Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels

ChiragM · 18th April 2021, 12:04

There seems to be a new trend in interior design - more and more cars today are coming with 2-spoke steering wheels, rather than 3-spoke units. IMHO, I feel that three-spoke steering wheels look better and would choose one in my car any day over a 2-spoke unit.

The pre-facelift W222 S-Class got a 2-spoke steering wheel. Thankfully, Mercedes ditched it in favour of a 3-spoke wheel when the facelift was introduced:

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-2spoke-merc.jpg

The newer Skoda cars are also getting these 2-spoke steering wheels. Here are the steering wheels of the Superb and the Kushaq. The Octavia is also expected to get a similar steering wheel:

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-2spoke-superb.jpg

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-2spoke-kushaq.jpg

Here's a 2-spoke wheel from the electric BMW i3. Is it a symbol of a green future?

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-2spoke-bmw-i3.jpg

Forget regular cars, sports cars have also fallen prey to this new trend. The C8 Corvette sports car also gets a 2-spoke wheel:

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-2spoke-corvette.jpg

Coming to Indian cars, Maruti initially offered the 1st-gen Zen with a 3-spoke steering wheel. However, it was soon replaced with a 2-spoke steering wheel. The 3-spoke unit made a comeback on a few limited variants of the hatchback:

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-zen-2.jpg

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-zen-steering.jpg

So, which one would you like between a 2-spoke steering wheel or a 3-spoke steering wheel and why?

Aditya · 18th April 2021, 12:06

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

Shreyas_H · 18th April 2021, 12:22

I didn't vote because I'm indifferent to them.
I think Skoda's 2 spoke design is neatly done and I wouldn't mind it.

Aesthetically a 3 spoke may look more 'complete' but as long as functionality isn't hampered, really not a deal breaker for me either way.

gkveda · 18th April 2021, 12:29

As long as the steering turns the wheel in the direction of rotation, I don't have any issues if the steering has either 2 or 3 spokes.

Anyways, I don't count them while driving.

Aesthetically, for me, both are same. Technically and functionally, two spokes are necessary and sufficient to turn the wheels in either directions.

So, it really does not matter at all.

400notout · 18th April 2021, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiragM

So, which one would you like between a 2-spoke steering wheel or a 3-spoke steering wheel and why?

I understand we are talking about how a two spoke looks subjectively compared to the 3 spoke wheel which is all the more common now. For practical usage, the number of spokes obviously don't matter. Personally for someone who has spent 1 lakh plus kms behind the steering of a Chevrolet Spark, It's certainly not a put off for me. So yeah for nostalgia sakes would love it in my next car.

Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels-images-5.jpeg

Pic Source: Google images

anandhsub · 18th April 2021, 12:56

The one in the BMW or the Corvette seem neatly done. However the Skoda one looks like the third spoke has broken. May be just me but I think they should have gone for a smooth flat bottom instead of the bulge.

Candy$Cars · 18th April 2021, 13:08

I think there should be a 'neutral' option as well, had to vote for the second option as though I don't like 2 spokes examples shown, I don't exactly hate them either.

All of them look like missing something. Skoda's version is, IMO, the best looking of the lot. BMW's current steering look good, they should avoid that 2 spoke one.

In either case, it is not a deal breaker for me. If it turns well, no problem. To me atleast, I dislike flat-bottom steering more than a two-spoke one.

BLACNWYTE · 18th April 2021, 13:14

I voted for 3-4 spoke even though I'm almost neutral towards the number of spokes on the steering wheel.

I think the poll should also include an option for neutral.

The three spoke steering wheel looks more complete and I'm used to it in my current car and in almost all the ones I've driven, so naturally I'm inclined towards it. I'm also open to two spoke wheels if done aesthetically pleasing like the one in Corvette or Skoda sans the bulge at the bottom plus if it is a two spoke, I would like it to be flat bottomed.

Honestly, to me, the steering wheel in Chevrolet Spark looks a size too big for that car.

pk1972 · 18th April 2021, 13:16

Voted for 2 spoke but I really don’t mind either. For those who have not seen the Skoda’s 2 spoke steering wheel, please have a look at the Superb L&K and decide if you like them or not.

We should add an neutral option to the poll

sameerg · 18th April 2021, 13:21

For me, the steering wheel design is one of the most important elements of the aesthetics of the car. It comes after safety and performance but high in aesthetics.

Among all the elements inside the car, the steering wheel is the one, that a driver uses and looks at the most while driving. Hence for me, its design is extremely important. And I am yet to see a 2 spoke wheel that I like...so voted for 3 spoke oprtion

a4anurag · 18th April 2021, 13:30

Even though the 2-spoke wheels have been designed tastefully, somehow they remind me of the steering wheels of erstwhile Maruti 800 or the WagonR also in the crude form it is like the RTC bus steering wheel.

