Cars with the friendliest electronics
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There is so much electronics in modern cars that it can be used for a new generation of spacecraft. Manufacturers now offer AI navigation, adaptive cruise control that takes full control, and even virtual assistants that you can talk to as usual, rather than just give them commands.
All this is somewhat confusing to the owner (or driver of the car), because high technologies are constantly evolving. And this complicates the interaction of the driver with the multimedia interface or the inclusion of electronic assistants. This is why Wards Auto has taken on the difficult task of evaluating new technologies and systems in terms of the convenience they show to the driver. Accordingly, 10 models of different classes and at different prices were identified.
Listen Q7
The main trend since the beginning of the decade is personalization. And the Q7 takes the concept of "self-tuning" to a new level. After spending some time fiddling with the various menu options, you can easily turn the parking sensors volume down or up, turn off the traffic jam warning, or display fuel-efficient driving tips on the dashboard. And this is a small part of the capabilities of the crossover multimedia system.
The Wards Auto jury doesn't leave out the Virtual Cockpit electronic dashboard, which can't help but tire the driver as it offers a variety of layout options. Safety systems are also highly valued, which in terms of their characteristics are not inferior to the flagship of the brand - the Audi A8 L sedan.
BMW X7
Gesture and voice control, as well as a whole menu section dedicated to healing the soul and body - all this is offered by the X7, whose multimedia runs on the BMW 7.0 operating system. The interior of the Wards Auto-awarded crossover is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day at work or cheer up before a long drive. The Caring Car mode is responsible for this with massage programs, its own air conditioning and interior lighting settings.
Special praise deserves an animated message on the center display, the ability to preheat / cool the cab, as well as the Assisted Driving View mode, which displays data from the assistance system and uses augmented reality to display triple displays of dimensional visualization of the surrounding space.
Chevrolet trail blazer
The right choice for little money - this is how Wards Auto defines the Trailblazer crossover. The base price of less than $20 includes a huge set of technologies and a multimedia system that can be used to pay for purchases in stores and restaurants. In the age of the pandemic, these opportunities make even more sense.
In addition, from the main display, the driver can reserve a part for servicing the car, if necessary, call the operator to the call center, and also read the digital version of the car's operating instructions.
Ford Escape
If you are one of those people who take in most information with their eyesight, then the Escape (known as the Kuga in Europe) is your car. According to the judges from Wards Auto, the crossover's displays deserve the highest marks, as the data from the dashboard and multimedia are easy to read. The screens are also high resolution and anti-glare.
Sync 3 multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has Amazon Alexa voice assistant and Waze navigation. The guardian angel of the crossover is the Co-Pilot360 electronic security system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep function and Evasive Steering Assist, which helps to avoid slower or stopped cars.
Hyundai Sonata
A non-standard transmission selector, an infotainment system with a clear menu structure and a central display that can be easily divided into 3 functional parts - this, according to the jury, brings the Sonata closer to the representatives of the premium segment. As with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the buyer gets all of this at an affordable price, which is well below the average for a new car in the US ($38).
Among the systems, we should also mention the RSPA Remote Parking Assistant. This allows you to park your car using the remote control. Depending on the trim level, the sedan offers a smartphone interface, built-in navigation and built-in voice control.
Kia seltos
The connection with Seltos begins even before entering the salon. The bold exterior décor and its vibrant colors only evoke positive emotions, while the intricate but rather elegant radiator grille makes a special impression.
The jury noted that the Kia multimedia system is considered one of the best in the industry, as it is quite simple and intuitive. Separately, the work of the application sounds of nature is considered, which create an atmosphere within 6 scenarios - Snow Village, Wildlife, Calm Sea, Rainy Day, Outdoor Coffee and Hot Fireplace.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes MBUX system is already in the second generation of the brand's new models, but in this case, Wards Auto praised the first option. Vivid colors, extensive customization options and a large number of “friendly” features make this system one of the most technologically advanced systems on the market.
There are no problems with assistants either - Distronic cruise control helps to automatically change lanes by connecting to the blind spot monitoring system. The automatic speed limiter works with navigation, which saves on fines. Most important, however, is augmented reality navigation, which connects to the front camera and gives a clear view of what's happening in front of and away from the car.
Subaru Legacy
Unbelievable but true - Subaru is among the winners of this rating for the fourth year in a row. In 2017 he won with the Impreza, a year later with the Ascent, and in 2019 with the Outback. The Legacy sedan is now highly regarded for its vertical display infotainment system, both Volvo and DriverFocus driver fatigue monitoring. It recognizes faces and saves up to 5 profiles with seat position and air conditioning settings.
The Subaru system is also praised for its various communication solutions (Wi-Fi, USB ports), adaptive cruise control with acceleration intensity settings after a full stop, as well as the built-in navigation application eBird, where you can find information and data about birds living nearby. migration.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota has often been criticized for being conservative, but in the case of the Highlander, the opposite is true. The SUV is equipped with the Entune 3.0 multimedia system, which, unlike the previous ones, runs Linux and not a Blackberry QNX. This supports a large number of communications, and the system can connect to a database (cloud) and download information about traffic and weather.
The Driver Assistance System (ADAS) complex was the best that the jury members tested. It includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, reversing traffic control and collision avoidance.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The last entrant is no different, but the jury believes Atlas Cross Sport is approaching the era of self-driving cars. A strange statement, because the crossover is equipped only with autonomous driving of the second level. It includes adaptive cruise control with full braking function, which works at speeds up to 60 km / h, as well as a lane keeping system that recognizes lane markings even in bends.
The Car Net telematics service offers more options. By downloading a special application, the owner of the crossover can start the engine or lock the doors through it, determine the location and get information about the remaining fuel in the tank. In addition, through Car Net, the driver has full access to vehicle diagnostics and roadside assistance.
