Top 10 New Car Gadgets

Many moons ago if your supermini came fitted with two wing mirrors and a stereo you were one of the lucky ones. Back then essentials such as ABS or Airbags were reserved for luxury cars costing a fortune. Today’s cars are very different and are all about gadgets and gizmos that either make life a little easier or are genuine safety solutions. This year we have road tested over 40 models from a variety of different manufacturers that have featured a wide range of different electronic gadgets. Some have been useful, others not so. If you are wondering what options to add to your next car, read on…

Satellite Navigation

Remember the days when a map was your only way to work out where you were going? I certainly do. Thankfully times have changed with the arrival of satellite navigation which features in many new cars. Systems used to send you all over the place including farmers’ fields and the wrong way down one way streets. The systems fitted to the cars we have tried have been much better and are integrated into the car better than an aftermarket device stuck onto the windscreen.

As seen on the Peugeot 208 Allure

Reversing Camera

It sounds silly, why would you want a camera mounted on the back of your car when parking. Well, these are a lot more useful than you would think especially as the majority of new cars have awful rearward visibility. The models we have tried with a reversing camera fitted also came with parking sensors and a neat grid on the screen giving the driver an idea of exactly how much room there is behind the car. It also makes parking in bays much easier as the edges of the lines can be lined up with the grid on the screen. Kia for example have even cleverly integrated the camera screen into the rear-view mirror.

As seen on the Kia Soul Hunter

Seatbelt Warning

Years ago seat belts were not standard, seems crazy now. Today every car has them but perhaps the hardest passengers to get to buckle up are small children who often think they are a toy to be played with. The majority of new cars have seat belt warning lights and bongs to help drivers ensure everyone on-board is safe. Many MPVs go one step further by offering an individual warning light for each seat, some of the time all seven seats. For parents ferrying kids around looking out for cars with this feature is a must.

As seen on the Peugeot 5008 Allure

Lane Departure Warning

Let’s face it, overtaking isn’t difficult. For some however using indicators to tell other motorist what you are doing isn’t second nature. For this reason lane departure warning systems are a pretty good idea. Using sensors underneath the car they can detect the cars position within a given lane and alert the driver if they get too close or cross the line. Some systems have an annoying bong which will drive everyone crazy; others cause the steering wheel or driver’s seat to vibrate. It’s a system that really works. Ford have taken the system one step further and offer intervention, the car will gently steer itself back into the centre of the lane if needed, this can however be overridden.

As seen on the Ford Focus Titanium

DVD Players

Everyone loves a good movie, now you can easily watch your favourite film in your car. DVD players mounted in the rear headrests have been around for quite a while hidden on option lists. Manufacturers are now starting to fit them to some models as standard. For parents with screaming, bored kids they are a dream to have. If equipped with wireless headphones long journey can come and go with ease, some systems even have pre-loaded games. Brilliant!

As seen on the Mitsubishi Shogun SG4

Blind Spot Warning

One of the more common accidents on today’s roads is caused by drivers not seeing people, bicycles or other cars that are hidden in their blind spot. Modern cars are being fitted more and more with blind spot warning systems. These are usually neatly housed in the car’s wing mirrors consisting of a small led bulb that either lights up for flashes if the car senses an obstacle in the driver's blind spot. It’s a simple system that really can be trusted.

As seen on the Volvo XC60 R-Design Lux

HDD Music Drive

Who frequently listens to CDs in their cars? Most people actually. This could soon be a thing of the past. In the same way that you load music onto your MP3/IPod you can do the same with your car thanks to systems offered on a series of models. If you insert a CD into the unit you will be prompted with a menu asking whether you would like to copy the CD to the units’ hard drive. In doing this you can build up a music collection just for driving. Amusingly in a handful of the press cars we have tried we have found a rather eclectic mix of music from previous road testers.

As seen on the Peugeot RCZ GT

Active City Stop

Ever driven in a built up area and a football comes rolling across the road? Most have; all too often it’s followed by a child unaware of your approach. Active City Stop systems have the ability to activate the car’s brakes at lower speeds and more quickly than the most alert driver can. The systems work surprisingly well, although difficult to test with the use of a little ingenuity their full effectiveness can be demonstrated. These systems are cropping up more and more even in low-cost city cars such as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo.

As seen on the Ford Focus Titanium

Intelligent Cruise Control

Cruise control has been around for years and boy is it useful on long journeys. Keeping a constant speed on motorways without the use of your feet is a great idea. Cars today take this one step further. With the help of sensors that detect the distance from the car in front. When activating the cruise control a predefined distance from the car in front can be selected. The car will brake itself if it becomes too close to the car in front and can accelerate fairly hard if needed when a gap ahead increases.

As seen on the Volvo XC60 R-Design Lux

Heated Steering Wheel

OK, you are probably thinking, why on earth would you pay for a heated steering wheel? Well, because they are brilliant. More and more cars are being fitted with this brilliant device that consists of a small element in the wheel that keeps the drivers hands nice and toasty. Most cars just have an on or off function; others have a handful of settings for different temperatures. It seems a little gimmicky but coupled with a heated seat Britain’s cold winters can be an absolute pleasure to drive around in. It’s as simple as that!

As seen on the Kia Cee’d 4 Tech

Words by Rob McSorley

Škoda cuts the bling-bling

Four years ago Skoda decided to "change its cars completely" in terms of design and technology...

