OUR BEST EVER CAR TECH

We can't live without these gadgets that make everyday motoring life easier

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PRE-HEATING CAR APPS

HEATED windscreens are fantastic for getting car journeys off to a seamless start on cold mornings, but why wait for your screen to melt the ice away when you can make your whole car toasty warm long before you even climb aboard? Electric powertrains and connectivity merge beautifully in the form of app-based car pre-heating systems. Set your desired cabin temperature and your departure time on your smartphone app, and your car makes sure it's warmed and ready, melting any ice on the windows in the process.

Alternatively, just turn the car's climate control on remotely when you look out of the window and see mother nature doing her worst.

Some cars with internal combustion engines can do this, but they usually need to start the motor. With EVs, the heaters can simply switch on, and if the car has a heat pump, the desired temperature can be achieved without too much impact on the driving range. This pre-conditioning tech has the added benefit of raising the temperature of the battery, so it can charge more efficiently too.

STEVE WALKER

LAND ROVER CLEARSIGHT

THE advent of advanced safety systems has seen a proliferation of cameras appear on cars in virtually every class. Reversing cameras are standard on all bar the most basic models these days, while moving up the price scale adds front cams and even 360-degree surround views.