Watch how augmented reality and an iPad can even make a dull car manual seem fun

Genesis, a division of the Hyundai car maker, has produced a modern day take on the least-used item of any car: the owner's handbook

Destined to spend an entire life in the glove box, the car owner's handbook might be used once to locate the screen wash reservoir, but that's about it. To make car maintenance and education more accessible and fun, Genesis has created an augmented reality handbook app for smartphones and tablets.

Available for iOS and Google Play, the app makes use of the device's rear camera to recognise which part of the car you are pointing it at, then offers up information and maintenance tutorials.

In all, there are 135 how-to videos explaining everything from oil and washer fluid top-ups, to steering wheel buttons and every dashboard warning light.

The app overlays the name of each component, light or button in real time as you view it through the camera; tapping on a specific item opens an explanation video.

Called Genesis Virtual Guide, the app also labels the car's fuse box, explains how to connect a phone via Bluetooth, talks the owner through fitting the spare tyre, and explains how the cruise control system works. The app works with 2017 Genesis G80 and G90 cars, and will be compatible with 2018 vehicles launched later this year.

Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the US, said: "Our mobile app strategy is designed around empowering our customers and helping them to save time and frustration. The virtual guide provides our owners with a new way to learn about and get to know their vehicles... It takes hundreds of pages of information and puts it on a device we know consumers touch all day long - their smartphone."