Age is undoubtedly a factor Alistair - my ability to mentally multi task has deteriorated as I get older and so my ability to cope with distractions is much less. But that is a good reason for good design - manufacturers cannot afford to design the function of expensive new cars round the capabilities of the 20 year olds who mostly dont buy them. Old farts are a big market for upmarket cars.
As for voice commands I dont know anyone who uses them in the car. But I certainly use them on my phone - the ability to dictate texts and emails rather than tap them in with arthritic fingers is really good for a golden oldie. And most everyone needs to use texts and email during the day.
The problem with modern car design is not only the use of touch screens but the inclusion of unnecessary funtions. For example, our family Merc diesel estate has flappy paddles and engine modes! How pointless is that! Then it has three different ways of accessing radio settings - whats wrong with just one? Multiple ways of accessing other settings too many of them as useless as the engine modes and simply put there because they impress the vacuous and increas the price at little cost.
