No buttons required

Touch-screen technology, which has been incorporated into a wide range of devices, has been taken to a new automotive level with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Touch.

The vehicle pushes the boundaries of dashboard layout and driver interactivity. First demonstrated at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in the United States, the vehicle is a must-have - or at least a must-see - for those drivers who are extremely tech savvy.

The fun factor lies not only in the reportedly nippy driving experience but in three displays - a 12.8" and an 8", in addition to a 12.3" instrument cluster - that almost completely eliminates the standard tactile controls.

The centre display also offers touch feedback, so the driver is able to tell when they've activated a command without even having to look at the screen. The display colours and lighting can be customised to the driver's liking.

Taking the interactive experience even further, there are tiny cameras mounted in strategic locations around the cabin, which allow the driver to trigger commands with hand gestures. This means that the displays do not have to be touched at all.

According to the German automaker, the system was designed to reduce driver distraction while attaining maximum personalisation and intuitive operation in the car.

Volkswagen is not the only automobile brand to feature the no-button driver technology. Volvo's XC90 features a tablet-like screen, while Tesla has debuted its Model S vehicle with a

touch-screen set-up.

chad.bryan@gleanerjm.com