Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are rapidly transforming the Indian car market. While not a foolproof solution, ADAS offers a significant layer of safety by employing various technologies to assist drivers and prevent accidents. Recognizing this growing consumer demand, manufacturers are strategically equipping even their more affordable offerings with ADAS features. This article delves into the current landscape of affordable cars with ADAS in India, highlighting the frontrunners and exploring the potential benefits of this technology.
Mahindra XUV 3XO: The New King of Affordable ADAS
The recently launched Mahindra XUV 3XO has stolen the crown for the most affordable car with ADAS in India. Mahindra’s strategic decision to offer a radar-based ADAS system at this price point is a significant development. In fact, the XUV 3XO is the only car on this list to boast radar technology, offering a potentially more comprehensive safety net compared to camera-only systems. This translates to features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, high beam assist, and automatic emergency braking, all designed to enhance driver awareness and intervene in critical situations. The XUV 3XO’s AX5L variant, starting at Rs 14.26 lakh, makes ADAS technology surprisingly accessible to a wider range of Indian car buyers.
Hyundai Venue: A Pioneering Step Towards Affordable Safety
For nearly eight months, the Hyundai Venue held the title of the most affordable ADAS-equipped car. Introduced in September 2023, the Venue’s ADAS system utilizes camera technology to provide features like forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, high beam assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. While the XUV 3XO’s radar-based system might offer a slight edge, the Venue’s ADAS suite remains a valuable safety addition. Hyundai might consider incorporating radar technology in the next-generation Venue, expected sometime in 2025. Currently, ADAS features are available on the Venue’s SX(O) variant, starting at Rs 14.65 lakh.
Honda City: A Balancing Act of Safety and Value
India’s best-selling sedan, the Honda City, joined the ADAS party with the launch of its facelift in the first half of 2023. Honda’s ADAS suite, aptly named Honda Sensing, provides features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system, automatic high beam, lead car departure mitigation system, and road departure mitigation system. These features work together to reduce the risk of accidents by maintaining lane discipline, following the car ahead at a safe distance, and alerting drivers to potential dangers on the road. Notably, the City Hybrid also offers ADAS, but its higher price tag excludes it from this list of affordable options. The Honda City V MT variant, starting at Rs 15.09 lakh, makes ADAS technology a compelling proposition for safety-conscious sedan buyers.
Kia Sonet: Keeping Pace with its Cousin
Similar to the Venue, the Kia Sonet offers ADAS on its facelifted model launched earlier in 2024. Like the Venue, it relies on a camera-based ADAS system, providing features like lane keep assist, forward collision warning, high beam assist, leading vehicle departure assist, and lane departure warning. The hope remains that future iterations of the Sonet might incorporate radar technology for potentially more robust safety features. Currently, ADAS is available on the Sonet’s GTX+ variants, with prices starting from Rs 17.18 lakh.
Honda Elevate: Extending Safety to the MPV Segment
The second Honda on this list is the Elevate, an MPV offering the same Honda Sensing suite as the City. This translates to features like collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system, automatic high beam, and road departure mitigation system. By incorporating these features, Honda aims to elevate (pun intended) the safety standards in the MPV segment, traditionally known for prioritizing space and comfort over advanced driver assistance technology. The Elevate’s ZX variant, starting at Rs 18.18 lakh, makes ADAS a valuable option for MPV buyers seeking a balance between practicality and safety.
The Future of ADAS in Affordable Cars
The increasing presence of ADAS in affordable cars signifies a positive shift towards prioritizing safety in the Indian car market. As technology continues to evolve and production costs decrease, we can expect ADAS to become even more widespread across various car segments. Additionally, the potential safety benefits of ADAS are likely to attract more manufacturers to incorporate these systems into their entry-level and mid-range offerings.
Beyond Affordability: Exploring the Benefits of ADAS
While affordability plays a crucial role in the Indian car market, the true value of ADAS lies in its potential to save lives.
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