They say the simple ideas are the best – now I have proof. When manufacturers started putting navigation screens and MMI (multi-media interfaces) in cars, there has been this ongoing battle on which is the best way to let the driver operate them. There have been touch screens, but that limits where the screen can go. It tends to be within 70cm of the driver. There have been big knobs somewhere on the console to control the interface, all with mixed results.

I know, why not make the control device like a mouse for a computer – everyone can operate that.

That, essentially is exactly what Lexus has done in the new Lexus RX450h Hybrid.

It’s brilliant. Once you see the knob there and the buttons on the side, it works just like a mouse on your computer. There is no learning, simply highlight the action you want on the screen and click – ta-da – done.

With the control within easy reach of the driver, the screen can now be moved further away from the driver, and in the case of the Lexus, it is closer to the natural sightline of the driver.

I had a chance to try the Remote Touch for myself recently, and I can attest to it easily being the easiest to learn and use of the MMI’s out there. You can go through all the various controls easily at the touch of a button, and I like the way the screen highlights what you have clicked on. There is no guess work here, this is the way they should all be.

Hats off to Lexus for coming up with the best interface that I have tried so far – and it was so simple!