Here’s just a few examples of new technology becoming a standard feature in new cars.
Some basic features for new cars are systems that assist you with your everyday driving, but just that little bit better and safer. Some of the most common are Brake Assist systems.
These use cameras or radar technology to be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians around your car. It allows the car to brake in the safest and quickest way, supporting what you’d want to happen. Nissan for example has their ProPILOT that combines advanced image processing technology using four high-resolution cameras along with information from 12 ultrasonic sensors around the car.
This advanced driving assistant uses the information on the traffic and road conditions data supplied by the technology to automatically control the distance to the vehicle in front. It also steers the vehicle to help you keep to the centre of the lane.
An added and very helpful feature is its fully auto-parking system to help you squeeze into that small parking space. Keep your eye on that in the future – there are currently parking systems in development where you can park the car while you’re not even in it!
Modern drivers have long become used to cruise control, where with a flick of a switch you can set your speed on the motorway and take your foot off the accelerator, but now there’s Adaptive Cruise Control available.
This is often linked to a Stop&Go function and regulates the car’s speed depending on traffic flow, even allowing for drivers to come to a complete stop and then start again automatically. Even such things as the headlights are being developed with new tech to improve them. The new Matrix LED Headlights are extremely useful. Not only do they provide precise illumination of the road but they reduce the risk of dazzling other road users by automatically switching individual LEDs in the headlight unit on and off or dimming them as necessary.
More traditional tech has improved too. Audi are continuing to develop their All-Wheel-Drive system which provides outstanding grip with the road in both extreme and every day conditions. It was developed through Audi motorsport engineering, with Quattro being the cornerstone of their philosophy. Today it brings safety, sportiness and performance to everyday driving.
Drivers Need to Develop Too
There is a downside to all this in-car technology. A recent survey revealed that it is evolving faster than the typical driver’s understanding. So, it’s not unusual for owners to be missing out on the benefits of features that they may have paid more than £1,300 for.
It highlights the importance of a good dealer, who’s willing to spend the time with you when you buy the car (and perhaps at a later date), to take you through all that amazing tech. But as we’ve seen, this new technology can help make driving easier and safer, and is definitely here to stay.
