Cars for seniors: Kia in first place
The average age of our society is constantly rising - and with it the often different needs of cars for seniors. But what does the ideal silver-ager model look like? This question was investigated by the Auto Bild test editorial team together with the Hamburg Mitte senior citizens' advisory council. The models selected by the seniors were divided into four categories according to 15 criteria [...].
This question was investigated by the Auto Bild test editorial team together with the Hamburg Mitte senior citizens' advisory council. The models selected by the seniors were evaluated according to 15 criteria in four categories.
Kia Niro Hybrid convinced the testers
Ten models - from the 2.70-meter short Smart Fortwo to the sporty Audi TTS with 306 hp - were closely scrutinized by the Senior Citizens' Advisory Council in the categories of clarity, operation, driving and comfort. While the last place for the sports car is no surprise, hardly anyone had focused on the winner before the test: The Kia Niro Hybrid convinced the testers with its good entry, high seating position and simple operation.
Assistance systems no problem
In the test, the seniors dispelled a number of preconceptions. Sitting high alone is not important, as shown by the third place of the small VW Polo and the penultimate place of the Smart Fortwo, which offers a similarly high seating position to an SUV.
Furthermore, there were hardly any reservations about modern assistance systems and digital cockpits - if it serves safety or makes driving easier. In particular, all testers quickly made friends with the fully digital driver's seat in the Mercedes B-Class.
Overall, according to the testers, the ideal car for seniors must offer comfortable entry, a good overview, simple and intuitive operation, and a soft-sprung chassis.
