What does 'plastic feel' mean?
2 Answers
Interior 'plastic feel' belongs to the concept of interior sensory quality. Judging whether a car's interior has a 'plastic feel' is mainly based on visual, tactile, and olfactory assessments. Below is the relevant introduction: Graininess: The most obvious aspect of plastic feel is the grainy texture when touched, lacking the smoothness of soft materials, the damping effect of leather grain, and the slightly rough yet refined feel of suede. Soft plastic slush molding process: To improve this tactile deficiency, some brands mix rubber into plastic materials to reduce hardness and enhance the hand feel when supporting or pressing. This is the so-called soft plastic slush molding process.
The so-called 'plastic feel' is when I touch something and it feels hard and fake, like a plastic toy, completely lacking warmth. It's most common in cars, especially on interior panels and door trims—smooth surfaces but stiff to the touch, and they even make a hollow sound when tapped lightly. I've driven plenty of cars, and entry-level models tend to have a strong plastic feel, which becomes annoying over time because they're icy in winter and easily collect fingerprints and scratches in summer, making cleaning a hassle. High-end models are different—they use leather or soft-touch materials that feel warm and comfortable, elevating the whole ambiance. Simply put, the plastic feel comes from manufacturers cutting costs by using plastic parts. While they're lightweight and durable, for us drivers, it significantly downgrades the experience and takes away some of the driving pleasure.
