New in-car technology arriving in 2016

Numerous car-based technological developments are in the offing this year, promising to make driving safer, less hassle and more fun. Here are some of the most exciting new technologies set to appear in a car near you in 2016...

Automatic steering systems are the beginning of the autonomous car and usually come in one of two forms: lane-keeping assist, which helps you back into lane if you drift out; and semi-autonomous steering, which can take over the steering completely – if only for a few seconds.

Benefits

For those occasions when you drift out of lane, these systems have obvious safety benefits.

Value for money?

If you're out on the motorway a lot, systems like these could prove invaluable – particularly when allied with adaptive cruise control.

While virtual owner’s manuals are already here, augmented reality manuals are coming soon. These systems up the ante by allowing you to point the manual (loaded onto your smartphone or tablet) at any part of your car, triggering a raft of information about it.

Benefits

Rather than wasting time thumbing through a thick owners' manual, you’ll be able to get the information you need instantly. If you require help adjusting your mirrors, just point the manual at them and get the solution you need. Such a manual might feature videos, text and diagrams to help you fix your problem.

Value for money?

Augmented reality is in its early stages, but experts believe it will simply replace the traditional manual, so won't add to the cost of a car purchase. Augmented reality owner's manuals will never replace vehicle breakdown cover, of course, but they could make small repairs easier.

Backup cameras are set to be mandated on all new American cars by 2018. The technology is appearing on many European models too, so you can expect to see it increasingly as part of standard or optional kit.

Benefits

These systems use a set of cameras that give you a 360 view of what's around your car, making parking much easier and safer. Some systems provide a top-down view as if a drone is hovering over your roof.

Value for money?

If you find yourself parking in tight spaces a lot, then it might be worth adding as an option (unless it's available as-standard on your chosen vehicle). If you rarely park in such conditions, you might want to spend the money on something else.

The two key advances in headlight technology are LED lights and automatic high-beams. The former delivers longer lasting, brighter bulbs, while the latter ensures you have maximum vision at night.

Benefits

Hard-wearing LEDs should mean you hardly ever have to change your headlights, while automatic headlamps make night-time driving easier – and possibly safer in cases where you forget to use the most beneficial headlight setting.

Value for money?

If you often drive at night or in the countryside, these technologies have obvious benefits – and are likely to become mainstream rather than optional add-ons.

The latest car infotainment systems – chiefly Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – allow your smartphone screen to be mirrored on your infotainment display.

Benefits

Being able to access a smartphone screen on a car's infotainment system has been long-desired among drivers. Now it has become a reality, making it easier and safer to use your car and your smartphone at the same time.

Value for money?

These latest systems are relatively inexpensive and given the on-going desire for continual smartphone access, are sure to be popular.

While smartphone-based vehicle management systems are only available from a few manufacturers, they offer some exciting possibilities. Such systems can tell you where you left your car, call roadside breakdown cover, as well as giving you a 'health' update on your vehicle. Perhaps coolest of all, such systems can let you start your engine with your phone!

Benefits

This technology makes managing your car's features faster, easier – and a little more fun. Future systems may even make it possible to bring your car out of a parking spot before you get in. Equally, upon arrival at a destination you might be able to get out of your car and simply tell your car to park itself.

Value for money?

Since these systems are free of charge or are available for a low monthly fee, they are certainly worth using. Many car makers offer them as part of their infotainment systems.

These systems use a raft of sensors and cameras to park your car for you.

Benefits?

Some people find parking exceptionally stressful, so this system could be a god-send. Even for those who are more comfortable with parking may find such systems reduces stress, time and hassle.

Value for money?

While this labour-saving system is undeniably attractive, it usually comes with a hefty premium. Unless you find parking insurmountably challenging, self-parking systems don't represent great value.