MINI gets new tech, New Connectivity and upgrades in the majority of models.

New tech, new connectivity and a new MINI range for 2018: the new MINI 3-Door Hatch, the new MINI 5-Door Hatch, the new MINI Convertible.

New technology, cutting-edge connectivity, standard-fit front and rear LED lights across the range and an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox are just some of the features in the new 2018 MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible, which will launch at MINI retailers across the UK on 17 March 2018.

The changes are focused on driver appeal and core new technologies, including MINI Connected Concierge services, wireless smartphone charging and first-in-class options such as new anti-dazzle adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam.

MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible: overview of new features.

• New design standard-fit front and rear LED lights for the UK market.
• First-in-class - new optional adaptive headlights with Matrix high beam.
• Unique individualisation with MINI Yours 3D printed parts.
• 6.5-inch colour infotainment screen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and multifunction steering wheel fitted as standard.
• New touchscreen MINI Navigation with Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging.
• New MINI Connected Services with Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Online Search, Natural Language Understanding and Concierge Service.
• New MINI logo, body finishes, Piano Black exterior and alloy wheel designs.
• Extended range of leather trim, new interior backlit surfaces and colour lines.
• MINI logo projection from the exterior mirror on the driver's side.
• New 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch and electronic shift selector.
• Further developed engines and increased capacity and torque for MINI One.

Bright and dazzle-free: Font and rear LED lights now standard. First-in-class adaptive LED headlights with Matrix high beam optionally available.

The exterior character of the new MINI range has been refreshed with the introduction of a new front and rear LED light design, enhancing the on-road presence of the new MINI 3-Door Hatch, MINI 5-Door Hatch and MINI Convertible.

All versions of MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible sold in the UK get the same front and rear LED lamps as standard, for the first time in this segment. The LED lamps have a stronger, brighter beam pattern than the outgoing halogen headlamps, while the daytime running lamps and indicators are also LED-based, forming a new ring design around the headlights themselves. 

The three-dimensional LED rear lamps cleverly incorporate horizontal turn signals and vertical brake lamps within a distinctive new light cluster. The LED lamps benefit from greater long-distance visibility, without dazzling other road users.

First-in-class new ‘Matrix’ adaptive LED headlamps will be offered as an option on the new MINI Hatch and Convertible range, which automatically adjusts brightness using a matrix of different light elements to cater for specific road conditions.

For example, the lamps can offer additional illumination to the side of the road in both urban and rural areas, while the high beam lights have greater intensity at motorway speeds, without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The adaptive LEDs also feature an automatic selective dip function when on high beam, which automatically extinguishes the parts of the lamp which may dazzle other drivers, while at the same time offering optimal illumination.

Each lamp is divided into four horizontally arranged segments, which are activated and deactivated independently of one another at speeds of over 45mph. The high beam segments effectively ‘read’ the road, and as soon as the MINI front camera registers an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness.

This is done by deactivation of the Matrix segments that cover the space in question, while the remaining areas of the road continue to be illuminated at high beam brightness.

New MINI logo: reduced to the essentials.

The 2018 MINI range will also see the debut of an all-new MINI logo on the vehicle. The new badge has a flat two-dimensional design, reflecting MINI’s new brand identity with its focus on the essentials – namely key values such as driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and emotional appeal.

The new logo appears on the bonnet, tailgate, steering wheel, instrument display and central locking remote control on all models.

Three new colours, including premiere for Piano Black Exterior.

The range of body finishes available for the new MINI range includes three brand new colours, namely Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic and Solaris Orange metallic.

In addition, exterior options now include an additional means of customising the exterior design – a popular practice among MINI customers. With the Piano Black Exterior pack, the surrounds of the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

The choice of alloy wheels has been expanded, too. 17-inch ‘Roulette’ and ‘Propeller’ designs are now available for all body variants of the new MINI Hatch and Convertible, along with a new ‘Rail’ two-tone wheel.

New leather trims, interior surfaces and colour lines.

A broad selection of seat surfaces, interior surfaces and colour lines add a touch of individual style to the interior of the new MINI range. These include Chester leather trim in Malt Brown and a colour line now also available in Malt Brown.

