Your vehicle’s interior is probably the most important reason why you chose that particular model. Car interiors vary widely according to the brand identity, model line, standard features and optional packages.
Automotive interiors consist of the roofing and outer trim, dashboards, door panels, seats and carpeting. Categories of interiors are classified into four standards.

Utilitarian

Utilitarian is another word for VW – after all ‘Volkswagen’ means ‘car of the people’ in German and for decades up to the late 1980’s, the VW range had a reputation of building no-nonsense, spartan automobiles. The classic example is the Beetle with its all metal dash and simple but durable plastic seats.
Base Synthetic
This interior was introduced by Italian mass producer FIAT on its groundbreaking Fiat 124 special in 1971. Eagerly adopted by new comers Japan; Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda and Mitsubishi made it standard interior format on almost all their models. The best example is the interior of the Corolla line. Base Synthetic uses hard and soft plastics, simulated metals and ‘wood’ to make tacky but durable dashboards, seats and interior firm. Synthetic materials do not weather well, so ageing is readily apparent in such interiors. They also have a high risk of dashboard cracks and cabin noisy.
Contoured Deluxe
This standard of interior is a deal breaker if your automotive budget is tight. It is the kind of quality material and finish you find in a BMW or for that matter in the ETB 1.5 million Land Cruiser GLX. As the name indicates, the interiors of such cars are ergonomic (designed with the human form in mind) so they curve around the driver and occupants. A smattering of real wood, some leather or hide and steel levers provide that exclusive feel and look.

Exclusive

This level of quality in car interiors is often prohibitively expensive and is found only at the level of Bugatti Feron, Lamborghini Diablo, Bentleys, Mercedes AMG and other super cars. No expenses are spared – all leather, silver or gold plating and titanium knobs are just a few of the goodies you and I can just read about on Brakes Please.
Next week we conclude the systems countdown with Functional Esthetics - things that not only look good but also serve an automotive purpose. Honk if you drive by!