Johannesburg – We always see cars of today being filled with technology that supposedly makes them better but rarely do we understand how they actually work. Nissan is a brand who makes use of such driving assists throughout its crossover range with each aid being focused at a different driving aspect.
Nissan Juke – Driving Modes
Driving modes are usually found on performance vehicles, off-roaders and in city cars. With the Juke being a light crossover and not exactly designed for dynamic off-roading, it has been given more city bound modes. Within the Juke, drivers will be able to find both Eco and Sport modes which work through the ECU to manipulate the car’s throttle response, turbo boost pressure, engine torque and air-conditioner usage.
In its Normal mode the Juke delivers characteristics that one would require from an everyday driving session. Eco mode cuts anything that consumes power in order to make the car as efficient as possible while sport mode brings the Juke to its optimal power output. Selecting these modes make a very notable difference in the car’s performance but in order for them to work properly the driving style of the one piloting the vehicle has to adjust to accordingly.
Nissan Qashqai – Parking Aids
With parking sensors and camera views, parking and tight navigation is an easier task. Cars with raised elevation may be harder to navigate which is why these aids are welcome. The parking sensors have been around for quite some time and work on distance by tracking obstacles and offering a gradual warning as you get closer.
360 degree cameras are a fairly new innovation and create a map via four cameras placed at the front, rear and beneath the two door mirrors to offer drivers a diverse selection of views to navigate in parking or off-roading situations. 360 degree cameras can offer drivers a birds-eye view, curb-side view and front and rear first-person views.
Nissan X-Trail – Hill Assist and Ride Control
The X-Trail is Nissan’s most capable crossover SUV and has been given an Active Ride Control and Hill Start Assist to help it challenge the outdoors even more so. These aids are added to the car in order to provide the driver with more safety and confidence in rougher terrains where things can get a bit dangerous.
ARC provides stability to the crossover by managing the upper body motion over rough surfaces and uses an automated braking system to keep the vehicle as stable as possible. The ARC system also transfers the power to two or four wheels and distributes power depending on the vehicle’s speed, road conditions, wheel slip and driver intention.
Summary
Similar modes and driver assists can be found on many vehicles today and they are intended to make driving a more enjoyable and capable experience for a wider population by eradicating the difficulties that can be faced (Especially in the wild).
