Car safety is a paramount concern for Indian car buyers, and manufacturers are now putting significant emphasis on enhancing the safety features of their vehicles. One way they are achieving this is by incorporating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) into their cars and SUVs. ADAS is a suite of intelligent features designed to assist drivers and improve overall safety on the road. In this article, we will explore the most affordable cars and SUVs in India that come equipped with ADAS, providing buyers with an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
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Importance of Car Safety for Indian Buyers
Before delving into the specific cars and SUVs, it is crucial to understand why car safety is of utmost importance for Indian buyers. India’s roads are known for their high traffic density, chaotic driving conditions, and lack of strict enforcement of traffic regulations. These factors contribute to a higher risk of accidents and make it imperative for car manufacturers to prioritize safety features. Indian car buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of safety and are actively seeking vehicles that offer advanced safety technologies.
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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Explained
ADAS refers to a range of electronic systems and technologies designed to assist drivers in various ways, ultimately enhancing safety on the road. These systems leverage sensors, cameras, and other advanced technologies to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide real-time assistance to the driver. Some common features of ADAS include:
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle deviates from its lane without signaling.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Detects vehicles in the blind spots and warns the driver to prevent potential collisions during lane changes.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver if there is a risk of a collision with the vehicle in front.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes to mitigate or prevent a collision.
- Parking Assistance: Assists the driver in parking the vehicle safely by providing visual and audible cues.
- Driver Drowsiness Detection: Monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness are detected.
These are just a few examples of the features that ADAS can offer, and car manufacturers are continuously innovating to introduce new functionalities to enhance safety further.
Benefits of ADAS in Enhancing Safety
The integration of ADAS in cars and SUVs brings several benefits that significantly contribute to enhancing safety on the road. Here are some key advantages:
- Collision Prevention: ADAS features like FCW and AEB can detect potential collisions and take preventive measures to mitigate the risk, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Improved Driver Awareness: ADAS systems constantly monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide alerts and warnings to keep the driver informed and focused on the road.
- Enhanced Vehicle Control: Features like LDW and BSM help drivers maintain proper lane discipline and avoid collisions during lane changes, resulting in better overall vehicle control.
- Reduced Fatigue-Related Accidents: ADAS systems that detect driver drowsiness or inattentiveness can help prevent accidents caused by fatigue, a common issue during long drives.
- Increased Convenience: Certain ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control and parking assistance, make driving and parking more convenient and less stressful for the driver.
By incorporating these advanced safety technologies, manufacturers are making significant strides in reducing road accidents and ensuring the well-being of car occupants.
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Affordable Cars and SUVs with ADAS in India
Now, let’s take a look at the ten most affordable cars and SUVs in India that offer ADAS on at least one trim:
1. Honda City – Starting at Rs 12.45 lakh
Kicking off our list is the recently facelifted Honda City. This popular midsize sedan became the most affordable car to offer ADAS after the launch of the City hybrid in May 2022. With the facelift, even the petrol version of the City now comes with ADAS features on the V, VX, and ZX trims. The City is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 121hp and 145Nm of torque. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The hybrid variant features a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors, generating a combined output of 126hp.
2. Hyundai Verna – Starting at Rs 15.99 lakh
Hot on the heels of the Honda City is the Hyundai Verna. The Verna offers its ADAS suite on the SX (O) trim. This driver assistance system provides enough flexibility for drivers to intervene before the car takes over. However, the steering wheel requires a gentle touch to ensure that the driver maintains control. Under the hood, the Verna is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (115hp, 144Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160hp, 253Nm). The ADAS features are offered with the CVT for the petrol engine and both the manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes for the turbo-petrol engine.
3. MG Astor – Starting at Rs 17.00 lakh
Moving on to the midsize SUV segment, the MG Astor takes the spotlight as the only SUV on this list to offer ADAS. Available on the top-spec Savvy trim, the ADAS suite in the Astor can be a lifesaver in certain situations. The Astor comes with two engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol engine (110hp, 144Nm) paired with a CVT, and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (140hp, 220Nm) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the Astor may not appeal to driving enthusiasts, it offers a refined and comfortable driving experience.
