There’s no doubt cars are much safer, cleaner, more efficient, more comfortable and easier to drive than their predecessors. The rate of progress has been rapid in recent years. The rules of the road might remain the same but the car you drive now might well be quite different to the car you passed in, even though that may have only been a few years ago.
Amongst the welter of car technology, here are ten of the most innovative.
- Satellite navigation
Perhaps taken for granted now it’s available at bargain basement prices – even a fully-featured unit from a name manufacturer such as Tom Tom can be had for comfortably under £100 – sat nav systems make finding the way so much easier and safer than trying to pore over maps.
They’re still an expensive option when specified as an optional extra built into the car in many cases, but a separate unit can be worth its weight in gold.
- ABS (Anti Lock Braking)
An older technology, having appeared initially in top end cars back in the early 1980s, it’s still a major contributor to road safety and is standard equipment on virtually all cars now. By detecting when the brakes are about to lock and releasing them slightly (a process that takes milliseconds), it helps prevent skids and losing control of the car.
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
ESC has been described as three letters that could save your life. It adjusts braking and power to respective wheels to retain traction and keep from skidding and losing grip. In some cars this can be switched off – for example, when towing.
- VVT (Variable valve technology)
By varying the rate at which engine valves open and close, it makes the engine more efficient and makes better use of its power and torque. This has meant smaller engines can be used in larger cars – for example, cars as big as the Ford Focus now have 1.0 litre engine options.
- LED Lighting
Brighter and much longer life lighting means bulbs blowing and the need to change them is much less common. The design of LED means manufacturers have more scope when designing light clusters, too.
- Adaptive headlights
This helps night visibility by altering the headlight beam direction when cornering, so more light is directed to where the car is travelling.
- Airbags
These can save lives as they greatly reduce the forces a human body is subject to during collisions.
- Engine stop/start
A feature where the engine will cut out when the car is stationary – for example in traffic jams. It can be overridden if needs be but when operational it helps improve fuel economy and lessens environmental pollution.
- Keyless access
This handy function saves you the hassle of having to dig your keys out of your pocket or bag. It uses a button or touch sensor to open the car without your having to get the key or fob out.
- Voice recognition systems
These are convenient and safe as the driver can keep their eyes on the road for much longer. Some work with just one item – for example the sat nav – others work with more equipment such as the radio, a connected mobile and even the climate control system.
More besides
The ultimate technology is the driverless car, which could trulyrevolutionise motoring. As companies strive to deliver this innovation more and more of the tech required to build towards this goal is likely to make its way into our motors.