Two years later, it produced the Vision D concept at the Geneva motor show which was "a bible of Skoda design," said Peter Olah, the company's design co-ordinator.

Vision D demonstrated where all new Skodas would go, embracing "clever engineering with a human touch," he explained at the launch of the Rapid, a new model that sits below the Octavia and is designed in particular to take on Kia cee'd and Hyundai i30, said Skoda UK product marketing manager Chris Horrell.

Olah said that Skoda's slogan of ‘simply clever' is not just a marketing claim, it means trying to bring clever solutions and understandable technology to Skoda's cars.

"One of the best examples of this is the little hook in the trunk to hold your shopping - it costs almost nothing but really changes your life. This is what we call the human touch."

This ‘human touch' continues with the Rapid which includes a combined ice scraper and magnifier concealed inside the fuel filler cap. It means you can remove snow and ice from the windows and around the door before getting into the car. And that means you won't get snow falling onto the seats when you open the door.

The first clues to Skoda's new look arrived with the Citigo in the summer with the new, bolder Skoda logo.Rapid continues the theme. "We want to make our cars as clean as possible and get rid of unnecessary lines. Customers have had enough of shiny, bling bling stuff," he said.

The Rapid is on sale now, priced from £12,900 for the 1.2-litre S model.

2012 Skoda Citigo ROAD TEST

When a car company launches it’s “most important model in years” it’s always worth paying extra attention. The city car market is currently booming fuelled by rising petrol prices putting added pressure on drivers to downsize. Skoda have for many years been the forgotten Volkswagen group child when it comes to handing out city cars. Both VW and Seat have both been strong competitors in the market with their Lupo and Arosa not too long ago. 

For Skoda; maker of affordable, dependable cars the introduction of the Citigo is great news. Finally they have a city car competitor. As most will know the Citigo is closely relating to VWs Up! and Seat’s recently launch Mii however the Citigo undercuts both on price. But what is it really like?

In terms of styling the Citigo is more closely related to the Mii than the Up! But this is no bad thing. Its shape is simple and uncluttered with a small front overhang and large glass area. The has cleanly styled headlights and Skoda’s new corporate grill – you will notice that the new logo in now mounted on the bonnet rather than the grill. Around the rear the Citigo misses out on the Up’s distinctive all-glass rear tailgate instead opting for a conventional item with boss-eyed looking taillights. It may lack flair but its neatly proportioned and looks modern.

Inside there’s a deceptively spacious interior with enough room for two adults in the front and rear to stretch out. The boot is also cavernous compared to rivals at 251 litres. The interior design is simple, clearly laid out and constructed of durable materials with plenty of characterful bare metal on show. It’s easy to get comfortable in the nicely shaped front seats and all-round visibility is very good.

Two engines are on offer, both of which are 1.0 litre 3-cylinder units with either 60 or 75bhp. We had a go in the lower powered model in mid-spec SE trim with the addition of the sport pack -adding alloy wheels, lowered suspension and sunset glass - not forgetting some snazzy decals too.

Economy as you would expect is a real strongpoint returning 62.8 mpg combined.  Emissions of 105g/km result in a wallet-friendly tax band B. Performance is leisurely taking 14.4 seconds to 60mph but the broad power band makes darting around town a doddle. The engine note is also particularly fruity which adds to the fun.

Around the challenging hill route at Millbrook the little Citigo performed well. Comfort levels were very good with a forgiving ride that takes a lot to unsettle it. Refinement is a little lacking - more road noise filters into the cabin that we would have liked but the engine note is a good distraction. Show the Citigo a series of bends and it tackled them with real vigour. Turn in is tight and although the steering is slightly lacking in feel its nicely weighted. Bodyroll is well contained and the tiny tyres grip well resulting in a spirited drive.

Verdict

With starting price of £7,630 the Citigo is a bit of a bargain. Buyers will be getting a thoroughly modern, well designed city car that drives as well – if not better - than the competition. Running costs are very low and residuals are likely to be strong. It may not be the most exciting car for the money or the most refined but the Citigo has what it takes to lead the class. The introduction of a 5 door model will only strengthen this position.

Words by Rob McSorley

Photos by Mathew Brooks / Skoda UK

Technical Data

Price as tested: £9,865

Engine: 1.0 12v 60bhp - 0-62mph: 14.4 secs - Maximum Speed: 99mph -

Economy: 50.4mpg (urban) –72.4mpg (extra-urban), 62.8mpg (combined) - Emissions: 105g/km (Band B) - VED (12 months): £20

Dimensions: Length: 3563mm - Width: 1641mm - Height: 1478mm - Wheelbase: 2420mm

*data from Skoda UK

2012 Skoda Yeti FULL ROAD TEST

Skoda have for many years been a brand shunned by many purely based on the negative connotations associated with their well-known badge. As anyone with an ounce of car knowledge will know todays Skodas are based heavily on mechanicals from parent company Volkswagen who enjoy a faultless image based on a reputation of reliability and first rate build quality. Therefore to the logically minded there is no reason to criticise any product bearing the Skoda name especially as they are usually so keenly priced  but sadly this is not the case. As we have experienced recently from our time with the superb Fabia vRS Skodas are as competitive as anything else on the market and should appeal to anyone looking for simple, good value transport. Here we are testing Skoda’s latest and most rugged model the interestingly named Yeti which promises to offer buyers the benefits of a large SUV in a package similar in size to a Ford Focus. We find out if it can deliver.

2011 SKODA FABIA vRS FULL ROAD TEST