A brand new option for 2018, MINI Yours Interior in Piano Black, provides MINI Hatch and Convertible customers with the option of a distinctive backlit decorative strip for the passenger side of the instrument panel. Stylised in a Union Jack motif, the colour of the background lighting for the decorative strip matches that of the vehicle’s ambient lighting selected by the driver as part of the MINI Excitement Package. This option also enhances other area of the cabin, adding a distinctive high gloss black appearance to the door inners and centre console.

Maximum individualisation: MINI Yours Customised.

The MINI Yours Customised program raises brand individualisation to a whole new level. It includes new products whose design can be created by customers themselves, which are then produced precisely according to their individual specifications.

The MINI Yours Customised range includes side scuttles, decorative strips for the interior on the passenger side, LED door sill finishers and LED door projectors.

MINI Yours Customised products can be selected, designed and ordered through a specially created online shop launching later in 2018. Here customers can choose between various colours, patterns, surface structures and icons, as well as contributing their own texts and adding a touch of personal style to the design. This creative interaction between manufacturer and customer enables MINI drivers to turn their vehicle into a unique expression of their own personality.

The individualised products are manufactured using innovative production techniques, including 3D printing and laser engraving.

Drive: increased driving fun and reduced weight.

Revisions to engines and powertrain have been made to further enhance driving fun. Development has been applied across the board, including the basic engine, MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, engine electronics, oil supply, intake air ducting, the cooling system and the exhaust system.

One very clever feature of the new MINI engines is the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the engine covers, which not only contributes to further weight reduction, but also takes advantage of using recycled material generated during the production of BMW’s ‘i’ range of electric vehicles.

The 3-cylinder petrol engine in the MINI One has seen an increase in capacity to 1.5 litres, increasing maximum torque by 10 Nm, taking it to 190 Nm.

New: 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch with electronic selector lever.

All new MINIs come with a precise six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but now 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and Convertible models are now also available with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as an option.

The transmission is offered on MINI One, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper D engine variants, and is characterised by very fast gearshifts, enabling sporty acceleration and an impressive spread of torque.

The transmission comes with an all-new electronic selector lever, while on the MINI Cooper S the automatic option includes shift paddles at the steering wheel for a level of manual intervention.

All Steptronic transmissions allow the car to coast in MID and GREEN mode and incorporate the latest generation of auto start/stop functions.

Using the satellite navigation data and the car’s inbuilt camera systems, the stop/start can be intelligently controlled to identify situations in which it is better not to switch off the engine: for example when stopping briefly before making a turn or entering a roundabout, or if the traffic ahead has started moving again.

Diverse range of engines.

There are five engine variants for UK customers to choose from for the new MINI 3-Door Hatch:

MINI One 3-Door Hatch: 75 kW/102 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 10.1 seconds (10.2 seconds), top speed: 121 mph (121 mph), fuel consumption: 57.6 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 115 – 111 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 7.9 seconds (7.8 seconds), top speed: 130 mph (130 mph), fuel consumption: 56.5 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 118 – 114 g/km (114 – 109 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S 3-Door Hatch: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.8 seconds (6.7 seconds), top speed: 146 mph (146 mph), fuel consumption: 47.1 mpg combined cycle (54.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 139 – 138 g/km (120 – 119 g/km)*.

MINI John Cooper Works 3-Door Hatch: 170 kW/231 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds), top speed: 153 mph (153 mph), fuel consumption: 42.8 mpg combined cycle (49.6 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 150 g/km (130 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper D 3-Door Hatch: 85 kW/116 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 9.2 seconds (9.3 seconds), top speed: 127 mph (127 mph), fuel consumption: 3.9 – 3.9 litres/100 km (3.8 – 3.8 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 103 – 102 g/km (100 – 99 g/km)*.

