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Five features that are the real deal in your next car

15 Oct 2014|67,035 views

Purchasing a new car? We take a closer look at five features that are the real must-haves before you sign on the line.

LED head lamps. Big alloy wheels. Shiny chrome bits. All designed to wow you in a car showroom, but as a driver, do you really need them?

Here are the five real must-haves in your next car that you will genuinely appreciate for years to come.

1. Turbochargers

Think turbochargers are solely for the Fast and Furious brigade? Not anymore!

The best modern car engines have turbochargers not just to boost power, but also to improve efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

These days, turbochargers last as long as the engine itself too, so there are no worries about long-term maintenance costs.

2. Six airbags

There is no questioning that airbags minimise injuries and save lives. But how many do you actually need?

One each for the driver and front passenger goes without saying, but you would also want protection from potentially nasty side impacts.

And don't forget your rear seat passengers too. Hence, look for a car with at least six airbags for all-round protection.

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Having airbags is great in an accident, but it is better not to get into a crash at all. This is where ESC (also called ESP & DSC) comes in.

ESC is a computer system that prevents skidding and it can virtually 'steer' the car in the right direction.

It has been deemed such an important feature that cars without ESC cannot even be sold in Europe today.

4. Advanced entertainment system

We of the iPod and smartphone generation can't live without having our favourite tunes just a touch away.

Why should we compromise when we're in a car?

Pick a car that has multiple media input interfaces (AUX-IN, SD card, etc.) and a modern touchscreen or touchpad interface.

Having a button-riddled car stereo is so yesterday.

5. Stop-start system

Here's a thought - if a car's engine is used to move the wheels, why does it still run when you are stationary at the lights or in a jam?

Thankfully many carmakers have clued in to this and now build stop-start systems into modern cars. The engine just shuts off automatically when it is not needed and restarts in a split second when you're ready to move off. Brilliantly simple stuff.

Try these three new models that have the fab five:

1. Volkswagen Polo

2. Peugeot 3008

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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2. Six airbagsThere is no questioning that airbags minimise injuries and save lives. But how many do you actually need?

One each for the driver and front passenger goes without saying, but you would also want protection from potentially nasty side impacts.

And don't forget your rear seat passengers too. Hence, look for a car with at least six airbags for all-round protection.

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Having airbags is great in an accident, but it is better not to get into a crash at all. This is where ESC (also called ESP & DSC) comes in.

ESC is a computer system that prevents skidding and it can virtually 'steer' the car in the right direction.

It has been deemed such an important feature that cars without ESC cannot even be sold in Europe today.

4. Advanced entertainment systemWe of the iPod and smartphone generation can't live without having our favourite tunes just a touch away.

Why should we compromise when we're in a car?

Pick a car that has multiple media input interfaces (AUX-IN, SD card, etc.) and a modern touchscreen or touchpad interface.

Having a button-riddled car stereo is so yesterday.

5. Stop-start systemHere's a thought - if a car's engine is used to move the wheels, why does it still run when you are stationary at the lights or in a jam?

Thankfully many carmakers have clued in to this and now build stop-start systems into modern cars. The engine just shuts off automatically when it is not needed and restarts in a split second when you're ready to move off. Brilliantly simple stuff.