Car Articles

Read articles on cars and car industry. Get fully updated on all information related to cars. Read exciting happening in the Indian and Global Car industry, tips to help you and more...

Old Articles

Car Features That Keep You Organized

As city traffic gets worse day by day, we end up spending a lot of time inside our cars. Car makers are increasingly becoming aware of the needs to implement equipment that will make our lives inside the care more comfortable and organised. Cup holders and glove box are still useful, but what modern India demands is a host of new features, such as multipurpose consoles that can hold laptops, customisable storage modules and rubberized compartments that can be washed, that will take vehicle organisation to next level.

We bring to you a list of luxury features that the Indian consumers would look forward too. We will wait for these high end features to make an entry into the cars that are mass produced or imported in the country.

Multipurpose Centre Consoles

There are several cars in the foreign markets that feature advanced seat centre consoles that provide organisation solutions that facilitate the techies. A case in point would be the 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX midsize crossover SUVs that feature centre bin that may be customized to hold CDs, personal items or even a laptop computer. There is also a 12-volt power point charger for the electronics, and an available auxiliary audio input for iPods and other MP3 players makes integration flawless. The all new Acura RDX has an armrest that can hold up a laptop. Now, we are sure that our techies would appreciate such features in their cars.

The 2007 Audi Q7 includes a front centre armrest with separate compartments for the driver and front passenger. Nissan Quest minivan features a first-row folding tray on the driver seat with coin- and cupholders. The Toyota Sienna minivan's front center console may be removed and placed between the second-row captain's chairs.

Passenger Compartment Storage and Super Folding Seats

Configuring the seats with ease is a critical task in organising your minivan, crossover or SUV. Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seating system, available on long-wheelbase Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans feature second and third row seats that fold down completely to the floor. And even when the seats are upright, there is plenty of storage space below the floor. The Easy-Out Roller seats that are a signature style of Chrysler can be removed completely to free essential cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV has an illuminated and carpeted storage area. Now, wouldn't the joint families love these features in their minivans and utility vehicles!

Overhead Consoles and Advanced Glove Boxes

Overhead storage space ensures easy accessibility for both the front and the rear passengers. Nissan has made perfect use of this concept in its Nissan Quest minivan that makes use of an "airplane style" overhead console with three large storage bins, one small bin, four air vents, four lights and up to two 8-inch DVD entertainment screens (when properly equipped). Chevrolet has come up with another such desirable feature in its Uplander. The minivan features an overhead rail system providing interior customization - you can shove small items in handy storage modules.

Another great feature in the Uplander is the PhatNoise 40-gig digital media system that stores thousands of songs and movies, thereby removing any need of carrying CDs and DVds in your car. Also included in the system are lighting and HVAC controls and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Glove boxes make for great storage options inside a car. Of late glove boxes have been getting all the attention, and dual glove boxes are on their way to become the latest rage. The Land Rover Range Rover luxury SUV includes twin glove boxes that can be opened electronically.

Mercedes Benz M-Class features a two tiered illuminated glove box. Hyundai's illuminated glove box features an illuminated and locking glove box. To take things to a further level, the 2007 Dodge Nitro midsize SUV allows storage for small personal items in a dash bin to the left of the steering wheel.

Enhanced Cargo Loading / Management, Washable Interior Surfaces

Loading and unloading dirty cargo requires special materials and tailgate configurations. Some of the 2007 models released have a rear cargo organiser as standard feature. The Dodge Nitro's "Load 'N Go" rear sliding storage tray probably leads the way: for simplified cargo loading, it extends 18 inches beyond the rear bumper. What's more, it allows for a load up to 400 pounds. And then you have a separate rear cargo tray that can be reversed to create a walled bin useful for carrying balls or other things that have the potential to slide.

We all know the pain of having stained car interiors. The Honda Element compact SUV features a black urethane-coated utility floor that can be washed. Great for carrying your muddy bicycle. Then you have waterproof seating upholstery (called FXC - "fabric for extreme conditions") that helps remove the stains easily.

Another Japanese car maker has made use of a similar technology. Toyota FJ Cruiser crossover SUV features a rubberized floor and water-resistant seats with sealed seams that helps keep everything intact when washed.

Some More Cool Features

Then we have some features that are difficult to be classified. For example, a "Lazy Susan" adorns the Honda Odyssey. Don't go by the name, this partially exposed rotating storage tray serves important functions. Talk about a retractable dry-cleaning hook or retractable cupholder covers, you name it and the car manufactures will have it for you. And if you are talking luxury convenience, BMW X5 SUVs have a phone outlet built into the front armrest.