infotainment system, the Mini ambient lighting setup is one of the best on offer, as you’ll find lighting strips throughout the cabin so you can change the mood as and when you want to.
Honda magic seats
To make sure that Honda’s small models are practical enough, the Japanese brand fitted the Civic and Jazz with the magic seats that fold up so you can massively increase the rear loading space.
Mini Convertible Openometer
To show just how much time you’ve had the roof down – especially when you consider Britain’s usually unpredictable weather – Mini decided to fit the Convertible with the Openometer, which timed how long the top was off.
Nissan curry hook
First fitted to the Almera in 1996, the curry hook means the likelihood of spilling your takeaway everywhere drops significantly – which can only be a good thing. The hook holds the handles of a plastic bag in place perfectly, and is now found in most car boots.
Renault Modus boot chute
Rather than opening the whole tailgate at once, Renault Modus drivers got the option of opening a small bottom section that allowed users to drop their shopping in with ease. It could also be useful in very tight parking spaces.
DS 3 integrated perfume dispenser
To make the interior of the car smell just that little bit better, DS built an air freshener into the cabin which could be controlled by a small dial on the dashboard. Much better than a clumsy air freshener on a string.
