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THE NEWEST CAR TECHJNOLOGY IN 2021

WE FIND OUT MORE

2021’S BEST SUMMER CONVERTABLES

WITH RIVERVALE LEASING

The Newest Car Technology in 2021

Automotive technology continues to accelerate at a rapid pace, with drivers looking for the best next-generation specs to fit out their vehicles.

From the increasing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles for a greener future to the dazzling infotainment systems that keep the whole family entertained, car manufacturers are constantly searching for exciting new ways to engage their customers. Trends we’re seeing in new car technology for 2021 span across both interior and exterior innovation, with a key focus on enhancing safety features and improving connectivity. Whether it’s under the hood or inside the cabin, there’s plenty of exciting new technology to look forward to this year. Let’s review some of the best.

Hydrogen-powered cars

The concept of a hydrogen-powered car isn’t new, but these vehicles actually hitting the roads is now a reality. Yet another alternative to traditional petrol and diesel models, hydrogen power is gaining popularity in the automotive industry, albeit at a slower pace than electric and hybrid

models. Some models to watch in 2021 Motoring News include the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai which has been transformed into a premium sedan, leaving behind the quirky-looking hatchback it was previously launched as. Its more traditional look would leave many surprised to discover it’s an alternative fuel vehicle. Honda has also released the Clarity Fuel-Cell, a sophisticated sedan featuring innovative heat-blocking windows and a spacious interior. We’re expecting to see more players come to the table as hydrogen-

powered models become a closely watched competitor in the alternative fuel vehicle industry.

Hands-free driving

It wasn’t long ago that the idea of self-driving cars seemed like a sign of a distant future. However, the interest in self-driving and hands-free cars only continues to gain pace and manufacturers are making moves to increase technology in this space. Nissan has announced their ProPilot Assist 2.0 system which offers drivers the option to experience hands-off single-lane driving and hands-on guided land changing capabilities.

While it’s currently pinned to be launched in the US in Nissan’s electric Ariya SUV in late 2021, there are hopes the UK market will follow not too long after, as laws are currently being reviewed to allow automated driving in the UK. Behaving as a super-adaptive cruise control system, the additional benefit of the system not timing out is afforded by the hands-off element. Aimed at reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, this new technology also aims to minimise lane-change and rear-end accidents.

Enhanced Head-up Display

Only a few years ago, head-up display was a luxury feature highly sought after but limited only to high-end vehicles. Technology has evolved at a phenomenal rate, now offering head-up display to a wider market, increasing accessibility across the industry. Now, all that’s required is a smartphone and a compatible vehicle. A great example of head-up display technology in 2021 is the Hudway Drive. With the ability to plug into any dashboard, users simply need to power with a 12V outlet and connect to their phone. Displaying key information including speed, fuel level, weather insights, notifications from your phone including text messages and calls, and even turn-by-turn navigation.

Easily delivered within the driver’s line of sight with minimal distraction, the display can be customised to suit your needs, showing you everything you want while removing anything you don’t need. With the ability to connect cameras, including a night camera, backup and side view, blind spots are covered with ease. As head-up displays become increasingly more accessible, it’s technology that drivers will be incorporating into their driving experience for a better, more informed journey.

Teen Driver Technology

A fairly new addition to the car technology space, teen driver tech is currently only available across a few makes and models. Designed to increase safety for new and inexperienced drivers, the technology can help to put parents’ minds at ease as they let their teens behind the wheel. With notifications on information including whether a driver is driving faster than a particular speed, the ability to disable audio if seat belts aren’t being used, set volume limits on sound systems, and in some cases the ability to filter out explicit content, it’s a dynamic solution that is helping keep young drivers safe.

Report cards are also available to inform parents whether safety systems have been triggered. By reducing distractions and keeping parents in the loop, teen driver technology is set to grow in popularity, especially for families whose younger drivers borrow the car from parents.

Exit Warning Systems

Wondering what might be on the cards in terms of car safety? Designed to keep drivers and cyclists safe, the exit warning system triggers an alert using rear-looking sensors to detect the presence of oncoming cyclists and traffic. Targeting collisions caused by passengers opening car doors just as a cyclist travels past, the system is particularly effective in city settings where parked cars are a major concern for bike riders.

Operating for several minutes once the engine has been turned off, the sensors detect an approaching rider or car and alert the passenger using bright lights to engage their attention. Systems vary, with the most advanced locking the door to prevent it from being opened if passengers miss the alerts of the guidance system.