The look and feel of the steering wheel matters a lot to me since that is the part that connects 'me' to the 'car' more than any other thing. I prefer the 4-spoke wheels from Hyundai's and Toyota's (Crysta/Fortuner).

VKumar · 18th April 2021, 13:52

Requesting mods to add the option of 'not concerned' in the poll.

Contrary to the majority opinion, I, for one, would like to have the lower section with either proper spacing like in New Creta, Innova Crysta, XUV 5OO, Scorpio, VAG cars of 2015-2020 period, or the older 4 spoke one from Skoda. As I normally rest my right hand on the lower section on long highway runs.

So, a nice 2 spoke wheel is a welcome move for me. But yes, it needs to look good and feel better to hold. I have an eye for detail and the design, material and feel of the wheel is very high on my list.

Still, I am indifferent towards the number of spokes, even 1 spoke will do for me, but I need it hollow or vacant at the lower end.

ramki.grandhi · 18th April 2021, 14:18

Two spoke steering wheel solves the problem that never existed in the first place

. One might say "aesthetics" is the reason but it is hardly appealing to my eyes, atleast.

Atleast Mercedes shouldn't have adopted this 2 spoke design, their logo has 3 spokes. So, three spoke steering wheel closely aligning with their logo should look better and unique.

viXit · 18th April 2021, 15:37

I'd be indifferent, it isn't that big of a deal. BUT Having spokes at the bottom, let's you use the steering easily even while your hands are resting on your lap.

But it's not such a bug problem. Trivial problem

batladanny · 18th April 2021, 16:06

Didn't vote as I feel design execution is the main thing. There can be good and ugly variants of both exist.

Some above examples don't look so good because they feel like it was originally a 3-spoke wheel with one spoke chopped off to make it 2-spoke. Thus, they look incomplete/broken/weird (eg. The Skoda one).

View Poll Results: What is your take on 2-spoke steering wheels?
Thumbs up - love them!	140	35.00%
Thumbs down - I prefer 3 or 4 spoke steerings	260	65.00%
Voters: 400. You may not vote on this poll

18th April 2021, 12:04	#1
ChiragM Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,538 Thanked: 17,901 Times	Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels There seems to be a new trend in interior design - more and more cars today are coming with 2-spoke steering wheels, rather than 3-spoke units. IMHO, I feel that three-spoke steering wheels look better and would choose one in my car any day over a 2-spoke unit. The pre-facelift W222 S-Class got a 2-spoke steering wheel. Thankfully, Mercedes ditched it in favour of a 3-spoke wheel when the facelift was introduced: The newer Skoda cars are also getting these 2-spoke steering wheels. Here are the steering wheels of the Superb and the Kushaq. The Octavia is also expected to get a similar steering wheel: Here's a 2-spoke wheel from the electric BMW i3. Is it a symbol of a green future? Forget regular cars, sports cars have also fallen prey to this new trend. The C8 Corvette sports car also gets a 2-spoke wheel: Coming to Indian cars, Maruti initially offered the 1st-gen Zen with a 3-spoke steering wheel. However, it was soon replaced with a 2-spoke steering wheel. The 3-spoke unit made a comeback on a few limited variants of the hatchback: So, which one would you like between a 2-spoke steering wheel or a 3-spoke steering wheel and why? Last edited by Aditya : 18th April 2021 at 18:07.
	(40) Thanks

18th April 2021, 12:06	#2
Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 20,100 Thanked: 86,632 Times View My Garage	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
	(1) Thanks

18th April 2021, 12:22	#3
Shreyas_H BHPian Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Mumbai Posts: 359 Thanked: 1,790 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels I didn't vote because I'm indifferent to them. I think Skoda's 2 spoke design is neatly done and I wouldn't mind it. Aesthetically a 3 spoke may look more 'complete' but as long as functionality isn't hampered, really not a deal breaker for me either way.
	(33) Thanks

18th April 2021, 12:29	#4
gkveda Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,154 Thanked: 4,763 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels As long as the steering turns the wheel in the direction of rotation, I don't have any issues if the steering has either 2 or 3 spokes. Anyways, I don't count them while driving. Aesthetically, for me, both are same. Technically and functionally, two spokes are necessary and sufficient to turn the wheels in either directions. So, it really does not matter at all. Last edited by gkveda : 18th April 2021 at 12:33.
	(11) Thanks

