In May 2017 we took possession of our new car, a top-of-the-line model SUV. There are pros and cons to the many computerized features. But the pros outweighed the cons by a significant number. I like the safety features and would not have bought the car without them.
True, I don't need auto-parking (I've never had a problem with parallel parking). I could care less if an iPod or cellphone can easily play music over the stereo speakers, because I don't use an iPod nor do I keep music on my cellphone - I'm an audiophile and prefer to use my excellent home stereo system since I find compressed music files unpleasant when amplified.
Our car's Technology Package has voice-activated satellite Navigation System with pinch-to-zoom capability. The VA system works pretty well (although I kept my stand-alone Magellan GPS because it has a unique "least freeways" routing that is easy to use and when we have time, has taken us on some breathtaking back roads). The routing is fast and efficient with good audio alerts in plenty of time to make a turn or take an exit ramp.
The SiriusXM Traffic/Travel Link advises us of road delays while traveling. My DH loves the 8" touchscreen and says even with his poor eyesight it's easy to read the screen map as we're driving. There's cameras fore and aft with crosstraffic alert, including a Blind Spot Warning on both side mirrors (VERY useful!).
I love, love, love the Remote Start System. Since the car has a twin-turbo engine I prefer to warm up thoroughly before driving it, as we live in a hilly area and are only two blocks off the freeway. Our traffic moves fast; after a 90-degree turn that on-ramp gives me about 50 yds to get up to 65 mph if I don't want somebody's car running into the trunk!
Standard equipment included the heated/ventilated seats, which were a requirement when I researched for a new car. No need for the heat but the ventilation was a must. On long drives it makes it much more comfortable! It has the lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking alarm (not the automated emergency braking). I don't use the Adaptive Cruise Control much, however; our freeways are a little too wild most of the time [smile].
Another feature that was a must was memory seating. These are 10-way adjustable power seats and it's a delight to be able to get into the car after someone else has driven it, and recall my settings with a single button. It has 911Assist, which I think is very useful (while hoping I never have to utilize it).
Love the "Auto" feature on the lights. Once set, you have daytime running lights. I had these originally on our 2003 Hyundai SUV and was instantly converted. It's simply brilliant: set and forget, no running around at night without your lights on because the streetlights are so bright you forgot to turn yours on. I see older cars at dusk and at night without their lights on and feel sorry for them, so dangerous!
On our new car, the "Auto" feature has a computer sensor that monitors the amount of ambient day or artificial lighting. The daytime running lights are a separate smaller lamp. Any time it's dark - whether in a garage, a tunnel, or sunset - the full lights go on automatically. If you're driving on any road where there's no oncoming opposite traffic, the hi-beams come on automatically; as soon as the system detects opposing traffic the lights switch back to normal. You still maintain manual control, if you wish. But I find the system works beautifully and haven't had to override it so far.
That's all I want.
