PRICE RANGE ₹4-7 lakh
Car segments: Small hatchbacks
Standard
features: At this price point, you obviously get the most basic stuff, which includes radio, USB cable/ AUX connectivity, date and time display. Almost no car in this segment will give you smart features like built-in navigation maps or a large touchscreen. The music system will also be entry level, so don’t expect thumping bass and multiple speakers.
Higher variants may have: A small touchscreen, steering-mounted volume controls, Bluetooth pairing, mileage display, phone contacts syncing, reverse camera, mobile integration using auto apps like Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
“I am a driving enthusiast. Apart from city drives, I take my car for long drives, too. Options like instant and overall mileage and detailed history of different trips help me understand my driving style and the vehicle’s performance on different terrain. So, I didn’t mind spending a bit extra on the higher variant.”
– Jeevan S, owner of a mini hatchback
PRICE RANGE ₹7-10 lakh
Car segments: Premium hatchbacks, sub-compact sedans, small MPVs and sub-compact SUVs
Standard features: Things start getting exciting here. The larger touchscreens make their appearance; expect anything in the range of 8-10 inches. Bluetooth pairing is standard across this segment, as are mobile integration apps like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You should definitely pick a car with reverse camera, preferably one that offers a 360-degree view. Don’t miss out on built-in navigation, especially if you go on long drives.
Higher variants may have: Bigger touchscreens, dedicated phone apps from the brand, surround sound with multiple speakers from premium audio brands, car stereo equaliser, sound balanceand fader settings, weather updates, voice recognition, rearview camera with guidelines.
“I love the surround sound, with seven speakers – one speaker each on four doors, one woofer at the rear and two tweeters on the dashboard – as they give an immersive experience. One can also adjust the treble and bass frequencies using the equaliser; balance and fader settings help adjust the audio volumes in different parts of the car. Other features like sensors and a rear-view camera with guidelines are useful, especially in cities, where you have to park in tight spots.”
– Nora Alex, music enthusiast who drives a hatchback
PRICE RANGE ₹10-15 lakh
Car segments: Premium hatchbacks, C segment small sedans, compact SUVs
Standard features: This segment will have most of the features of the segment just below this – but the crucial difference is, they will be bigger, offer better performance and a far more premium look and feel. So, expect 10-inch-plus touchscreens with sharp, clear HD display, built-in apps that work smoothly without hanging from time to time, voice recognition for a wide range of controls like music, navigation and even operating the sunroof!
Higher variants may have: Phone mirroring option, nature sounds to calm you within the car, music system with as many as 10 speakers from premium brands, 360-degree camera.
“Voice assistance is a great help, as I can change the destination on the map by giving a simple voice command. It recognises my voice fast, but this also depends on how much you use it. The more commands you give, the better it recognises your voice over a period of time. Integration with a voice-controlled virtual assistant technology (Alexa) is possible for functions like starting the car, turning on the AC, opening the boot, finding the car in a parking lot, checking petrol levels, engine status and more, even when I am away from the car.”
– Jem Joseph, sedan owner
DO TOUCHSCREENS RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS?
While touchscreens are becoming pretty much standard across car segments, according to a study published a couple of years ago in the UK, using a touchscreen while driving can be dangerous, as it can slow down a driver’s reaction time. But with people spending longer time in cars these days, owners look for ways to keep themselves connected, entertained and updated. The market is also very competitive and several cars under ₹15lakh have touchscreens over 10 inches.
Auto expert Naveen Rajan says, “Touchscreen sensitivity and screen fluidity are important. Also, the head unit should have good memory backup, so that every function on the screen is swift. ” Many owners feel that the bigger the touchscreen, the better it is. “Icons are spaced out and bigger, and are easy on the eyes,” says Jem Joseph, who owns a sedan. A floating infotainment head unit, which sticks out above the dashboard, is a good addition. Unlike touchscreens built into the dashboards, these are in the line of sight of the driver, so there’s no need to look down at the screen. Self-imposed etiquette in using infotainment is important, adds Naveen. “Set things on the touchscreen while the vehicle is stationary, attend only urgent calls even if you’re using the hands-free option, or park at the side and talk. ”
(The information is based on a broad sampling from the price segments. Depending on car variant and price, there may be exceptions)
Pics: iStock