18th April 2021, 12:56	#6
anandhsub BHPian Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Bangalore Posts: 587 Thanked: 1,535 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels The one in the BMW or the Corvette seem neatly done. However the Skoda one looks like the third spoke has broken. May be just me but I think they should have gone for a smooth flat bottom instead of the bulge.
	(16) Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:08	#7
Candy$Cars BHPian Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Allahabad Posts: 170 Thanked: 1,047 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels I think there should be a 'neutral' option as well, had to vote for the second option as though I don't like 2 spokes examples shown, I don't exactly hate them either. All of them look like missing something. Skoda's version is, IMO, the best looking of the lot. BMW's current steering look good, they should avoid that 2 spoke one. In either case, it is not a deal breaker for me. If it turns well, no problem. To me atleast, I dislike flat-bottom steering more than a two-spoke one.
	(1) Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:14	#8
BLACNWYTE BHPian Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Keralam Posts: 305 Thanked: 880 Times View My Garage	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels I voted for 3-4 spoke even though I'm almost neutral towards the number of spokes on the steering wheel. I think the poll should also include an option for neutral. The three spoke steering wheel looks more complete and I'm used to it in my current car and in almost all the ones I've driven, so naturally I'm inclined towards it. I'm also open to two spoke wheels if done aesthetically pleasing like the one in Corvette or Skoda sans the bulge at the bottom plus if it is a two spoke, I would like it to be flat bottomed. Honestly, to me, the steering wheel in Chevrolet Spark looks a size too big for that car.
	(1) Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:16	#9
pk1972 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 235 Thanked: 371 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Voted for 2 spoke but I really don’t mind either. For those who have not seen the Skoda’s 2 spoke steering wheel, please have a look at the Superb L&K and decide if you like them or not. We should add an neutral option to the poll
	() Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:21	#10
sameerg BHPian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Blr/Fbd Posts: 124 Thanked: 110 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels For me, the steering wheel design is one of the most important elements of the aesthetics of the car. It comes after safety and performance but high in aesthetics. Among all the elements inside the car, the steering wheel is the one, that a driver uses and looks at the most while driving. Hence for me, its design is extremely important. And I am yet to see a 2 spoke wheel that I like...so voted for 3 spoke oprtion
	(2) Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:30	#11
a4anurag BANNED Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 12,345 Thanked: 21,452 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Even though the 2-spoke wheels have been designed tastefully, somehow they remind me of the steering wheels of erstwhile Maruti 800 or the WagonR also in the crude form it is like the RTC bus steering wheel. The look and feel of the steering wheel matters a lot to me since that is the part that connects 'me' to the 'car' more than any other thing. I prefer the 4-spoke wheels from Hyundai's and Toyota's (Crysta/Fortuner).
	(3) Thanks

18th April 2021, 13:52	#12
VKumar BANNED Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Dehradun Posts: 948 Thanked: 8,347 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Requesting mods to add the option of 'not concerned' in the poll. Contrary to the majority opinion, I, for one, would like to have the lower section with either proper spacing like in New Creta, Innova Crysta, XUV 5OO, Scorpio, VAG cars of 2015-2020 period, or the older 4 spoke one from Skoda. As I normally rest my right hand on the lower section on long highway runs. So, a nice 2 spoke wheel is a welcome move for me. But yes, it needs to look good and feel better to hold. I have an eye for detail and the design, material and feel of the wheel is very high on my list. Still, I am indifferent towards the number of spokes, even 1 spoke will do for me, but I need it hollow or vacant at the lower end.
	(6) Thanks

18th April 2021, 14:18	#13
ramki.grandhi BHPian Join Date: May 2020 Location: Bangalore Posts: 534 Thanked: 2,470 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Two spoke steering wheel solves the problem that never existed in the first place . One might say "aesthetics" is the reason but it is hardly appealing to my eyes, atleast. Atleast Mercedes shouldn't have adopted this 2 spoke design, their logo has 3 spokes. So, three spoke steering wheel closely aligning with their logo should look better and unique.
	() Thanks

18th April 2021, 15:37	#14
viXit BHPian Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Hyd Posts: 875 Thanked: 3,113 Times View My Garage	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels I'd be indifferent, it isn't that big of a deal. BUT Having spokes at the bottom, let's you use the steering easily even while your hands are resting on your lap. But it's not such a bug problem. Trivial problem
	() Thanks

18th April 2021, 16:06	#15
batladanny BHPian Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Bangalore Posts: 157 Thanked: 805 Times	Re: Let's talk about the new 2-spoke steering wheels Didn't vote as I feel design execution is the main thing. There can be good and ugly variants of both exist. Some above examples don't look so good because they feel like it was originally a 3-spoke wheel with one spoke chopped off to make it 2-spoke. Thus, they look incomplete/broken/weird (eg. The Skoda one).
	(2) Thanks