The Philippine car market is one of the most diverse relative to its size. We get all sorts of global cars here, from diminutive diesel sedans to fire-breathing V8 sports cars. Yet when we get to see what’s inside the cars, particular features are missing. We see them in global advertising and press features, or experience them when visiting abroad, yet the local distributors have been holding back on them, or deemed them uninteresting to the local market. In these cases, we strongly disagree. These features are the surprise and delight that would make their models memorable, and buyers loyal.
Here’s a brief list of what we’re missing:
HondaVAC built-in vacuum
Honda Odyssey’s built-in vacuum cleaner quickly tidies up a mess
If there’s one thing more difficult than keeping the peace in a family van, it’s keeping the interior clean. Kids bring dirt, toys, and the worst culprit—food—into cars every day. As one of the best thought-out vans on the market, it’s no surprise that Honda Odyssey is the first to have its own onboard vacuum cleaner. The HondaVAC operates on the van’s electrical system, and its suction power reportedly surpasses those of handheld rechargable units. The vacuum is mounted in the rear, and its hose can reach every corner of the Odyssey. Sure beats having one of those plastic garbage bins in the car.
Subaru Eyesight automatic braking
Subaru Eyesight cameras allow the car to detect obstacles and automatically brake.
Remember that driver who crashed through the wall of a parking building after experiencing a heart attack? This technology can help prevent that from happening.
Subaru’s Eyesight uses twin cameras mounted in the windshield to keep an eye on the road ahead. It operates the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control to automatically keep distance and warn if the car is drifting from its lane. When there’s a danger of the car crashing into stationary objects, the system can slow or stop the car by activating the brakes. The US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Eyesight the best in collision avoidance systems. It’s not limited to the Outback, too. Subarus from the Impreza to XV to Forester can be so equipped.
Mazda side and back guide monitor
Mazda’s side monitor helps the driver see what is immediately beside the car. It helps with parking too
When manuevering a car these days, rear sensors and cameras help detect obstacles. Mazda went a step further. Its side monitor uses a camera mounted on the side mirror to show an image of what’s immediately beside the car—it could be a child or a pet—on the rearview mirror or dashboard monitor. It also helps in parking within the lines and nearer the curb, without the driver having to tilt the mirror.
Mazda’s tilt and acceleration meter helps parents monitor when their driving becomes too rowdy
Another kid-friend Mazda feature is the tilt and acceleration meter. Kids are more susceptible to feeling g-forces from forward and sideways movement, and the dashboard display acts as a reminder to parents to keep their driving smooth and comfortable.
Toyota Mobility Assist
Toyota USA can equip a van with motorized seats that allow for disabled access.
Japan is an aging society, and Toyota has taken note with a line of accessories for the elederly as well as handicapped persons. These can be ramps for easy boarding of wheelchairs, or retractable seats that can extend beyond the vehicle for entry and exit. Toyota USA has a similar program. The Sienna can be equipped with a factory-installed power rotating Auto Access Seat that rotates ninety degrees, then extends from the vehicle and lowers to a convenient transfer height. It’s factory installed too, making sure the seat is as safe as a standard chair.
BMW Laser Lighting
BMW i8 has laser headlamps that can illuminate 600 meters of road, double that of LED lighting
Halogen headlamps are good, xenon lights are better, LED lighting is best. At least until lasers come along. The first one to fit laser-based lighting equipped is BMW on its i8 plug-in hybrid. By using the highly ordred light of lasers, the diodes can illuminate up to 600 meters of road ahead, double that of LED headlamps. Laser lighting is more fuel efficient, consuming 30 percent less power. Their reflectors are also ten times smaller than LEDs, allowing for more innovative styling as well.
Audi self-parking technology
Valet parking-Audi’s protyotype piloted parking allows the car to find and manuever into a parking garage equipped with the needed computers and sensors.
This one goes beyond the “self-parking” car that can steer its way into a parking space while you operate the gas and brakes. The Piloted Parking technology allows you to hop out at the curb, while the car drives by itself into a parking space. You can call the car out when you’re ready to go. Think of it as an invisible valet. The technology requires the parking building to be equipped with computers and sensors, as what Audi demonstrated in Las Vegas. The technology is still in the prototype stage, and will help lead to the driverless car that manufacturers are promising.
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