02 Sep 08
Last, but by no means least, the whole key/start-up procedure is idiotic. Push button starts are all the rage these days, but Ford simply hasn't thought this one through...
Because there's no touch-opening system fitted, such as you might find with Renault's keyless entry system, you need to find the key to open the car. Then, because there's no ignition slot in which to store the key, you have to put it away again, or leave it clattering round somewhere in a storage bin. Stopping is just as bad, because even if the engine can be neutered at the touch of a button, you'll still need the key to lock the car.
I'm always bemoaning automotive solutions to problems that don't exist: this is a classic example of precisely that. What we clearly need here is either a system that allows full operation of the car with the key remaining firmly in the pocket, or (and call me old-fashioned) an ignition key that you press to unlock the car, then stuff in a hole and turn, to start the engine. This also completely negates the chances of me finding my wife's keys on the drive as she potters up the lane without them.
But then - much like an intermittent wiper setting which you can adjust yourself and isn't overridden by a hopeless, automatic system that utterly refuses to recognise what the Irish affectionately know as 'soft rain' until you can't see a thing through the windscreen - that would just be too easy. Wouldn't it?