Air Purification Systems

Jaguar has been working on cuttingedge air purification systems that in laboratory tests have been found to inhibit airborne bacteria and viruses by up to 97 per cent. Helping to deliver a unique user experience, the Panasonic nanoe™ X technology uses high voltage to create trillions of Hydroxyl Radicals enveloped in nano-sized water molecules. Pinned as nextgeneration air filtration technology of the future, it will be rolled out across several models that already offer the current nanoe™ technology.

New car technology in 2021 continues to make leaps and bounds, setting a new pace for innovation to stay competitive and offer a better customer experience. With impressive safety features a top priority for manufacturers, there’s no shortage of advances to take advantage of. So get in touch today on 01273 433480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.

2021’s best summer

convertibles

Picture this: it’s the middle of summer, you’re cruising down the road with the roof down, the sun shining, with the breeze just strong enough to feel the wind in your hair. It sounds pretty good, right? A convertible is the perfect car for enjoying a sunny day, and our normally criticised weather actually offers the ideal balance between overwhelmingly windy and overwhelmingly hot. If this is the vehicle you want to sport this summer, we’ve rounded up the best on the market - with options to suit a variety of different price ranges and preferences.

Convertibles on a budget

A convertible doesn’t have to break the bank, and if you’re looking for one such vehicle on a tighter budget, there are plenty of options to choose from. We’ll start with the Fiat 500c, which you can find from around £15,200. Very similar to the classic Fiat 500, it sports the same cute, retro-chic look it’s well known for, with an economical two-cylinder TwinAir engine. If you’ll be whizzing around the city, the 500c is good for city traffic. Fiat has recently made a number of their models electric later, and the 500c is one of them, which may be pleasing for eco-conscious drivers - though it does cost a bit more. The MINI Convertible is another option. Similar to the above - and a main competitor - as a fellow hatchback with MINI’s classic retro look, it’s slightly dearer from £20,500. Again, there are both petrol and electric options to choose from. Next up, we’ve got the Smart Fortwo EQ Cabrio. Available from around £21,000, this is a highly customisable convertible, offering manual and automatic options, three trim levels, as well as multiple

engines including a fully electric version. It’s also compact - this is the smallest Motoring convertible on the market, though it

News doesn’t lack in detailing or features, and comes with a great infotainment system.

High-end convertibles

When it comes to high-end, top convertibles or sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 is an obvious classic, a worldwide bestseller now in its fourth generation. Available from £26,000, we’re looking at slightly pricier vehicles now, but the MX-5 is great value for money and really reasonable for what it is: a powerful drive, with stylish bodywork, SKYACTIV technology, and a range of impressive features. But we can’t talk about sports cars without mentioning Mercedes-Benz. And specifically, we’re looking at the SLC; available from £37,000; the SLC is a reimagination of the SLK, one of the most iconic convertibles of the nineties. With a classic folding hardtop, the SLC is complete with a sports braking system, cruise control and some of the most comprehensive safety tech you can get. But the Audi TT Roadster also deserves an honourable mention, beating out many of its competitors in terms of style, performance, and even price. Though it’s around £38,000 in terms of cost, it’s great value for money; unlike many convertibles, its open-top system is flawless in terms of design. But even without the promise of an open-roof thrill, the TT Roadster offers a variety of other excellent features, with sports suspension and parking sensors. Currently on its third generation, the TT sports a stylish look and a great drive, but it retains the original charm from 1998 which made it a classic.

Performance Convertibles

Porsche is well known as a high-end, luxurious sports car brand - so it should be no surprise that the Porsche 718 Boxster stands out as one of the ultimate performance convertibles. It’s a classic, too, which has evolved impressively over the last 20 years since its first release in 1996. Now, it’s one of the best on the market: a great drive, good handling, steering (it has a sports steering wheel) and grip, with epic performance and a stylish interior. The Boxster costs around £46,000, but it’s well worth the money.

If you’re looking to splash out, though, the Jaguar F-Type is absolutely a convertible that you should consider. Polished, stylish, and top-of-the-range when it comes to performance, the F-Type is a definite classic. In fact, it’s widely acclaimed as one of the best looking convertibles on sale. But it’s not all about the looks.

All models come with an upgraded V8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, and featurewise, it’s also impressive. We’re talking voice recognition, Interactive Driver Display, adjustable seats, cabin lighting and a 10-inch touch screen. Overall, to say the F-Type is a satisfying drive is an understatement, but it’ll cost you: the F-Type starts at £54,000, and can creep up to over £100,000.

With so many different options available, the open-roof thrill of a convertible has never been easier to achieve. So, what’ll you be choosing this summer? Remember, if you’re looking to lease rather than purchase your next car, we’ve got a variety of leasing deals available, with plenty of convertibles that could have your name on it. That includes all of the cars listed in this article! Take a look, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with one of our experts, get in touch on 01273 433480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.