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Around 20 years ago, the power steering assembly consisted of a hydraulic unit which made the use of steering fluid essential. This hydraulic pump was driven by the engine directly. Owing to the additional changes and modifications in the steering assembly, providing this option in budget cars was a costly affair. But now, electric power steering units can be attached to a typical non-power steering assembly with ease and minimal alterations. Though power steering is being adopted in nearly all cars available in the market, some manufacturers have decided to omit this option in some of their lowest budget models due to the competitive pricing and lack of dedicated regulations or guidelines for the same.
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The advent of power mirrors happened in the Indian market courtesy of Mercedes Benz and similar imported cars. Power mirrors let the driver adjust ORVMs with the help of an electronic toggle switch placed inside the cabin. This trend was later witnessed in mid-size and luxury sedans in the early 2000s. In recent years, with increased affordability of the technology and Indian manufacturers making an attempt to be at par with the global standards, many entry-level hatchbacks also have power mirrors. Many compact hatchbacks also give their users an option to electronically fold their ORVMs as well, thereby ensuring mirror safety in unsafe parking spots and easy adjustment even in inclement weather.
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ABS or Anti-lock Braking System is a revolutionary technology to avoid tire locking up during situations of urgent braking. This technology was first introduced in the automotive industry by Mercedes Benz. In the yesteryears, ABS was a high-value safety feature found only in high-end cars. In recent years, though ABS was available in lower-end cars, it was offered as an option. After the RTO ruling passed in April 2019, all the vehicle manufacturers were compelled to provide ABS in all the vehicles manufactured.
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An airbag is an essential and life-saving technological development. The folded-up bags of fabric blow up immediately after the collision sensors detect an impact. This is done with the help of a highly sensitive mini explosive device that triggers with no lag after the collision. Airbags ensure that the driver and co-passenger are safe from any jerks or foreign objects colliding on the frontal part. Though airbags are an essential feature, in the earlier days, they were found only in the luxury cars where passenger safety was of utmost importance. Owing to the increasing road accident fatalities, just like ABS, the RTO authorities have also made airbags a mandatory feature in cars since august 2021. With the latest ruling from RTO, all four-wheelers manufactured in India after December 2021 must have dual airbags in them.
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The technology which made car travel experience the most comfortable after power steering is powered windows. Power window is a simple technology where an electric motor drives the window winder assembly. This technology became famous in many low-end hatchbacks a few years ago as an option with only front windows powered. This erstwhile premium option is now available in the base model of most low-end cars while base models of mid-range cars are available with all four power windows.
