Hyundai Makes Instrument Cluster a Paid Option on Two Models in Korea
Hyundai now charges extra for driver displays on the base trims of the new Avante and Ioniq 3 in South Korea, a move that reverses the traditional standard-equipment status of instrument clusters.
According to Car and Driver, cited by Slashdot, the Korea-market Avante (the sedan sold elsewhere as the Elantra) and the electric Ioniq 3 offer the instrument cluster as a paid extra on their base trims. Both models are equipped with Pleos Connect, Hyundai's new infotainment system that pairs a center touchscreen with a slim 9.9-inch instrument cluster mounted above the dashboard – but not in all versions.
In South Korea, the base trim of the Avante lists the instrument cluster screen as a 350,000 won (about $255) option. The base trim of the Ioniq 3, however, gives customers no instrument cluster at all, instead relying entirely on the central touchscreen in the manner of a Tesla. To get the driver's display on the electric vehicle, customers must move up to the next trim level, which costs roughly $5,000 more.
The report notes the optional screen on the Avante is not among the most expensive extras, but it still represents a departure for a feature traditionally regarded as standard. Slashdot reader sinij, who flagged the report, called the change a sign that the “enshittification of car controls [is] rapidly accelerating.” The report also draws a comparison to Apple's decision to stop including headphones and charging blocks with iPhones in 2020.
Hyundai has said it plans to equip the Pleos Connect setup in 20 million cars globally by the end of the decade, according to Motor1, which first reported the pricing details.