Automobile makers today are trying their best to add comfort and luxury to their cars. As a result, the car manufacturing industry has introduced advances in car technology at a blistering pace. Modern technology has made cars more efficient, safer, and better connected to the world outside.
The continuous upgrades have raised the standard of expectations from the audience, as they expect car manufacturers to surprise them each time. Since the introduction of technology affects the sticker price of the automobile, fans are left disappointed when the upgrade does not match their expectations.
To give you an idea of the car tech trends that are making their rounds, we have compiled a list of high tech features that justify the value addition to the sticker price. We end the list with 5 tech features that pointlessly add to the price of a vehicle.
20. Driver Drowsiness Monitoring 2019 Hyundai Veloster
caranddriver.com
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is equipped with a driver drowsiness monitoring system that is activated once the system detects drowsy driving. The system alerts you to take a break when it notices you change lanes frequently. Choose a safe and secure location for a break and rest for awhile when this happens.
19. Traffic sign recognition on 2019 Honda Insight
automobiles.honda.com
Most people charged of over-speeding often aren’t aware of what the speed limit is. The 2019 Honda Insight has covered the base with the introduction of the traffic sign recognition system that reminds you of the set speed limit as you pass it. The camera behind the rearview is responsible for capturing signs when driving.
18. Enhanced AutoPilot on 2019 Tesla Model 3
auto-motive.info
If there’s an automaker that's paving the way for the future, it's Tesla. The Tesla Model 3 for instance comes with enhanced auto pilot features, which provide the user with regular software updates, which are designed specifically to improve the performance of the vehicle over time. The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with advanced sensor coverage to improve its visibility.
17. Locking your car using the connected smartphone on 2019 Kia Optima
motortrend.com
The digital age has allowed users to access various features that were considered impossible a decade ago. Now, with the 2019 Kia Optima, you can lock your car using your smartphone. All you have to do is subscribe to the UVO application, which allows you to connect with your Kia Optima.
16. Honda LaneWatch on 2019 Honda Fit
thecarconnection.com
Like other top brands, Honda is working really hard to bring the future to the masses. Another feature that they have introduced to the world is a LaneWatch, which is a camera that supports the side mirrors. You can install a camera on the right mirror and point it towards the car’s blind spot.
15. Adaptive Cruise Control
newcarcars.com
Now, this is a feature that all modern cars are trying to add to the mix. The automated system makes use of radar/camera system to keep track of the vehicles that are moving ahead. The regular cruise control, however, keeps the car at a steady distance before the driver’s intervention. ACC speeds or slows down depending on the position of the car’s ahead.
14. Automatic Liftgates on 2013 Ford Escape
motor1.com
The 2013 Ford Escape is called the best car in the world. The manufacturers of the car kept in mind the ordeals of the common folk before adding this feature. The automatic liftgates function when you merely walk up to the rear with the key fob in direct range. This feature comes in handy when dropping groceries in the rear.
13. Push Button Start
autotriti.gr
Car keys are now considered a thing of the past. A decade or two from now, car keys will be as redundant as the floppy disc today. Most car keys today come with an electronic fob rather than a standard key. Using the proximity sensors you can now open the car with consummate ease and class.
12. Electric Propulsion on Porsche Taycan
motor1.com
This is a new technology found in electric cars that makes use of electrical power for acceleration. Although electric cars may not make the same sound as some of the other high engine cars, their straight line performance is excellent. The straight line performance of the Porsche Taycan is hard to match.
11. Wireless Phone Charging
kickstarter.com
Another feature that is extremely popular amongst the masses is the wireless phone charging. This feature prevents you from muddling up the car interior unnecessarily. You can connect the phone using Bluetooth connectivity and charge your phone on the go. Customers are extremely pleased with the feature.
10. Driver Profiles
youtube.com
Drivers sharing a car often have to go through the hassle of resetting the details of the car according to their comfort levels, which can be annoying for users. By installing driver profile features, car manufacturers ensure that drivers can adjust the settings of the car according to their preference.
9. Automatic Parking on Lexus LS460
thecarconnection.com
Parking is something that we all want to avoid. After a lengthy ride, we don’t want to spend time maneuvering the car in vacant spaces. This is why cars such as the Lexus LS460 have come out with vehicles equipped with a rearview camera and automated sensors that indicate the driver to hit the brakes.
8. Massaging Seats
cars.com
When seated in a car for a long period of time, you require seats that are comfortable. While massaging seats may seem a little over the top, they work perfectly for long trips. The seats also allow you to relax when stuck in traffic. You need to ensure that you don’t doze off with these seats though.
7. Lightweight Materials
nist.gov
Car manufacturing with lightweight materials is something that experts around the world have come to appreciate. Many might not call this a specific feature, but the materials used in a car do increase the price of the vehicle. By reducing weight, manufacturers ensure that emission standards are met.
6. Magnetic Ride Control
en.wikipedia.org
Car manufacturers from around the world have great things to say about this feature. Magnetic adaptive suspensions were first used on the Cadillac Seville STS (2002.5), as an alternative suspension system that makes use of controlled dampers or shock absorbers for providing the users with an adaptive smooth ride.
Now that we are aware of the 15 great high tech car features, let’s take a look at some features that are just beyond us.
5. Aren’t Worth Price: Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems
autonationdrive.com
The pictures in the brochure tell a different story. You will see happy kids surfing through the in-built entertainment option, as the family enjoys a comfortable ride. However, this comes with a huge cost, as you can buy two Apple iPads for half the price of the rear-seat entertainment setup in the 2016 Ford Explorer.
4. Aren’t Worth Price: Built-in Navigation Systems
edmunds.com
Built-in navigation systems are utterly pointless today, as you can use portable systems such as the Magellan or the Garmin for a few bucks. Mobile applications have also made the system a waste of time and effort and the fact that you have to update the maps regularly makes it a futile exercise.
3. Aren’t Worth Price: Wireless Data Connection
youtube.com
For some people, their car is the office and they require access to a speedy internet connection. Most people on the other hand don’t want to pay an extra sum for an internet connection. People prefer using internet signals from their network provider. Wireless data connection, in our view, is another pointless addition.
2. Aren’t Worth Price: Large Wheels and Performance Tires
cnet.com
Not only do large wheels cost more, but they also reduce the fuel economy of a car, resulting in a much harsher ride for the user. Tire packages and large wheels on a SUV can also damage the vehicles' ability to move on roads that are unpaved. The tires are easily damaged, increasing the overall cost of maintenance.
1. Aren’t Worth Price: Factory Fog Lights
cherokeeforum.com
Another feature that is pointless is the installation of factory installed fog lights. Rather than spending a substantial amount on factory-installed fog lights, you should consult with companies such as PIAA or Hella to custom fit your car with modern LED technology and powerful lighting system.
