If you said the term “connected car” to the average person 20 years ago, chances are the first image to pop into their heads would be some sort of trailer hitch connecting a vehicle to a gigantic caravan swaying behind them.
These days, however, the words “connected car” are more likely to invoke visions of a smartphone on wheels, as vehicles become more akin to the internet; if the internet was able to duck to the shops for milk and had a park brake attached to it, that is.
Here’s what you need to know when you’re next buying a car.
The Internet of Things is coming to your car
Here in Australia, transport authorities and the automotive industry are actively developing Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology, and with good reason: by 2030, the global autonomous and connected driving market is forecast to be worth US$173.15 billion.
While vehicles are well on their way to becoming a part of the Internet of Things (set to roll out with increasing speed as 5G technology arrives), in that they’ll be able to communicate with everything from traffic lights to other passing cars and even restaurants, right now the benefits on offer are mostly in-car.
The possibilities are almost endless - sports cars that won’t just time your flying lap at a racing circuit, but tell you where to brake, locate each corner’s apex and compare your run to other similar vehicles, SUVs that talk to vehicles ahead of you, warning of slippery road surfaces or unexpected bumps or traffic, or hatchbacks that communicate with traffic lights, slowing down or speeding up automatically to ensure your trip to work is free of red lights.
Buying a car? Here’s what is available right now
So what should you be checking for next time you’re looking to buy a family car?
An integrated infotainment system, like the one that comes standard in all new Subaru models, will ensure that your smartphone seamlessly connects to the car using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity*Compatible Apple® or AndroidTM device required..
Other features like Bluetooth*Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. System functionality is subject to the Bluetooth® wireless technology specification of individual device.wireless technology, handsfree mobile communication and voice recognition provide all of the connectivity and creature comforts that you’d expect to find in a modern family car.
While not available in Australia yet, Subaru is currently developing telematics services for future models that ensure they will be well up to speed with the latest cutting-edge technology.
CarsGuide
Paid Partnership
28 May 2021
