While carmakers keep tripping over themselves to pack ever-bigger screens and overcomplicated digital gimmicks into their cabins, a handful of budget models seem content to sit that trend out. One Reddit user in Germany stirred a discussion after noticing that the entry-level version of a Stellantis SUV doesn’t have an infotainment system or touchscreen of any kind and, unsurprisingly, their post went viral.

The model in question is the Opel Frontera, a revived nameplate that shares absolutely nothing with its old-school, ladder-frame predecessor based on the Isuzu MU. Instead, this new generation trades toughness for a modern, urban-friendly setup, sharing its platform with the Citroen C3 Aircross.

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According to Opel’s official German configurator, the base Frontera Edition leaves out several features available in the higher GS and Ultimate trims.

Simple Tech For Bigger Savings

Despite its minimalist approach, the most affordable Frontera still includes a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. However, where you’d usually find a touchscreen on the glossy black dashboard, there’s a smartphone holder instead.

The crossover comes with a basic radio, a microphone for voice commands and calls, and two front speakers that only function when a phone is connected via Bluetooth. A USB Type-C port offers quick charging on the move, while the manual air-conditioning system keeps things old-school with rotary dials on the center console.

Buyers who want more can opt for the Tech package, which adds the 10-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, navigation, a rearview camera, wireless charging, and a front armrest with storage. The Comfort package brings heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control, while the Design package adds a white roof, black roof rails, and matching white details for the 16-inch steel wheels.

Pricing The Basics

So how affordable is the entry-level Frontera? In Germany, the Edition trim starts at €24,190 ($28,300) for the Hybrid 110 with the 1.2-liter engine, and climbs to €31,190 ($36,500) for the Electric Extended Range 113 PS model. The optional Tech and Comfort packages add €1,000 ($1,200) each, while the Design pack will set you back another €450 ($525).

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Further up the range, the GS trim adds between €3,500 and €3,700 ($4,100) to the entry-level price, while the Ultimate trim costs only €300 ($350) more than the GS.

Interestingly, in France, the Frontera Edition includes an infotainment display as standard, even with a slightly lower base price of €23,845 ($27,900). Other small Opel models like the Corsa and Mokka also include screens across all trims.

Screen-Less Models Are Trending

Of course, Opel isn’t alone in the “screen-less” concept. Several automakers now offer base trims that rely on smartphone docking stations instead of built-in displays. Dacia has led the charge, with all its models, aside from the Bigster, offered in a basic “Essential” specification without a touchscreen.

Within the Stellantis family, the same philosophy applies to the Citroën C3, C3 Aircross, and Fiat Grande Panda, all of which share the Smart Car platform with the Frontera.

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A host of upcoming budget urban EVs, like the VW ID.Up (ID.Every1) and the Renault Twingo, are also expected to let drivers use their smartphones for multimedia and navigation. This will allow automakers to offer them at a lower starting price.

Do You Really Need A Screen?

While many buyers love the look of large infotainment systems, some prefer the simplicity of using their own device, which can be easily updated over time. There’s also a practical advantage: without a screen dominating the dashboard, essential controls like heating and ventilation remain physical, straightforward, and easy to use.

Beyond Europe, you’ll find countless screen-less models in Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and South America. In contrast, Chinese buyers have access to massive screens and high-tech features in the vast majority of passenger vehicles.

Opening Photo: Reddit

The updated Tesla Model 3 Highland arrived in August 2023 with a range of welcome upgrades, along with one, or depending on who you ask two, changes that proved far more divisive.

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Aside from the removal of the gear selector stalk, one of the most debated changes was Tesla’s decision to eliminate the traditional turn signal stalk in favor of steering wheel buttons, mirroring the approach used in the Model S and Model X. After nearly two years of customer feedback, the company has chosen to bring the stalk back, at least in the Chinese market.

The official configurator in China now shows the turn signal stalk as standard equipment across all Model 3 trims. For existing owners who never warmed up to the steering wheel buttons, Tesla is also preparing a factory-backed solution that goes beyond aftermarket fixes.

Factory-Backed Retrofit

Beginning in mid-September, an accessory called the “Model 3 Steering Wheel Turn Signal Lever Modification” will be offered through Tesla’s online shop and app in China. Priced at ¥2,499 ($349), the upgrade must be installed at a Tesla Service Center, where technicians will fit the stalk using specialized tools.

Unsurprisingly, the stalk design looks nearly identical to the one on the Model Y Juniper, which is slimmer and more streamlined than the pre-facelift Model 3 version. The upgrade also involves fitting a new steering wheel without turn signal buttons, with Tesla offsetting costs by recycling the components returned by customers.

Tesla

Compatibility and Rollout

Initially, the accessory will only work on Model 3 Highland vehicles produced after February 7, 2025. Tesla has confirmed it will eventually expand compatibility to all Highland units. Considering the Model 3’s role as a global bestseller, it seems likely that similar offerings will eventually reach Europe and North America.

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We don’t know whether the company plans to retrofit the Cybertruck, Model S and Model X with turn signal stalks in the future. For now, Tesla appears to be focusing on high-volume cars where customer sentiment has been strongest.

Aftermarket alternatives

During the two years without a factory option, third-party companies stepped in to fill the gap. Enhance Auto, for example, launched its own retrofit called S3XY Stalks, which gained traction among owners looking for a more traditional control setup.