Nope, think again.
NVM, it is all about the angle of sight. Our horizontal vision is wider compared to ur vertical vision. So, if the dials is to the side, like in the Vios I can look at it and still have decent view of the road. Compared to the traditional layout where you have to look down and basically lose sight of the road for that brief moment.
That said, not many people like the central position, maybe because they've got used to the traditional layout. Anyhow, Honda has done a brilliant job with the dash inside the new Civic. Short of a full on HUD, its double decker layout works the best at solving this problem.