Buttons, schmuttons

I test drove a new car the other day. Nothing in that really, but when I got in the car and turned the ignition key nothing happened. Slightly embarrassed, I asked the salesman what was wrong. With a bemused look he told me the big silver button on the dash was the starter and I just had to push it. How odd. If you've got a button why do you need a key, and if you've got a key why do you need a button? I blame the Japanese. They've always been into gadgets and gizmos and things you must have that, actually, you don't. For years, the standard offering from European manufacturers was an engine, a seat, a roof, four wheels and, if you were lucky, a radio. Now, every time you start a modern car the national grid strains to supply enough power to light all the electronics in, on and around the dash. Bring back the sliding heater vent, I say. At least you can see at a glance what the temperature is, rather than scrolling through menus on a screen when you should be watching the road. It's rumoured a car maker is bringing out a car with two steering wheels soon, just in case someone's got four arms, I suppose.