In a revelation that’s as refreshing as the feature itself, a new survey by Park+ Research Labs has confirmed what every Indian stuck in a sun-baked car has long suspected: nothing beats the bliss of a breezy backside. Yes, you heard it right—ventilated seats have officially overtaken sunroofs, massive screens, and even ADAS in the battle for must-have car features.
Out of 6,000 car owners surveyed across India, a cool 78% ranked ventilated seats as their number one priority while choosing a car. Gone are the days when a sunroof was the badge of cool. Today, coolness is literal, not metaphorical.
Ventilated Seats: From “Nice-to-Have” to “How-Did-We-Live-Without-This?”
With temperatures soaring and heatwaves making summer drives feel like a one-way ticket to a tandoor, Indian drivers are demanding tech that tackles the climate crisis… one seat at a time. Ventilated seats, which pump air through the seat cushion (and in some cases, the backrest too), are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity.
Automakers like Tata, Hyundai, Kia, VW, and MG are already offering both semi- and fully-ventilated options. As one respondent put it, “Sunroof toh sirf dikhawa hai. Ventilated seat hi asli sukoon hai.” (Translation: The sunroof is for show. The ventilated seat is true peace.)
Sunroofs Lose Their Shine (and Dryness)
Only 11% of respondents still consider a sunroof a must-have, with many calling it more of a “selfie trap” than a functional feature. Concerns over leaking during monsoons—even in premium models—have further dented the once-aspirational status of the glass roof.
ADAS & Safety: Still Important, Just Not Sexy Anymore
8% of respondents flagged ADAS and other safety features as crucial, but this may actually be good news. It signals a shift in perception—safety is now a baseline expectation, not a bonus. Car buyers assume modern vehicles come pre-loaded with solid safety systems, and aren’t giving extra points for what they see as standard.
Infotainment: Big Screens, Small Appeal
As for larger infotainment systems with triple screens and spaceship-like dashboards? Just 3% of respondents felt they were essential. The verdict: impressive, but not indispensable. Apparently, size doesn’t always matter—at least not in the center console.
The Bigger Picture: Practicality is the New Premium
The findings from Park+ Research Labs underline a fundamental evolution in Indian car buyer preferences. Vanity features are being replaced by comfort, climate-resilience, and common sense. In an era of scorching heat and unpredictable monsoons, buyers want cars that are not just stylish but survivable.
So next time you see someone buying a car, don’t ask about horsepower or touchscreen size. Ask the real question: “Bhai, ventilated seats hain na?”
