Top 10 New Vehicle Features of 2007

“Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention builds on conventional lane-departure warning systems, which detect lane markings and sound a chime if you drift astray. LDP goes one step further by gently applying the brakes to certain wheels to nudge you back on course. Sound too intrusive? We tried it out in the EX35 and it keeps a remarkably low profile. Hit the turn signal or steer the wheel slightly, and the system deactivates. On straight roads, it intervenes with just a hint of deceleration, and the dashboard chime alerts you of its actions. For its effectiveness and low profile, LDP is the winner.”

“The crusade for city-friendly transportation began years ago with plastic bumpers and dent-resistant doors. It reaches new heights with Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint. On the EX35, Scratch Shield combines a highly elastic resin with the clearcoat finish. The resulting surface is said to maintain a glossy appearance over the years, and it can actually undo minor damage in the course of a few days. While Scratch Shield won’t repair dents or gashes, Infiniti says it can restore things like fingernail scratches under the door handles. We haven’t had a chance to see it in action, but we’re intrigued by the prospects.”

“Let’s be clear on one thing: Infiniti’s Around View Monitor ain’t pretty. With cameras mounted on each side of the car, its fish-eye, top-down view distorts any three-dimensional object nearby. But is it effective? You bet. With a 360-degree view of exactly what’s around your car, it reduces getting into narrow parking spots and crowded alleys to a science. Even the best front-and-rear sonar systems can’t replicate this. You have to see it — and park it — to believe it.”

“To date, hybrid technology has graced only compact and midsize SUVs. Sharing a new 2-Mode Hybrid system, several GM and Chrysler Group full-size SUV models and a pickup truck deliver significant mileage gains — if early estimates prove accurate. Some environmentalists cry heresy over this development, but we can’t see how fuel economy improvement in the vehicles that need it most could be a bad thing. The trucks give up almost none of their hauling and towing capabilities, remaining useful to the people who really need them and would buy full-size anyway, hybrid or not.”

“This is one of those simple features that make so much sense you wonder why they’re not present on more cars. In the new V70, the cushions of the outboard rear seats can easily be raised to one of two levels to better accommodate children, which means no more fumbling around with an aftermarket booster seat. What’s more, Volvo says the side curtain airbags in the V70 extend lower, which in conjunction with the raised seating position gives a child’s head greater protection in a side-impact collision.”

“We’re dubious about the usefulness of a heartbeat sensor, but we were won over by the fact that such a futuristic feature is available in today’s cars. The heartbeat sensor, which Volvo says can help you determine if someone is lying in wait inside your car, is part of the S80 sedan’s Personal Car Communicator fob that can also do other things, like tell you if your car is locked or unlocked up to about 300 feet away.”

“Getting into the third row in SUVs has gotten progressively easier in recent years, but the Veracruz has a three-step system that outshines the competition. Each part individually doesn’t seem like much, but put all together it’s a wonder no one else has thought of it. First, there’s a one-hand release latch that moves the second-row seat up, sliding it forward on rails. Secondly, there’s a cubbyhole tucked inside the Veracruz wall, right where little ones will need it to help themselves into the car. Finally, the second-row seats come with a handle that lets third-row occupants pull the seats back toward them, helping kids trying to get into the second row. Simple ideas, but great implementation.”

“Any parent can tell you that one of the big drags about taking kids on long trips is all the stuff you’ve got to carry with you. Chrysler’s new Sirius Satellite TV makes this a bit easier by removing your DVD collection from the list. Your kids can watch one of three channels (the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network) on one or both of the rear swing-down screens; if it’s just one, the other can show a DVD or video game. Given these three channels offer programming that can satisfy kids from infancy through their teen years, this is a big step forward.”

“Ford has addressed driver distraction with a voice activation system that takes the fumbling out of using cell phones and digital music players. Sync allows drivers to control Bluetooth phones and MP3 players and storage devices that have a USB input using simple voice commands — it even reads text messages from compatible phones. Sync is standard on most uplevel trims in a dozen Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models; it’s a $395 option on base trim levels. That’s a lot of tech for not a lot of dough.”

“Volvo prides itself on safety innovations, and this is the latest. The new S80, V70 and XC70 have an optional blind spot information system that alerts drivers to cars that are hard to spot using mirrors. Two cameras are attached to the side mirrors, and a pale orange light illuminates whenever changing lanes would lead to hitting someone in the dreaded blind spot. A single button turns the system on and off if you’re in heavy traffic, but the faded hue of the lights doesn’t distract from driving. It’s a clever heads-up for the safety conscious.”