[ChiragM]

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?

[Aditya]

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

[Shreyas_H]

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]

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]

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.



Pic Source: Google images

[anandhsub]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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).