▷ Modern cars can do more than just get you from point A to point B

Cars are inevitably becoming safer and more comfortable these days, and much of this is due to the newer technology used. Although at first glance it might seem that the function of a car is simply to get from one point to another, there are many elements in this process that can radically change the user experience. The members of the Lithuanian Car of the Year selection committee, after thoroughly testing and familiarizing themselves with each car participating in the competition, found many interesting functions in them, which sometimes you don’t even notice as soon as you get into the car, but can make travel more comfortable, more interesting and sometimes just fun.

“You often hear people compare cars to smartphones, and many admit they haven’t used all of their smartphone’s features. Smartphones have virtually endless functions, making it nearly impossible to use them all. But with a little research, you can discover features that make life easier or simply improve your mood. The same is true for cars: they can do so much more than just get you from point A to point B,” said Eustace Renvinas, a member of the annual Car of the Year judging panel.

The city councilor emphasized that he wasn’t ashamed to have carefully read the owner’s manual after buying his car. Partly out of curiosity, and partly because he realized he didn’t fully understand his new vehicle.

“And I have indeed discovered some features that I now use almost every day,” he said.

Technology increases safety

After checking and testing the 31 competing models, members of the “Lithuanian Car of the Year” election commission identified technologies that are extremely useful for drivers, increase road safety or expand the car’s capabilities.

One such model is the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, which is equipped with blind spot cameras installed on the side mirrors. Every time you turn on the turn signal, a live view from the mirror lights up on the dashboard, which solves the blind spot problem and makes you feel much safer when queuing.

Previously, manufacturers were limited to warning signs if a car appeared in this area, but direct vision adds reassurance.

Cameras have more basic uses, as the Chinese demonstrated by installing a video recorder on the Seres 3 electric car. Often as an additional device, the camera installed in cars by the drivers themselves is hidden in the installation structure of the central mirror of this car, and its recordings can be viewed on the central screen, downloaded to a mobile phone or simply taken home on a memory card.

Practicality and comfort

It is true that some functions that seem like a novelty are rather the reincarnation of functions long forgotten or rarely seen in Europe. Here, for example, the Ford Mustang Mach-E can be locked or unlocked by entering a code using the buttons on the front doors. It is very convenient when you want to go for a run, for example, and it is inconvenient to carry your car keys with you. Such a feature was very popular in American-market cars a few decades ago, but European buyers didn’t realize it.

Convenience has also been taken into account by Hyundai, which has installed the “Vehicle 2 Load” function in its unique-looking electric car IONIQ 5 5, which allows you to connect any device or even charge another electric car like a normal household electrical outlet. “IONIQ 5” can provide 3.6 kW of power, so electric car owners can mow the grass at home or cook lunch in the electric barbecue simply by parking the car nearby.

Recognizes drivers

Power seats, mirrors, and climate or radio settings are probably the most frequently changed settings if the car is driven by more than one person. The seat position in a regular car can be memorized and adjusted easily, but some manufacturers have gone further and made the process even easier. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class model is equipped with a fingerprint scanner. By placing your finger on it, it recognizes who has entered the car and adapts the car settings chosen by that driver to the specific driver.

The Subaru Outback doesn’t even need a fingerprint: the car can recognize the driver by scanning his face. Furthermore, this system always follows the driver’s eyes and, when he is tired, warns him of the need to rest and suggests he find the nearest stopping point on the map. The Outback also warns the driver when he takes his eyes off the road and, for example, starts browsing on his phone. This not only helps with safety, but also makes it easy to spot your bad driving habits.

“Motorists will not necessarily use all the functions installed by manufacturers, but on the other hand they usually cost nothing extra and do not really interfere with driving. I had to drive from Druskininkai to Vilnius in the third row of seats in a Hyundai Santa Fe.” The car is large, so I almost did not hear the people sitting in front, but we remembered that a microphone is installed here, which allows you to broadcast the speech of the driver and passenger sitting in front of the third row. It made the trip easier – no need to scream in the car or just stay silent the whole way. Small things, but they make life pleasant,” J. Lengvinas shared his experience of practical use.

By the way, some manufacturers hide witty little things in their cars. Here, in the door handles of the Fiat 500, we find the shape of the old 500, which has even become a symbol of Italy, and in the corner of the windshield of the Jeep Compass, the legendary Willys Jeep that climbs the mountain. The rear window of this model also features the Loch Ness Monster hidden in the corner. This is how the manufacturer mentions the legendary mileage of these cars.