So I have a '11 Malibu...

[99SL2_Modder]

Originally Posted by Low Saturn

About as lazy as:

--Hitting a couple buttons with your thumbs instead of reaching twelve inches to the right to adjust the volume or station presets on the radio.
This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel. While I agree it's lazy, and I don't use mine much, I can see the constant surfer doing it.

--Pushing a button to roll up or down the windows.
For the driver: Lazy. To roll them all down, it's quite handy. It was a pain for me to roll down my passenger hand-crank and not hit my shifter in the SL2.

--Pushing a button to unlock the doors instead of using the key.
Good only if you have something in your hands. Otherwise, I agree, lazy.

--Putting the transmission into drive instead of shifting it manually.
I hate hate hate automatics. I wish the Aura was a manual. I miss my SL2.

--Hitting a button to maintain constant speed instead of pushing the accelerator pedal with your foot.
I never saw a point to cruise control.

--Pushing buttons to make seat adjustments instead or using levers or knobs.
I can agree that it's somewhat lazy, however, electronic adjustments have more "locking" positions than manual. Increasing the manual locking positions makes teeth smaller and more vulnerable to breakage.

--Pushing buttons top make mirror adjustments instead of leaning over and making adjustments by hand.
Lazy. My SL2 had the passenger mirror pointed at the back right tire indefinitely. I didn't need it to drive, only to park.

--Tire pressure displayed on a screen instead of checking it with a tire pressure gauge.
Handy, but yes, lazy.

Im sure the features in the listed above were considered "lazy" at one point as well. Now most people can't live without them.

I still view some of them as lazy. You can't really opt out of them on newer high-end cars though.

Originally Posted by golftango

That is why most every new vehicle has the automatic lane-change indication feature. It is a safety feature no matter how much you want to argue the fact. How many times have you seen Grandpa heading down the highway with his indicators on? The point is you want your hands free to drive, and nothing makes it easier than these "one touch - do it automatically" features.

Touche.

However, I keep my hands on the wheel. Maybe it's because I have long fingers that it doesn't bother me, but I have no issues with this.

Then again, I've used foot-activated turn signal switches, steering stalk activated switches, and hand signals. I think people now-a-days have it far to easy and don't truly know how to drive anymore. Plus, it takes me a bit longer to make a lane change than 3 flashes. I don't know if you have ever driven in Philly or on the Boulevarde, but 3 flashes is not long enough. You'd have to tap it multiple times, even at 60mph.

[Deep6]

If the 2011 Malibu is the same platform, I'd be interested to know what the suspension changes are that help it ride better. Not that I think the Aura rides poorly, but there is still a bit of "Flintiness" to it. I think struts will wear out quickly on it.

If I had to take a stab in the dark I would tend to think that the Malibu probably has some slightly softer bushings or lower spring rates.

[GR898SL2]

Originally Posted by Low Saturn

About as lazy as:

--Hitting a couple buttons with your thumbs instead of reaching twelve inches to the right to adjust the volume or station presets on the radio.

--Pushing a button to roll up or down the windows.

--Pushing a button to unlock the doors instead of using the key.

--Putting the transmission into drive instead of shifting it manually.

--Hitting a button to maintain constant speed instead of pushing the accelerator pedal with your foot.

--Pushing buttons to make seat adjustments instead or using levers or knobs.

--Pushing buttons top make mirror adjustments instead of leaning over and making adjustments by hand.

--Tire pressure displayed on a screen instead of checking it with a tire pressure gauge.

Im sure the features in the listed above were considered "lazy" at one point as well. Now most people can't live without them.

Don't forget the latest trend - keyless ignitions with push button start - which is coming to the 2012 Malibu and Regal. Heck, even the 2012 Ford Focus will have this feature too!

[Low Saturn]

Originally Posted by GR898SL2

Don't forget the latest trend - keyless ignitions with push button start - which is coming to the 2012 Malibu and Regal. Heck, even the 2012 Ford Focus will have this feature too!

These days, with keyless entry security systems, there really is no need for a keyed ignition anymore.

[metgol]

Originally Posted by GR898SL2

Don't forget the latest trend - keyless ignitions with push button start - which is coming to the 2012 Malibu and Regal. Heck, even the 2012 Ford Focus will have this feature too!

Errr push button. Everything is moving away from hard wired or mechanical functions. There have been times I'm sure that we all have had to crank the starter for a little bit while pumping the throttle. And this day it is probably easier to find and duplicate an RF signal then it is to pick a key hole.

[onefunkar]

i have to admit it is amazing how quick and convenient keyless cars are. i laughed at mine at first but after having it awile its great.