Seven practical, simple and (almost) touchscreen-free cars

Today's cars are full of features that can be personalized through a  touchscreen. From the navigator to the air conditioning via the driving modes or the intensity of the interior lighting, almost everything is adjusted via a touch screen.

However, not everyone needs these systems and is just looking for a simple car to get around and without as much apparent technology, as might be the case for an elderly person or someone on a tight budget.

There aren't many  new cars  that live up to this premise of  simplicity  , exemplified by the lack of a touchscreen. And if equipped with a touch screen, it is not essential for the functions of the car. Here are some of the models we recommend.

Dacia Sandero Stepway, from 14,268 euros

The  Dacia Sandero Stepway  is a versatile model. It is  4.10 meters long  and shares a platform with the current  Renault Clio  and  Renault Captur . Thus, the  Sandero Stepway introduces  driving assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking and parking assistance which could not be equipped in the previous generation.

The new Dacias have lost this low cost aura and have become  essential cars . That is to say, they do without equipment that is not essential, such as the touch screen (although it is available as an option for 416 euros in the Sandero Stepway).

On board, in the most basic versions, the car  lacks an infotainment screen , being the driver's mobile the one that becomes this system (for this it equips a USB socket and a support integrated into the dashboard).

The range is made up of two engines, a 90 bhp petrol engine and a  100 bhp petrol-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) dual-fuel  engine, the ECO-G, which benefits from  the ECO label . Prices range from 14,268 euros for the TCe 90 CV Essential to 17,668 euros for the TCe 110 CV in Expression finish.

In particular, the  Dacia Sandero , which does not have the adventurous aspect of the Stepway, is available  from 12,790 euros. As for the new Dacia Logan, a Sandero with a 532-litre boot, it has ceased to be sold in Spain  due to its few sales , although Dacia assures that it is something punctual.

On the other hand, the Romanian brand offers the  Dacia Jogger , an adventurous-looking station wagon with up to seven seats and a  708-litre boot  in a five-seater configuration starting at 17,440 euros.

Citroën C3, from 16,775 euros

Citroën carries in its DNA the idea of ​​creating simple cars without superfluous equipment, like the 2 CV was in its time. This witness to a  simple, practical and affordable car  is taken up today in the French manufacturer's range by the  Citroën C3 , in particular the access version equipped with the 82 hp 1.2 PureTech engine which costs from 16,775 euros ( 14,425 euros of financing with the brand).

This version has all the  essential equipment today  , including air conditioning. In this finish, the car does not have a touch screen, which the higher finishes equip (ie 7 inches). Not only is it one of the most rational and simple cars on the market, but it also has an original design, more than adequate roominess and, above all, it is the  most comfortable in the category  . A true spiritual heir to the 2 CV.

FIAT Panda, from 14,350 euros

The  Fiat Panda  is an automotive icon, although the latest generation has not had it easy in the shadow of the Fiat 500. Currently it is only available with the  micro-hybrid 1 engine, 0 liter 70 hp  and manual gearbox.

The  Fiat Panda  is just 3.65m long, costs  from 14,350 euros  and comes standard with all the essentials, like power steering and air conditioning (electric air conditioning is optional). It lacks a touch screen, but no screen, which is mainly used for the radio and the connection with the mobile phone.

Suzuki Ignis, €16,304

The little  Suzuki Ignis  could be the Japanese equivalent of the Fiat Panda. This crossover of only 3.70 m is equipped with an 83 hp micro-hybrid engine (which allows it to carry an  ECO label  ) associated with a 5-speed manual gearbox and starts at 16,304 euros. There is also a version with automatic CVT and  all- wheel drive  (from 18,464 euros).

On board, the presentation is very classic. The advantage is that all the commands and controls are easy to reach. In addition, the whole gives off a feeling of robustness. It's a really simple car despite its aggressive design.

Even so, the  Suzuki Ignis  has a 7-inch central touchscreen, compatible with  Apple Carplay  and  Android Auto  , but its use is not essential for most car functions. Indeed,  without a connected mobile, its functions are relatively limited  (radio, on-board computer, etc.).

On the other hand, it has sliding rear seats in two parts, which allows to increase the space on board or in the trunk by 260 liters. Simple and practical.

Honda Jazz, €22,950.

The  Honda Jazz e:HEV  is one of the most streamlined and successful proposals on the market. It is a 4 meter car with a 1.5 liter 109 hp hybrid engine combined with an automatic gearbox.

It is very spacious and versatile (the sliding rear seats fold down or raise to load objects). It is also comfortable, really economical in consumption  (5 l/100 km real average  ), robust and  labeled DGT ECO  .

It also benefits from good standard equipment (10 airbags, lane keeping system, front and rear parking sensors, 9-inch touch screen, air conditioning).

It is equipped with a touch screen, but which  without a mobile phone connected is hardly useful for  anything other than the on-board computer and browsing the music on a USB key, since the radio is controlled via physical buttons. Despite the screen, this is one of the easiest to use cars on the market. Its main drawback could be the price, since it starts at 22,950 euros.