4. Mahindra XUV700 – Starting at Rs 20.56 lakh
The Mahindra XUV700 was the first vehicle in its segment to introduce ADAS. Available on the top-of-the-line AX7 trim, the XUV700’s ADAS system is commendable and groundbreaking. Although the lane-keep assist feature could benefit from some fine-tuning, overall, the XUV700 is easy to drive and live with. It is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (200hp, 380Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (185hp, 420Nm with the manual and 450Nm with the automatic). Both engine options are available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
5. MG Hector – Starting at Rs 22.09 lakh
Recently facelifted, the MG Hector and Hector Plus now offer the ADAS system on the top-spec Savvy Pro trim. The ADAS suite in the Hector performed well, effectively keeping the SUV within the lane and maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. However, it disengaged on poorly marked roads. Powering the Hector is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 143hp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a CVT gearbox. With its spacious and comfortable interior, the Hector feels even more premium with the addition of these advanced safety features.
6. Tata Harrier – Starting at Rs 23.62 lakh
The Tata Harrier, the latest entrant in the SUV segment, now comes equipped with the ADAS suite. However, it is worth noting that the Harrier is due for a facelift by October 2023. The ADAS features are available exclusively on the top XZA+ O trim, which also boasts Tata’s new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Powering the Harrier is a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 170hp and 350Nm of torque. While a 6-speed manual transmission is available, the ADAS system is offered only with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.
7. Tata Safari – Starting at Rs 24.46 lakh
Sharing its platform with the Harrier, the Tata Safari also offers ADAS exclusively on the XZA+ O trim. Like the Harrier, the Safari is set to receive a facelift by October 2023, drawing design inspiration from the Safari EV showcased earlier this year. The Safari is equipped with the same 2.0-litre diesel engine as the Harrier, generating 170hp and 350Nm of torque. The ADAS system is available with the 6-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the safety and convenience of this SUV.
8. Toyota Innova Hycross – Starting at Rs 29.99 lakh
Toyota introduces ADAS in India with the Innova Hycross, available exclusively on the top-spec ZX (O) trim. Named Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, this system incorporates essential features like blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist. While the lane keeps assist feature isn’t overly aggressive, some drivers might prefer to turn it off, as it occasionally intervenes during cornering. The Innova Hycross is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with a strong-hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 186hp. Power is transferred to the front wheels through an e-CVT gearbox, resulting in a smooth and responsive driving experience.
9. Hyundai Tucson – Starting at Rs 31.10 lakh
Hyundai joins the ADAS club with the Tucson, carefully calibrating its system to suit Indian road conditions. The ADAS suite is available on the top-of-the-line Signature trim, offering a choice between a 2.0-litre petrol engine (156hp, 192Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (186hp, 416Nm). Both engines are mated to automatic transmissions, with a 6-speed unit for the petrol variant and an 8-speed gearbox for the diesel. The Tucson delivers a well-rounded SUV experience, excelling in areas such as space, comfort, and robust powertrains.
10. Honda Elevate – Price To Be Announced
Last but not least, we have the new Honda Elevate SUV, featuring Honda’s camera-based ADAS tech known as Honda Sensing. This advanced system relies on an advanced wide-view front-facing camera to enhance safety. The Honda Sensing ADAS features include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification system, and Auto High-Beam Assist.
The Elevate is equipped with a high-performance engine, utilizing DOHC i-VTEC + VTC valve control technology to improve combustion efficiency, reduce friction, and lower emissions. This engine delivers an impressive 89 kW (121 ps) power and 145 Nm torque, with quick torque response at lower engine speeds.
Conclusion
Car safety is a top priority for Indian buyers, and the integration of ADAS in cars and SUVs is a significant step forward in enhancing road safety. The aforementioned affordable cars and SUVs with ADAS offer a range of intelligent safety features that can assist drivers, prevent collisions, and provide added peace of mind on the road. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more manufacturers incorporating ADAS in their vehicles, making safety a standard feature across all car segments.