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

2012 Volvo XC60 FULL ROAD TEST

Volvo XC60 D5 R-Design Lux Geartronic

Do you find the BMW X3 a little too common or the Audi Q3 too pretentious? If so then this Scandinavian beauty could be worth a look. Its Volvo’s second and probably best looking SUV yet; the XC60. But is it any good?

Gone are the boxy, dull lines of Volvos from over a decade ago replaced by well resolved curves and swooshes whilst still maintaining the now familiar pronounced shoulders and high-mounted taillights. In top spec R-Design Lux trim its striking design is further improved with massive 20” wheels, body skirts and plenty of matt aluminium-effect highlights. Ice white is also probably the best colour on offer to guarantee plenty of attention from passers-by.

A quick shifty inside the XC60 confirms that Volvo still make some of the best interiors in the business. Everything is not only designed to operate with simplicity but with its floating centre console and intelligent use of quality materials that look appealing and feel truly premium it really is a fantastic place to spend time. The dials are a particular joy to use with their etched aluminium effect digits lit from above with stylish blue inserts. The seats are also every bit as comfortable and supportive as they look. Cabin space all round is generous and the boot –accessed by the electrically operated tailgate - is the perfect size for several sets of golf clubs or a double buggy.

Kit levels are more than generous including alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and four electric windows, plus climate and cruise control, Bluetooth, full leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. R-Design trim is the sporty choice, including a beefy body kit and a sports chassis. The example I tested also came fitted with the Nav pack, which adds voice-activated sat-nav and an upgraded stereo. The safety kit on-board is what is truly staggering; Volvo really is the industry leader in this area. The Driver support pack included a blind spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning all of which ensure all occupants are kept as safe as possible at all times.

Nestled under the bonnet is a rather gutsy 2.4 litre 5-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 6-speed geartronic automatic gearbox. With 215 bhp and 440 Nm of torque accessible from 1500-3000 rpm acceleration is more than adequate reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. There is also the option of changing gears manually with a quick nudge of the translucent shifter. Sport mode is also worth a try quickening changes and holding onto the ratios for a little longer for speedier progress. Overall the unit is a dream to pilot, it’s beautifully refined, has bags of low-end grunt and accelerates effortlessly through all 6 gears very smoothly. Whilst with me it also proved to be brilliantly economical returning around 40mpg during mixed driving.

Volvos-of-old have always been safe cars to drive but ultimately forgettable without any driver enjoyment to be had. I am pleased to report that the XC60 couldn't be more different, thanks in part to its Mondeo-derived chassis. The steering is feelsome and perfectly weighted, the brakes are strong and progressive and grip levels are limpet-like. Much to my surprise body control is also much better than expected resisting excessive lean until really pushed making enthusiastic drives along twisty roads an absolute joy. On top of this the ride quality on offer is befitting of any luxury limousine despite those large wheels and sportier chassis settings. I also found the XC60 a refined cruiser completely encapsulating occupants from the outside world.

At £46,090 the car I am testing isn’t cheap but without the massive list of additional extras it can be yours for £38,645 which is much more appealing.  Running costs are pretty reasonable especially for a car of this size falling in to car tax band I which equates to £325 for the first year and £315 thereafter. Fuel economy is also very good with a claimed extra urban figure of 50.4 mpg that I think is achievable.

Words and Photos by Rob McSorley

Price as tested: £46,090

Engine: 2.4 20v 215bhp - 0-62mph: 7.8 secs - Maximum Speed: 127 mph –

Economy: 31.7mpg (urban) –50.4 mpg (extra-urban), 41.5mpg (combined) - Emissions: 179g/km (Band I) - VED (12 months): £325

Dimensions: Length: 4627mm - Width: 2120mm - Height: 1713mm - Wheelbase: 2774mm

*data from Volvo UK

The Verdict

 If you are looking for a medium-sized SUV with genuine driver appeal then the XC60 is definitely worth a look. Not only is it safer and better looking than the competition but it also represents better value for money and thanks to the Volvo badge on the bonnet is sure to be utterly reliable. Whilst with me I was also impressed with the performance, economy and driver thrills from the superb D5 engine. I also found the interior a sumptuous place to spend time with executive levels of refinement. What probably amazed me the most however was the safety systems on offer, all-of-which are genuinely usable and are sure to save lives. Overall I couldn't recommend the XC60 more.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob Mcsorley (info@robmcsorleyoncars.com).

VOLVO REVIEWS COMING SOON

Rob McSorley on cars is pleased to announce that we will soon be reviewing Volvo cars with the cooperation of Volvo Press UK

Check back soon to read our in-depth reviews.

2013 Volvo V40 REVEALED

Ahead of the 2012 Geneva motor show Volvo have shown images of its new V40. A direct rival to the recently launched BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 along with the upcoming Audi A-Class the V40 is the first 5 door hatchback that the company has produced in recent years. Building on the styling of the larger V60 and XC60 models with its smooth, low front end and sweeping high level rear light units. The side of the V4 features an up swept waistline with small glass area and an interesting shoulder crease harking back to the iconic P1800. Inside Volvo has created a stylish, well built cabin that can seat 4 in comfort and a large load area is promised. The V40 sits in the range between the smaller 3 door C30 and the  XC60. Priced are expected to rival those of its competitors and its yet unknown whether a 3 door version will follow to replace the smaller C30.