From semi-autonomous capabilities to infotainment features, new vehicles today are packed with awesome technologies. The must-have features for your car are designed to make your ride safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. If you’re off to purchase a new vehicle, don’t forget to include these on your checklist.

1. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

People use their smartphones even while driving and that’s the reality. Whether it’s for an important call or for navigation, we use our devices while on the road even if we know that it’s dangerous. The safer option would be to access your smartphone through your car’s touchscreen display.

Fortunately, this is possible with an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These features provide access to your favourite iOS and Android applications through your vehicle’s infotainment system. You can make a call, listen to Spotify, get direction from Waze, and read your WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger messages all on your car’s touchscreen display which is within better reach than your smartphone.

2. Voice Control

Voice control is one of the best features in today’s cars. It allows drivers to make calls and send messages without their hands ever leaving the wheel. With voice control, you’ll also be able to take full your Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and infotainment system with just one push of a button on the steering wheel.

Aside from making calls and messages, cars with voice-activated controls can recognise commands like “Increase the temperature” to activate your heater, song requests, and even a simple “Home, Please” to pull out navigation. Some cars already have built-in commands; others allow you to record your own. Regardless of the type, voice control will help you multi-task while still keeping your eyes on the road.

3. Bluetooth Connectivity

Most cars nowadays have apps that you can download to your phone. These apps allow you to control your car even when you are away from it via Bluetooth technology.

You can remotely lock the car, unlock it, start the engine, and adjust the temperature before you even jump in. What more? You can also check the fuel and battery levels, and conveniently find your parking space through GPS.

The Chevrolet Bolt, Acura RLX and MDX, Audi A3, Land Rover, and Lexus are just some of the vehicles today that have this feature.

4. Heated Seats

Imagine yourself one winter night outside. You’re hurrying to get inside the car to warm up, but to your dismay, you find the leather seats cold as ice. What a bummer (pun intended). Wouldn’t it be awesome to jump on to a toasty car seat in winter? Enter heated car seats. A must-have car feature, especially during the winter season. Some manufacturers even offer heated seats in the second row, to make sure everyone feels comfortable while travelling.

5. Autonomous Emergency Brakes (AEB)

Probably the best car safety feature that you should get is the AEB. It will eliminate head-on collisions, not just with another car, but also with motorcycles and Pedestrians. Using detection technologies that include radar, camera, and Laser Detection Ranging (LADAR), your car will automatically hit full stop whenever an object comes within a specific range.

When purchasing your next car at the dealership or showroom, don’t forget to tick autonomous braking on the checklist. This feature may save your life, your family, as well other people on the road.

6. Digital Radio

This one’s pretty basic, but it’s a lot more useful than you think. Spotify and Apple Music are cool but they don’t deliver the local and international news. In which case, a digital radio will come in handy.

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is now becoming a standard vehicle feature worldwide. Most cars in Australia are fitted with the upgraded DAB+ technology. Compared to the old analog radio, DAB+ has the clearer sound and more powerful reception. But same as your FM radio, you can listen to music with it for free, unlike Pandora and other streaming services that are subscription-based.

7. Reversing Cameras

If you are having trouble parking properly, then worry no more because reverse cameras will make it easier for you. The camera will automatically turn on when you reverse and show the rear space on your dash screen. Seasoned drivers will find this feature very useful, too. Particularly in crowded areas, reversing cameras will make sure that you don’t hit anyone and anything.

8. Automatic Tailgate

Are you shopping for a five-door ute or hot hatch? If so, one of the features your car should have is an automatic tailgate. It allows you to open the rear door hands-free by simply sticking out your foot near the sensors on the rear bumper. Some cars use the proximity key tech. Just stand at the rear and the tailgate will automatically open once it detects the car key in your pocket.

This feature is super useful when you’re loading the car and your hands are full. For your total convenience, the automatic tailgate should also be able to close by itself.

9. Wireless Charging

The newest iPhones and Android phones nowadays have a wireless charging
feature, and so should your next car. With wireless charging, you can say goodbye to
wrangling and fumbling with a cable just to get your device juiced up. Charging your
device while driving will be as simple as laying it atop the charging pad.

Today, cars that have built-in or optional wireless charging include the 2018 models of Chevrolet Bolt and Suburban, Ford Fiesta and Ranger, Hyundai i30 and Kona, Cadillac Escalade, and Buick Enclave.

Not planning to buy a new car anytime soon? Then we encourage you to upgrade your current one with these must-have features. Check with your local dealer which features are compatible with your car and have them installed. It can greatly improve the level of enjoyment you get  from driving, particularly if you have long commutes to work and back.

To fund your car upgrade, call Aussie Car Loans on 1300 889 669 or apply for finance online.