BusinessOctober 22, 2018
What's new � and what's missing � in your next new car
Automakers are continually making changes in vehicles. These can be technological breakthroughs, such as the automatic emergency braking systems that are increasingly becoming standard on new cars. Some are mandated changes, such as a federal requirement all vehicles have backup cameras, which went into effect in May...
Ronald Montoya
Automakers are continually making changes in vehicles. These can be technological breakthroughs, such as the automatic emergency braking systems that are increasingly becoming standard on new cars. Some are mandated changes, such as a federal requirement all vehicles have backup cameras, which went into effect in May.
At times, the shifts reflect consumer electronic trends. Cassette players in cars gave way to in-dash CD systems, which started disappearing from cars when Bluetooth streaming music arrived.
Many of these feature swaps don't get a lot of fanfare, so you might not always realize what's come and gone until you're shopping for a new car. Here's an overview.
IN: Keyless start
This feature allows drivers to start their cars while keeping the key in their pockets or purses. It's often paired with a keyless access system that allows entry into the car without pushing any buttons on the key fob.
Keyless start systems may pose a danger if you're not careful: Some owners have forgotten to shut off their cars in attached garages, leading to more than 24 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning since 2006, according to the New York Times. Newer systems do a better job of alerting you if the key moves too far away from the car while the engine is still on.
OUT: Keyed ignition
It's falling out of favor. In 2008, keyed ignition systems were standard in 89 percent of new cars. Now, they're in just 38 percent.
IN: Stop-start technology
This system started in hybrid cars and is designed to shut off the engine when you come to a stop, saving fuel and reducing emissions. Once your foot is off the brake, the engine starts itself back up in about a second.
OUT: Engine idle
If you love the engine's gentle thrum (or throaty rumble) as you sit at a stoplight, you'll have to enjoy some other aspect of your car's personality. In 2008, just 3 percent of new vehicles had stop-start as a standard feature. For the 2018 model year, it's up to 40 percent.
IN: Turbocharged engines
Turbochargers let automakers downsize an engine while making it more powerful and fuel-efficient. Turbos were once mostly found on sports cars, and in 2008, they were standard on only 10 percent of vehicles. In 2018, they are standard on 45 percent of vehicles.
OUT: Naturally aspirated engines
Even trucks, once associated with large, non-turbocharged V-6 or V-8 engines, are turning toward smaller turbo V-6 and four-cylinder engines. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, for example, will have a turbo four-cylinder engine on some configurations.
IN: Xenon and LED headlights
It's quite a light show in cars today, with these newcomers fighting for dominance. Xenon lights are brighter and last longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED lights do even better in brightness and longevity than xenons. The real selling point for carmakers is LED lights consume less power and can be configured in more unique shapes.
In 2008, 24 percent of vehicles came standard with xenon or LED headlights, according to Edmunds data. It's up to 51 percent for the 2018 model year.
OUT: Halogen bulbs
They were dominant for decades, but they're winking out. Halogen headlights use has dropped by 27 percentage points over the past 10 years.
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IN: Tire inflator kits
If you get a flat on your next new car, don't be shocked if you can't find the spare tire. It's likely been replaced by the tire repair or a tire inflator kit. In 2009, these kits were standard on just 5 percent of vehicles. They are standard on 23 percent of 2018 models. The kits save vehicle weight and allow for more usable trunk space.
OUT: Spare tires
Full-size spares are now confined mainly to pickup trucks or large SUVs. The smaller temporary or "doughnut" spare tire has lost market share but is still the most common flat-tire remedy and is standard on 45 percent of 2018 vehicles. Run-flat tires are the other non-spare solution.
Edmunds does not formally track the following features, but they're increasingly common in the vehicles we test.
IN: Digital instrument panels
Users can customize digital instrument clusters and carmakers can configure them to display more information. They're found in such cars as the current models of the Ford Mustang, Honda Accord, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volkswagen Atlas.
OUT: Analog gauges
They take up too much space for their single-purpose uses.
IN: The electronic parking brake
A button push applies the parking brake. It's in the Mazda CX-5, the BMW 5-Series, the Ram 1500 and many other vehicles.
OUT: The manual parking brake
Say goodbye to the hand lever or the foot pedal. Their absence gives carmakers more room in the vehicle console or footwell.
EDMUNDS SAYS: If you're determined to hang onto an outgoing feature, such as the spare tire, make it part of your must-have list when car shopping. Sometimes, though, it's better to let go of the old and embrace what's new.
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Ronald Montoya is a senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds. Twitter: (at)rmontoyaedmunds.
Related links:
-- Spare Tires in New Cars: What You Need to Know
-- What You Need to Know About Keyless Ignition Systems
-- 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car For You
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