Cars get Geeky

Exciting technologies and characteristics were the exclusive fiefdom of luxurious cars. The hatchbacks and sedans that the common man could buy were given the “affordable” management, which intended they were fundamental, uninteresting and virtually to the point. Nevertheless, things have altered significantly over the last year or so, for the reason that some quite geeky things are now coming preloaded on reasonable hatchbacks and sedans.

This is slightly unbelievable, but to prove the point here are few examples:

Ford EcoSport Petrol range starts at Rs 5,59,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

At present the geekiest car on the lower side of Rs 10 lakhs, the Ford Ecosport will astonish to the degree that you will question about the price tag, again and again.

To begin with the SYNC feature. Since this is a technology website primarily, let us start with the things that matter to us - this is powered by an Intel Atom processor, and runs on the Windows Embedded Automotive Platform 7. This characteristic is separated into four parts - phone calls, text messages, music and accident assistance. For the first two, you need to pair your phone via Bluetooth to the SYNC feature, and then make calls using the voice assistant. So, the next time you need to call and tell your boss you are stuck in a traffic jam, simply say “call Boss” and SYNC will make the call for you, which you will hear via the audio system’s speakers. SYNC downloads the phone’s contact list on to the on-board memory, to help out with the voice dialling characteristic. The second feature also helps with safe driving - SMS read outs. If you are one of those creatures who cannot stay away from an SMS that just arrived in the inbox, and have the compulsive urge to read it, you can now ask SYNC to read it out for you. The third is music which syncs to the on board memory or you can add music to this memory and hear your favourite tune while you’re on the go. The fourth is the Emergency Assist feature, which will send an alert with the car’s GPS coordinates to the emergency services, permitting occupants to speak with the operator for assistance. In worst case scenarios, if the occupants are not able to speak, the GPS coordinates will be helpful in locating the car, and getting aid there swiftly.

Hyundai i20 Petrol range starts at Rs 4,85,409 (ex-showroom Delhi)

The principal aspect, when you see an i20 driving towards you during the hours of daylight, would be the Daytime Running Lights. These are the LED strips framing each redesigned fog-lamps on two sides. This attribute is very uncommon in cars under Rs 20lakh, and till currently were exclusively seen on the European comfort sedans.

i20 also comes with the automatic headlamps characteristic. The instant the ambient light goes below acceptable levels, the headlamps automatically switch on. For example, you go in an underground parking during the day, and the minute the car senses the alteration in lighting, the change is triggered automatically.

Rain sensing wipers is an additional security feature, apart from being one that you can boast to friends. If there is a abrupt splash of water on the windscreen, even when it's not raining, the wipers get into action straight away, and stay put on for the period depending on the amount of water. The speed of the wipers also changes depending on the quantity of water and the speed at which it is falling.

A crucial protection trait is the Smart Pedal, which is also extra in the Hyundai i20. When the system senses heavy and emergency braking, the acceleration pedal is instantly overwritten, for the period the brake pedal is pressed.

VW Polo GT TSI Petrol version from Rs 7,99,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

Direkt-Schalt-Getriebe (Direct Shift Gearbox) is basically two gearboxes in one, working alternatively - two clutches, two shafts and the ECU that runs gear shift depending on speed and throttle position. Mainly standard automatic transmissions carry all gears on one shaft, but DSG runs gears 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th on one shaft, while gears 2nd, 4th and 6th run on the second shaft. What the double clutch setup gives is faster shifting because the inactive clutch guesstimates the movement speed and throttles input and is prepared to engage the gear next in line. There is a lesser amount of lag between gear shifts, as compared to a single shaft setup where the clutch has to disengage one gear, pick the next gear and re-engage.

FIAT Punto and FIAT Linea Punto petrol range starts at Rs 5,03,710 (ex-showroom Delhi)

FIAT has had something on the similar lines in the Punto and Linea cars for quite some time now like the Ford’s SYNC. It is called the Blue & Me, and is the voice instruct characteristic for receiving and making calls, having the text messages read out and shifting the tracks playing back on the audio system. This aspect also works on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform, just like Ford’s SYNC.

Honda City Petrol range starts at Rs 7,29,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

While Honda City cars have been quite cut and dry in terms of their contributions, the updated City has extra flappy paddle gearbox to the mix. Cruise Control has been around since the earlier generation, and in accord, both characteristics make this car stand out in the segment. And both are very classy features, intended for the astute driver.

Cruise Control is only believed to be used on a straight road to continue the identical speed without having to keep your foot on the throttle. When the driver gives the order for Cruise Control, the system comprehends the throttle position and the speed at that time, and that is sustained as long as the brake pedal isn’t pressed.

The flappy paddle gearbox is a rather efficient thing to have, if you like the stress-free form of driving or you are someone who desires to drive an automatic car anyway. The five speed manual transmission can be controlled via these two paddles available from either side of the steering wheel.

Chevrolet Beat (Diesel) Diesel range starts at Rs 4,72,816 (ex-showroom Delhi)

This little pocket rocket might in fact present good performance at reasonable prices, but does not do so while being monotonous. The latest Beat update brings in some rather high-end features, making driving an enhanced incident.

The Intelligent Launch Support System is planned to kick in when the starting conditions aren’t most favourable (like on a slope, or on a surface that doesn’t provide adequate traction.), and brings into play the team of Insta-Torque Boost and the Electronic Throttle to differ the amount of torque the car needs to move forward. Not quite traction control or Hill Assist, but this is positively a trait that stands out in this price segment.

The Smart Engine defence mode keeps the RPM in check, to avert harm to the engine. At no point during launch from a stationary position is the RPM allowed to exceed 3000, and even throughout the standard driving modes, this number is managed in accord with the coolant temperature and engine oil pressure sensor readings. This is purely to avert overload on the engine, leading to breakdown.