Three petrol engines and one diesel engine are offered for the new MINI 5-Door Hatch:

MINI One 5-Door Hatch: 75 kW/102 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 10.3 seconds (10.5 seconds), top speed: 119 mph (119 mph), fuel consumption: 57.6 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 116 – 112 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper 5-Door Hatch: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 8.2 seconds (8.1 seconds), top speed: 129 mph (129 mph), fuel consumption: 55.4 mpg combined cycle (58.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 120 – 116 g/km (115 – 110 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S 5-Door Hatch: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.9 seconds (6.8 seconds), top speed: 146 mpg (146 mpg), fuel consumption: 45.6 mpg combined cycle (52.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 143 – 141 g/km (124 – 123 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper D 5-Door Hatch: 85 kW/116 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 9.4 seconds (9.6 seconds), top speed: 126 mph (126 mph), fuel consumption: 4.0 – 3.9 litres/100 km (4.0 – 3.9 litres/100 km)*, CO2 emissions: 104 – 103 g/km (104 – 103 g/km)*.

The engine portfolio for the new MINI Convertible consists of three petrol engines:

MINI Cooper Convertible: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 8.8 seconds (8.7 seconds), top speed: 129 mph (128 mph), fuel consumption: 54.3 mpg combined cycle (54.3 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 123 – 119 g/km (123 – 118 g/km)*.

MINI Cooper S Convertible: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds), top speed: 143 mph (143 mph), fuel consumption: 44.8 mpg combined cycle (57.4 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 123 – 119 g/km (123 – 118 g/km)*.

MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: 170 kW/231 hp, 0 – 62 mph in 6.6 seconds (6.5 seconds), top speed: 150 mph (149 mph), fuel consumption: 42.2 mpg combined cycle (47.9 mpg combined cycle)*, CO2 emissions: 152 g/km (136 g/km)*.

*Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures were measured using the methods required according to Regulation (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are provisional and are based on a vehicle with basic equipment in Germany. Figures depend on the tyre format selected; specifications in brackets apply to vehicles with automatic transmission

New steering wheel with multifunction buttons and radio with 6.5-inch colour screen as standard.

The newly designed three-spoke steering wheel in the MINI range now features multifunction buttons. On the left-hand control panel it is possible to activate the Speed Limit Device to set a maximum speed, while the audio and communication controls are on the right-hand side. A sports leather steering wheel, a MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel and a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel are all available as options.

The standard trim also includes an audio system with 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument panel and mobile phone integration via Bluetooth.

New options: Refreshed Pepper and Chili packs now include rear PDC and MINI Logo projection as standard.

For 2018, MINI has introduced new options and enhanced the equipment offered in the popular Pepper and Chili packs.

Pepper Pack adds extra content including 15-inch light alloy wheels, MINI Excitement Pack, leather steering wheel, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and automatic air conditioning. A new addition to the Pepper Pack in 2018 is rear park distance control (PDC) ensuring that the MINI vehicles are easier than ever to park in and around town.

Chili Pack builds on the contents of the Pepper Pack, adding extras features including 17-inch light alloy wheels, cloth and leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel and a sport button to further enhance the driving experience.

The MINI Excitement Package, which is included in the Pepper and Chili packs for UK customers, now includes MINI logo projection on the driver's side. When the vehicle door is opened and closed, the new MINI logo is projected onto the ground in front of the door from a light source in the exterior mirror and can be seen there for 20 seconds, or permanently if the door is left open.

Infotainment and Navigation: 6.5-inch full colour display as standard and debut of new Navigation Plus Pack with wireless charging.

As standard, all vehicles will have a 6.5-inch full colour display and standard rotary controller. Customers can choose to upgrade this screen to include optional MINI Navigation with a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay functionality.

MINI has simplified the range of additional infotainment packs for UK customers in 2018, with one new infotainment package now offered. The new Navigation Plus package contains a raft of innovative optional equipment, including MINI’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, new MINI Connected Services including Real Time Traffic Information, new Natural Language Understanding functionality, MINI Concierge Service, online services and Apple CarPlay.

The new wireless charging feature, available as an option or as part of the Navigation Plus package, is facilitated via a storage compartment in the centre armrest which will automatically and wirelessly charge mobile phones which support this capability. This option also includes a second USB socket in the front section of the centre console.

MINI Connected: a range of digital services that is unique within the segment.

MINI offers class-leading premium digital services, many of which are unique in the small car segment.

New features in the leading MINI Connected package include Real Time Traffic Information and automatic navigation map update via mobile phone connection, a personal Concierge Service and a vehicle internet portal MINI Online, with news, weather and fuel price updates. Another option is Apple CarPlay compatibility.

MINI Connected enables MINI drivers to integrate their vehicle and travel plans seamlessly into their day-to-day digital routine. Meanwhile, the MINI Connected App provides connectivity with digital touchpoints such as a smartphone or smart watch. For example, MINI Connected can draw on calendar entries and contact data entered in a smartphone to plan routes and determine the ideal time to set off based on real time traffic data.

The Send to Car function enables planned routes to be sent to the MINI navigation system, while Remote Services allow the driver not just to display vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their smartphone, but also activate the headlight flasher, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function.

Intelligent networking is standard across the MINI range, via a 4G SIM card integrated into the vehicle. This enables the use of MINI Teleservices and the Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity.

Another new 2018 option for Hatch and Convertible models is MINI Find Mate. This option consist of tags with a Bluetooth tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. Their position can not only be displayed on the car’s on-board computer but also in your MINI Connected App on a smartphone, preventing personal items getting lost or left behind.

TMW - The all new Citroen C3 - stylish looks, good driveability and frugal, what more do you need.

Citroen's biggest seller the C3 has just been renewed with an all new car, and this is so far removed from the car it replaces that it you would be forgiven for thinking that this was a bigger, better equipped and a car thats seriously good.

The C4 Cactus was the start of a new era for Citroen, and the C3 carries that forward, the brilliant airbump system is on the C3, not as big as you will find on the Cactus, but it works really well on this new car, along with the two colour scheme, brilliant looking alloys and the total new look makes this car one to beat.

The interior of the car is a little spartan, mainly due to the fact that it runs nearly everything from the touchscreen system, the same as the Cactus, and a brilliant idea this is, it gives the car an air of modernity, via the touchscreen infotainment system, along with the cost savings of numerous switches and wiring thus would incur.

The clean lines of the dash board are both familiar and modern, the hard plastics on the bulk of the dash, are softened by the soft material that runs across the dash infront of the passenger seat, added to which the stylised air vents, it gives the new C3 a great place to be.

The seating position can be adjusted in numerous positions so that you will easily be able to get comfortable, and the super light steering means you can fling the car about like a dodgem car, it really is a fun car to be in and drive, it is a very airy and roomy cabin, whether you're in the front or in the back, although getting in the back is a little tight for those of a more bulky demeanour.

Driving the car is a very easy proposition, the lightness of the steering, clutch and decent brakes, mean that you are able to control this car with ease, the lightness of the steering does not take away from the accuracy of where you send it, because again, this car is very able and precise.

The diesel engine is powerful, and pulls away with gusto, and getting up to motorway speeds is quick and effortless, once there the cruise control can keep you rolling along, the top speed of this model is 115mph with a CO2 emission of 95g/km, the brand states that this car is very frugal when it comes to sipping the diesel, with an 

• Urban Cycle 64.2mpg
• Extra Urban 88.3mpg
• Combined 76.3mpg

Although we could not get to these figures, we did manage to get a decent 64.1mpg which is a brilliant figure overall, especially as most of the driving was local roads, with a couple of journeys in between.

The car also has a dent amount of kit thrown in too, from

• Hill Start Assist
• Speed Limit Recognition and Speed Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Coffee Break Alert
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
• Alarm
• Mirror Screen with MirrorLink®, and Apple CarPlayTM
• 16" Matrix Alloy Wheels
• Wheel Arch Extentions
• 7" Touchscreen
• Leather Steering Wheel with Satin Chrome and Brilliant Black Inserts
• ConnectedCAM Citroen®
• Automatic Air-Conditioning
• Reversing Camera
• Airbump®
• Red Roof
• Front Fog Lights
• Dark Tinted Rear Windows

The car has a worlds first with the addition of a front view video camera, with the ability to take video and pictures, this can be connected to you iPhone, iPad, Laptop etc, this will be an ideal insurance buster, and assistant should there be any incident in-front of you, this along with the touchscreen are all accessible via your own brand of connectivity, like the navigation system, this will work via the touchscreen, along with other apps and programs.

Finally, the car is well endowed with space, with loads of cubby holes to the size of the boot, considering that this car is a supermini, it has a really good sized boot space, more than capable of taking more than a weeks family shopping, or luggage, put the seats down and you get acres of space, you will not be left wanting here for that, so, is this a good car, no, far from it, it is a brilliant car, from the stylish looks, good fuel consumption, space and driveability, this is a car you would be silly not to consider if you are in the market for a car in this class.

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USA - The BMW Flagship 7-Series has been awarded the Wards 10 Best “user experiences” accolade.

The award winning BMW 7 Series received today yet another accolade at the inaugural ceremony of Wards 10 Best “user experiences” award during the User Experience Conference at Novi, Michigan. 

The BMW 7 Series is one of three vehicles making both this winning list and 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors last spring. 

Entrants from all over the globe were thoroughly examined by the editors evaluating performance such as how easily the vehicle connects with a smartphone, how user friendly and intuitive the controls are, how intelligent the advanced driver assistance technology is and how appealing the materials are as a component of the overall user experience.

“We’re paying close attention to touchscreens, navigation systems and infotainment, and we want to know if voice controls work well and if connecting your smartphone is simple,” says WardsAuto Senior Content Director Drew Winter in explaining the judging criteria. 

“We’re trying to quantify how easy it is overall to interact with a vehicle,” he says. “Are controls easy to understand, or do you have to consult the owner’s manual? 

Are the driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, functioning reliably, and do the interior materials enhance the user experience?”

The BMW 7 Series sets a benchmark in innovation, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and intuitive operation all contributing to earn a winning spot at Wards 10 Best UX Awards. 

The judges enjoyed the 7 Series seamless connectivity for phone and music as well as the removable 7-inch BMW Touch Command tablet at the rear seat. The Touch Command Tablet can play external audio and video files, surfing the internet or be used as a games console. 

A WiFi hotspot built into the vehicle provides the necessary online connectivity. Selection made on the tablet will then play on one of the 10-inch screens of the Rear-seat entertainment system.

The BMW Connected app also made an impression in the judges, praising the information it provides to the user such as fuel level, range and last known location of the vehicle to name a few. 

The editors also noted that the level of user experience found in the 7 Series “...will outgun many exotics or luxury cruisers two or three times its price…”, and that with the help of the iDrive controller the “amount of information at the driver’s fingertips is staggering” with “one of the coolest fobs ever” concluded Tom Murphy, Executive Editor at WardsAuto.

“When we launched the latest BMW 7 Series our designers and engineers developed a vehicle that featured 25 innovations, most of which are not offered by our competitors, geared towards enhancing comfort and well-being,” said Kate Alini Product Manager for BMW 7 Series at the ceremony presentation. 

“The BMW 7 Series allows for intelligent communication between the driver and the vehicle. 

They can choose whether to use voice commands, the touch screen, the iconic iDrive controller or the World’s First BMW Gesture Control. With the latest BMW Flagship our customers will find a vehicle that truly offers a unique user experience.”

The BMW 7 Series start at $81,500 plus Destination and Handling, featuring BMWs newest and groundbreaking technologies such as Gesture Control, Wireless Charging and optional Display Key. 

The BMW 7 Series once again sets the standard for luxury performance, delivering the highest level of driving refinement in the premium class.

FCA US LLC has invested vast amounts of time and money to make their cars some of the safest and tech laden around.

Safety & Technology Overview and Glossary

• Higher-strength steel usage up 53 percent at FCA US since model-year 2012
• Advanced High-Strength Steel content highest in all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica body structure
• LED headlamp technology debuts on 2017 Jeep Wrangler, delivering 90 percent more high-beam output versus halogen
• 2017 lineup boasts more than 75 driver-assist, occupant-restraint and connectivity features that benefit safety and security

As FCA US LLC expands and freshens its vehicle lineup, so goes the Company’s use of higher-strength steels – a key contributor to improved crashworthiness.

Model-year 2017 also marks the debut of light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps in the FCA US lineup. The technology delivers greater light output, which helps allow drivers to see more – and potentially see it sooner.

“Our commitment to improving safety is unwavering,” says Mike Dahl, Head of Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance. “We are continually exploring the use of new materials and components that will boost the performance of our vehicles, for the benefit of our customers.”

Compared with body structures of the vehicles they replaced, higher-strength steel content has increased more than 53 percent in the all-new, mainstream-segment vehicles introduced by FCA US since model-year 2012. These materials contribute to improved crashworthiness as well as weight reduction, which helps improve fuel efficiency.

Among the vehicles launched most recently, two have earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Fiat 500X small crossover and the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan. Higher-strength steel content levels in their body structures total 74 percent and 66 percent, respectively.

“It should also be noted this increased integration extends to the higher-end materials, such as Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS),” Dahl says.

AHSS accounts for 38 percent of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica’s body structure – the highest such concentration in any FCA US vehicle. The 500X boasts the next-highest AHSS level at 28.3 percent.

Similar usage jumps have occurred with hot-stamped steel, which accounts for 14 percent of the Jeep Renegade’s body structure.

According to the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI):

• High-Strength Steel (HSS) is a medium-strength steel used in various body-structure components; it is up to 100 percent stronger than conventional or “mild” steel
• AHSS is a higher-strength steel used in parts such as beams, sills, cross-members and other energy-absorbing components; it is up to 300 percent stronger than mild steel
• Hot-stamped steel is press-hardened for use in parts with complex shapes; it is up to 500 percent stronger than mild steel

Higher-strength steels also are lighter than conventional grades, so vehicles may benefit from weight reduction and improved fuel-efficiency. The all-new Chrysler Pacifica is 250 pounds lighter than the vehicle it replaced, and more than half of that weight savings is attributed to body structure.

The debut of LED headlamps in the FCA US lineup further reflects the Company’s staunch pursuit of technologies that improve the driving experience. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s headlamps generate high-beam light output that is 90 percent greater than the halogen lamps in prior models; low-beam output also jumps 63 percent.

“Such lighting helps afford the driver a better view of the road ahead, the benefits of which are literally plain to see,” Dahl says.

Despite their increased output, the new Wrangler’s headlamps draw 67 percent less power than comparable halogen lamps.

Structural systems and advanced lighting technology comprise a snapshot of FCA US strategy. The following are among the additional safety and security features available in FCA US vehicles:

Structural System Technology

• Energy-absorbing steering column: Manual-adjust steering column features two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other to allow for enhanced energy absorption during an impact; power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management
• Front and rear crumple zones: Specially-formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin
• Laminated glass: Plastic sandwiched between glass panes to provide added strength; discourages break-ins
• Safety-cage body structure: Helps protect occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
• Side-guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that help provide occupant protection in certain side collisions

Driver Warning and Assist, Chassis Control and Brake Systems

• Advance Brake Assist: Works with Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus; increases deceleration if driver does not apply brake with sufficient force to respond to collision condition
• Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop: Helps maintain distance from vehicle ahead; under certain traffic conditions, system can bring vehicle to full stop without driver intervention
• All-speed traction control system: While driving, helps keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or at speed by applying brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
• Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses radar sensors to aid driver when changing lanes, passing or being passed; blind-spot vehicle presence noted via illuminated icons in sideview mirrors and driver-selectable audible chime
• Brake Assist: System applies maximum braking power in emergency braking situations, minimizing stopping distance
• Brake-lock Differential System (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively and aggressively applying brakes to the spinning wheels
• Brake-throttle override: Standard equipment on every FCA US vehicle, it allows driver to stop the vehicle when throttle and brake inputs occur simultaneously; electronic throttle control also reduces engine-power output
• Brake/park interlock: Prevents transmission from being shifted out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is pushed
• Brake Traction-control System (BTCS): Helps to keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Optimizes stopping distances and control under all vehicle loading conditions by regulating braking pressure, front-to-rear
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): Uses input from electronic stability control (ESC) sensors to anticipate potential rollover conditions; applies brakes individually and modulates the throttle position to help driver maintain control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Enhances directional control and stability of vehicle in various driving conditions; activation occurs when steering-wheel angle differs inconsistent with vehicle; automatically reduces throttle input and/or selectively deploys brakes to counteract oversteer or understeer
• Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Radar and camera technology combine to determine if frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene; no driver response triggers brief brake application as tactile alert; if driver remains unresponsive and frontal collision risk remains, brakes are applied to slow vehicle before impact; system may bring vehicle to full stop if imminent frontal collision detected at speeds below 25 mph
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Radar and camera technology combine to determine if frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene; no driver response triggers brief brake application as tactile alert; if driver remains unresponsive and frontal collision risk remains, brakes are applied to slow vehicle before impact
• Forward Collision Warning: Radar determines if a frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene
• Hill-start Assist: Assists drivers when starting from a stop on a hill; maintains brake pressure for short period of time after driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal; if throttle is not applied within short period of time thereafter, brake pressure will be released
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist: Alerts and assists driver; leverages electric power steering (EPS) to deliver subtle steering-wheel input when system detects need for course correction
• ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: Features ultrasonic sensors on the bumper to find and guide driver into parking space; guidance system automatically controls the steering angle while driver controls gear position, brake, and accelerator; parallel parking possible on either side of the car; to accommodate perpendicular parking, vehicle is backed into the space
• ParkSense Rear Park Assist Systems with Stop and Release: ln reverse, at low speeds, ultrasonic sensors detect stationary objects; if imminent collision is detected, system will provide momentary, autonomous brake pulse; below 4.4 mph, system will bring vehicle to a stop before releasing
• ParkView rear backup camera: Provides wide-angle view of area immediately behind vehicle, giving driver greater peace of mind before reversing; features dynamic grid lines to aid driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas; also assists when lining up trailer to vehicle’s hitch, when so equipped; image displayed on the navigation screen when the transmission is shifted into Reverse
• Rain brake support: In rainy conditions, occasionally pushes brake pads lightly against brake rotors to keep rotors dry
• Ready Alert Braking (RAB): Anticipates situations when driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors, decreasing time required for full brake application
• Rear Cross Path (RCP) Detection: In parking-lot situations, warns drivers of lateral traffic when backing out of parking spaces; automatically activates any time a vehicle is in reverse gear; driver alerted of approaching vehicle(s) via illuminated icons on sideview mirrors and driver-selected audible chime
• Trailer-sway mitigation: Uses input from electronic stability control (ESC) sensors to anticipate potential trailer-induced yaw conditions; applies brakes individually and modulates throttle to help driver maintain control

Occupant Restraint Technology

• Active head restraints: Deploy during collision; designed to help reduce injuries by minimizing gap between occupant’s head and the head restraint
• Advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags: Inflate with force appropriate to the severity of the impact; meet FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants 

• All-row, full-length side-curtain air bags: Extend to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers; housed in headliner above side windows, each side air bag has its own impact sensor that triggers deployment on the side of the vehicle where impact occurs
• BeltAlert: Activates chime and/or illuminates icon in instrument cluster to remind driver and front passenger to buckle up if vehicle is driven without belted front-seat occupants
• Child Seat Anchor System: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
• Constant-force retractors: Regulates force exerted on occupant by seat belt, then gradually releases webbing in controlled manner
• Front seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat-belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
• Front-seat-mounted side pelvic thorax bags: Help provide enhanced protection to driver and front passenger in certain impacts; each side air bag has its own impact sensor that triggers deployment on side where an impact occurs
• Driver’s-side knee air bag: Deploys with advanced multistage driver air bag; located below instrument panel, device designed to properly position occupant during impact
• Height-adjustable seat belts (front row): Outboard seat belts feature height adjustment, allowing for seat belt to be placed in optimal position for any driver
• Occupant restraint controller: Detects impact and determines if air bag deployment, and degree of deployment is appropriate; also deploys front seat-belt pretensioners

Lighting and Visibility Systems

• Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second
• Auto-adjust exterior mirrors: Sideview mirrors automatically adjust to accommodate rearview when vehicle shifted into reverse
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light allowing driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead
• Automatic defog: Automatic temperature control system measures interior humidity and activates defogging system without driver intervention
• Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and if windshield wipers are operating
• Automatic high-beam headlamps: Headlamp system adjusts to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting
• Daytime Running Lamps (DRL): Low-intensity halogen or signature LED lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing vehicle’s visibility to other drivers
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment; also shuts off flow of fuel to the engine
• Heated windshield washer ozzles: Delivers heated washer fluid to more efficiently clear windshield in inclement weather
• High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output than conventional reflector lamps
• Halogen Infrared Reflecting Bulbs (HIR): Unique component coating delivers greater light output than conventional bulbs
• LED fog lamps: Provide improved illumination during inclement weather
• LED tail lamps: Provide dual-function illumination (brake, stop, turn and running light functions)
• LED headlamps: Provide improved illumination
• Rain-sensing wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers

Emergency Connectivity and Other Features

• 9-1-1 call/Assist Call: Enabled by built-in data connection, rearview mirror-mounted button connects occupants directly with emergency service providers; for roadside assistance or Uconnect system questions, a separate button establishes direct contact with appropriate call-takers
• Auto-reverse sunroof: Automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction while closing
• Auto-reverse windows: Automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction while closing
• Capless fuel-filler door: Enables fuel-filling simplicity
• Child-protection rear door locks: Disables rear doors’ inside-release handle by adjusting a small lever opposite the doorjamb
• Electronic locking fuel-filler door: Prevents theft or tampering, which can lead to damage, inefficiency and unwanted fuel vapor release
• Express up/down windows: One-touch express up/down window button located on the front driver and passenger-side door
• Global Position Sensor (GPS): Used for navigation guidance and electronic vehicle tracking
• Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS): Continually measures flow of current into and out of battery; if battery is running low, system shuts off less-critical electrical systems to conserve power; icon in cluster denotes activation
• Inside emergency trunk-lid release: Glow-in-the-dark handle enables unlocking from inside trunk
• Keyless Enter 'n Go: Electronic sensors detect if unique vehicle key fob is present, which enables passive cabin entry and trunk access; illuminates interior lamps and enables push-button ignition – no need to insert key
• Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If vehicle is equipped with security alarm, remote also arms and disarms system
• Remote start: Fob-activated convenience; starts engine and activates interior climate settings while maintaining vehicle security
• Sentry Key engine immobilizer: Utilizes engine key with embedded transponder and preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft; when key is inserted into the ignition, controller sends a random number to the transponder and engine is allowed to start; engine will shut off after a few seconds if an incorrect key is used
• SiriusXM Traffic: Real-time local traffic updates via SiriusXM Radio
• SiriusXM Travel Link: Provides passengers with real-time weather, information and entertainment to make every trip more efficient and secure
• Speed-sensitive door locks: System automatically locks doors when vehicle acceleration reaches prescribed threshold
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering column: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multistage front driver air bag, if deployed
• Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM) System – Lock-on Sync: Informs driver when tire pressure is too low; pressure-sensor modules within valve stems of all four wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver; available systems use graphic display to indicate tire-specific pressure
• Uconnect Access Mobile Hot Spot: Turns vehicle into mobile Internet hot spot; available to registered Uconnect Access subscribers
• Uconnect Access remote services: Enables registered Uconnect Access subscribers with compatible cell phones to lock or unlock their vehicles or activate panic alarm; can also activate remote start
• Uconnect Access voice-to-text: Enables cloud-based text-message dictation via compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phones; available to registered Uconnect Access subscribers
• Uconnect Access stolen vehicle location assistance: Leverages GPS data-sending capability to help authorities find stolen vehicles
• Uconnect Voice Command: Voice-recognition technology enables handsfree navigation-system inputs and access to real-time information, such as weather forecasts via SiriusXM Travel Link
• Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth: Voice-recognition technology enables drivers to use Bluetooth-enabled phones while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road