Anti-collision features in today’s cars can mean all the difference in avoiding fender-benders. Here are three cars that boast this high-tech safety feature.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN HIGHLINE
One of the smartest-looking mid-sized SUVs around, the Tiguan is also one of the safest on the roads. A wide range of safety features built into the optimised body structure helps it breeze through the comprehensive European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) test. Furthermore, enhanced items such as occupant protection for adults and kids, pedestrian protection, and driver assistance systems ensure a five-star rating.
Chief among these safety features is VW’s Front Assist with City Emergency Braking. This monitors the traffic situation in front of the car and warns you when you get too close. It even applies the brakes within system limits to help avoid a collision. Front Assist uses radar sensors to measure the distance and relative speed of other vehicles. When it detects an impending collision, it alerts you visually and audibly while preparing to execute emergency braking. If you don’t brake hard enough, Front Assist raises the braking pressure automatically.
Safety isn’t the only thing going for the Tiguan.
The Euro 6-compliant engine is 24% more fuel-efficient than the previous model, while the 150PS TSI engine gets the car to a speed of 100km/h in a quick 9.2 seconds. This car sips 6.2 litres of petrol for every 100km.
Active Cylinder Management technology, standard in the 1.4 TSI Highline, deactivates the middle cylinders at cruising mode so you save on fuel. The new 4MOTION Active Control gives drivers all-wheel drive technology with added safety in adverse weather conditions.
Driving profile may be changed with a rotary switch offering four settings for different terrains and styles. The system interacts with other features — hill-start assist, hill descent assist, Electronic Stabilisation Programme and electronic differential lock — to provide a greater driving experience.
PRICE $150,900 (WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,395CC 4-CYLINDER, 16-VALVE TSI PETROL ENGINE, TURBOCHARGED
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC
POWER 150PS @ 5,000–6,000RPM
TORQUE 250NM @ 1,500–3,500RPM
0–100KM/H 9.2 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR VOLKSWAGEN SINGAPORE
T 6474 8288
BMW X3 XDRIVE30I M SPORT
The all-new BMW X3, which was unveiled at this year’s Singapore Motor Show, doesn’t skimp when it comes to safety offerings. The Driving Assistant Package available in selected X3 models showcases the importance that the Bavarian auto company places on safety, one of its key selling points.
One of the latest features in preventing accidents is the Approach Control Warning and Person Warning with city braking function that primes the brakes for quicker response. When the X3’s sensor facilities sense that a collision is imminent, the system will engage a full brake. If a collision is unavoidable, the pre-crash system is initiated and the side windows and glass roof are closed.
That’s not all.
Speed Limit Info, including the no-overtaking indicator, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning all come into play to make this one of the safest cars in the BMW stable. In addition, the all-new X3 has a 5cm longer wheelbase, providing a balanced 50:50 weight distribution. There are four variants to meet different preferences and budgets.
The driving experience of the X3 is top of its class. The 50:50 weight distribution, well-honed chassis and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system all come together to enhance the car’s drivability. The Dynamic Stability Control means that the power split in all four wheels can be constantly varied to produce varying handling characteristics.
Comfort is a main concern with the X3, and the car now has three-zone automatic climate control, which adds separate temperature controls for the rear compartment, driver and front passenger.
BMW produces some of the most intelligent cars around, and the new X3 reflects this. iDrive Controller comes standard, and the navigation system Professional opens up the touchscreen and gesture control. Voice Assistant further improves this level of intelligence — you can formulate requests with natural everyday language, providing a glimpse into the impending world of driverless vehicles.
PRICE $249,888 (WITH COE)
ENGINE 1,998CC 4-CYLINDER PETROL ENGINE
TRANSMISSION 8-SPEED STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION
POWER 252HP @ 5,200RPM
TORQUE 350NM @ 1,450–4,800RPM
0–100KM/H 6.3 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR PERFORMANCE MOTORS LIMITED
T 6319 0100
HONDA ODYSSEY 2.4 EXV NAVI RES
The Odyssey is Honda’s flagship family vehicle, and it comes with the brand’s leading-edge technologies. The new Odyssey 2.4 EXV Navi Res boasts an entire suite of safety features, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
The CMBS kicks into action when the vehicle detects that there is a chance it may collide with another vehicle or pedestrian ahead. The system provides visual, audible and tactile alerts when this happens, and further reduces your speed to minimise the severity of the collision when it is deemed unavoidable. One neat aspect is that the CMBS can also alert you via rapid vibrations on the steering wheel when it senses a potential collision.
CMBS is combined with a slew of other features that make the Odyssey one of the safest MPVs around. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a constant vehicle speed in keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. And Lane Keeping Assist System teams up with Road Departure Mitigation alerts to help you stay in your lane.
The new Odyssey 2.4 EXV Navi Res provides an entire package that makes it one of the most popular family vehicles around. Honda’s new Earth Dreams 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine is both sufficiently powerful for the highway while providing thermal efficiency and fuel economy for scooting around the city. Inside, the touchscreen control panel is easy and intuitive to use, giving access to the premium audio system and many other features. The EXV Navi Res variant comes with a nine-inch screen rear entertainment system to keep the passengers entertained.
Being an MPV, it’s all about giving the family enough space and comfort for daily commutes. The numerous seat configurations possible provide for a wide range of uses, and the air-conditioning vents in the second and third rows ensure that everyone in the vehicle remain cool regardless of the journey’s length. Furthermore, the luxurious, single-seated second row gives the Odyssey an executive air.
Whether you’re transporting your kids’ football team, or chauffeuring your company’s top management, you can rest assured that they’ll get to their destination in comfort.
PRICE $151,999 (WITH COE)
ENGINE 2,356CC WATERCOOLED, 4-CYLINDER INLINE, 4-STROKE DOHC I-VTEC
TRANSMISSION EARTH DREAMS CVT
POWER 175PS @ 6,200RPM
TORQUE 225NM @ 4,000RPM
0–100KM/H 11.7 SECONDS
DISTRIBUTOR KAH MOTOR
T 6840 6888
