3 must-have tech features in your new car + 8 that are nice to have

There was a time, 38 years ago to be precise, when air conditioning was considered a tech feature that would be nice to have in your new car. It wasn’t even a given that you could escape Philippine heat and humidity while driving along. Later on, features such as power steering, power windows and the like became the most visible must-have features. Now, let’s take a look at the features that you should be looking out for when buying a new car:

Forward collision mitigation

Cameras and sensors aimed at the traffic ahead constantly feed sensors that can detect a potential crash, and sound an alert. If the driver does nothing to mitigate the collision, the car itself can activate the brakes or aid the driver in applying full brake pressure, thus averting a disaster. Once found only on flagship cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, more affordable sensors and computing power have made this available even in entry-level models.

Cars with this feature (among many other models): Honda BR-V and City, Toyota Corolla Altis

360-degree camera

The car’s cameras and sensors can help detect obstacles, but sometimes the best “defense” is a clear view of the car’s surroundings. The 360-degree monitor stitches together the view from cameras dotted around the car’s exterior so the driver can maneuver safely in tight spaces or when cornering

Cars with this feature (among others): Nissan Terra, Changan CS35

Apple CarPlay / Android Auto

After two essential safety features, it may seem trivial to include smartphone connectivity to this list. However, being able to navigate and communicate safely while on the go has become essential. Having an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface can lessen distractions and make driving easier—and make it wireless, please!

Cars with this feature (among others): Ford Territory, Honda Brio

Hybrid powertrain

A hybrid powertrain, whether the onboard recharging of the Nissan Kicks e-Power or the gasoline-electric system of Toyota, Honda and others, improves efficiency and range. Plus there’s the all-important “no coding” benefit, for now

Cars with this feature: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-90, many Toyota and Lexus models

LED headlamps

Brighter, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting, LED lights should be standard on all vehicles by now. The more advanced examples use multiple LEDs that selectively illuminate the road based on conditions and surrounding traffic

Cars with this feature: Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Flexible interior space

Everyone is multi-tasking these days, so switching from passenger mode to cargo mode should be a cinch in your next car. Seats that fold flat and allow through access to the luggage area allow a compact car to carry a surprising amount of stuff

Cars with this feature: Honda City, Kia Carnival

Vented seats – once you’ve experienced having your behind kept cool by a vented seat, there’s no going back

Cars with this feature: Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Custin

Tire pressure monitor

This will sound an alert if a tire loses pressure. This is essential since most tire deflation occurs slowly and is visibly undetectable

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Cars with this feature: Chery Tiggo8

Car telematics

Allows you to monitor car status such as: door locks and headlights via a smartphone app. You can even remotely lock your vehicle, as well as locate it if you can’t remember where you parked.

Cars with this feature: Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Honda CR-V

Power tailgate

Allows easy opening and closing of the rear hatch when it matters the most—when you’re already struggling with a load of packages

Cars with this feature: Many mid to high-end MPVs and SUVs

Active cruise control

When traffic is clogged on the “expressway,” this takes a lot of the tediousness out of driving. The car can automatically follow the car ahead a safe distance, and even come to a halt

Cars with this feature: Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger