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Matt explains..
Browse our entire new car range >
We know that technology moves quickly and this is no exception for cars. With all the acronyms and jargon out there, it can be difficult to know what it all means. Matt, one of our senior salesman who has worked for Colin Appleyard for over 25 years and certainly knows his stuff, explains it all in our terminology translator.
3 Point ELRWhat is ELR? Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) allows the seat belt to freely extend and retract with movement, but locks the belt during a sudden stop or upon impact.
- ABS
What is ABS? The anti-lock braking system (ABS) comes as a safety standard in all cars today. It prevents the wheels from locking up and helps maintain grip with the road.
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Active Trace Control
What is Active Trace Control? This is Nissan terminology and refers to technology within the car to aid drivers when cornering, by assisting with braking to smooth out the turn.
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ALLGRIP
What is ALLGRIP? This is Suzuki's term for 4-wheel drive. ALLGRIP models are available on the Ignis, Swift, Jimny, Vitara and S-Cross.
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
What is Apple CarPlay / Android Auto? Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function in the same way by enabling you to plug your phone into car via the USB cable connection, which gives you access to a select number of apps on your phone from the vehicles media screen. Apps such as Maps, Spotify and Podcasts. The idea is that you can access your favourite music, make calls and answer texts by using voice commands instead of your hands.
You can activate them with Apple CarPlay using 'Siri' and with Android Auto using 'Google Now'. You have to press the speech button or microphone on your steering wheel to access them, although with Apple CarPlay you can just say "Hey Siri" to get started.
- Climate Control
What is Climate Control? Climate control is a more sophisticated form of air-conditioning, which allows the temperature of a cars interior to be accurately controlled via a temperature dial.
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Contract Hire / Lease
What is Contract Hire? A form of car finance, personal (PCH) and business contract hire (BCH) or leasing is where you pay a set amount per month to borrow a car for an agreed amount of time and then you simply hand it back at the end of the time period.
- Cruise Control
What is Cruise Control? Cruise control is a feature that automatically controls and maintains the speed of the car when turned on. Normally used on motorways, it helps improve your fuel economy and is also handy if you’re passing through speed cameras.
- DAB Radio
What is DAB Radio? DAB radio is radio in a digital format which allows for a greater choice of stations at your fingertips and automatic tuning. It also transmits information to your device such as the name of the band and song currently playing.
- Deadlocks
What are Deadlocks? A deadlock is a device aimed to prevent thieves gaining access to your car from via the doors. Once it is in the locked position, it can't be moved by poking a device through the gap to attempt to open the door.
- Dual Camera Brake Support
What is Dual Camera Brake Support? Dual Camera Brake Support uses two cameras located behind the rear view mirror to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions. It will make an audible warning then apply the brakes if necessary.
- EBD
What is EBD? Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is always coupled with ABS to apply more or less braking to each wheel to stop the car more effectively whilst maintaining control.
- ESP
What is ESP? Every new car sold since 2014 in Europe has come fitted with Electronic Stability Program or ESP. It helps keep the car under control and reduce accidents by using sensors fitted throughout.
e-Pedal
What is an e-Pedal? The e-Pedal is new Nissan technology available in the Nissan LEAF which allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop using just the accelerator pedal.
When your lift your foot off the pedal it mimics braking and slows the vehicle down even allowing the car to come to a complete stop. You turn the e-pedal on via a button on the vehicle console, so if it's not your thing you can just leave it turned off.
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EyeSight Driver Assist
What is EyeSight Driver Assist? EyeSight is Subaru technology which monitors traffic movement, optimises cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. The Pre-Collision Braking feature can even apply fully apply the brakes in emergency situations.
- Hill Hold Control / Hill Descent Control
What is Hill Hold Control / Hill Descent Control? Hill Hold Control is where the vehicle will hold its position for a few seconds when on an incline to aid with clutch control. Hill Descent Control aids the vehicle on sharp declines to stop it speeding up.
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HP
What is HP? HP or Hire Purchase finance, is a type of finance which allows the buyer to own the car outright by spreading the cost with monthly payments across an agreed period of time (normally 2-5 years).
- ICC
What is ICC? Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) is an enhanced version of cruise control where the car measures the distance from the vehicle ahead and controls acceleration and deceleration to keep sufficient space in between.
Intelligent Around View Monitor
What is Intelligent Around View Monitor? Intelligent Around View Monitor provides a birds eye view, 360 degrees view of the vehicles surrounds to aid in parking and maneuvering the vehicle. An upgrade from the standard front / rear facing counterparts, the Around View Monitor uses a series of cameras from different angles which are then combined together to provide a virtual 360 degrees view around the vehicle.
It's important to note that the cameras don't eliminate every blind spot, but instead assist with the drivers own visual. Care must still be taken to judge any moving objects or potential obstacles.
- Intelligent Emergency Braking
What is Intelligent Emergency Braking? Similar to Suzuki's Dual Camera Brake Support, the Nissan Intelligent Emergency Braking system warns the driver of a potential collision and applies the brakes if necessary.
- Intelligent Park Assist
What is Intelligent Park Assist? Utilising the Around View Camera system, the Intelligent Park Assist aids in parking the vehicle by controlling the steering wheel, leaving the driver to focus on the accelerator and brakes.
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ISOFIX Seat Anchors
What are ISOFIX Seat Anchors? ISOFIX is an internationally recognised standard for attachment points for compatible child safety seats in cars, allowing them to be quickly and safely secured.
- Keyless Entry / Start
What is Keyless Entry / Start? Keyless Entry / Start refers to technology that allows for opening and starting a car without needing to insert the key into the lock or ignition. It just requires the key to be close to the vehicle.
- Lane Departure Warning
What is Lane Departure Warning? The Lane Departure Warning system gives an audible alert (and displays a light on the dashboard) when the vehicle strays from its lane either on a motorway or normal road with a central white line.
- Memory Seat
What is a Memory Seat? A memory seat as an electrically adjustable car seat which can be moved into a pre-set position at the touch of a button once it has been programmed into the system. Helpful when you have more than 1 driver of a car!
- Nissan Chassis Control
What is Nissan Chassis Control? This is Nissan technology and a combination of Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control and Intelligent Engine Brake. The ride control helps when driving over uneven surfaces and the engine brake adds additional braking to help the driver.
- Nissan i-key
What is Nissan i-key? Nissan's i-key or Intelligent Key allows for keyless entry and start to the vehicle and also prevents the key from being locked inside it by detecting its location, avoiding a trip out from a recovery company!
PCP (Personal Contract Purchase)
What is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase)? PCP or Personal Contract Purchase is a form of car financing which offers buyers a lower monthly payment then a HP agreement but the vehicle is not owned by the end of the term. A GFV (Guaranteed Future Value) is calculated at the start of the agreement and at the end of the finance term a customer can either pay that final "balloon" payment off, or trade the vehicle in for another car. Alternatively, the vehicle can just be handed back to the finance company, but there are strict rules that must be adhered such as the vehicle condition and mileage and you could end up with a bill to pay if the vehicle's mileage is over the pre-agreed limit or if there is more damage than the expected wear and tear.
A PCP agreement is great for individuals who wish to change their car every 2-4 years but can not afford the monthly payments of a HP (Hire Purchase) agreement.
- ProPilot
What is ProPilot? ProPilot is a driver assistance system which enhances the driver’s control of the vehicle by assisting with steering, acceleration and braking. It's designed to make motorway driving easier and less stressful and can be used on single lane and dual carriageways.
- Radar Brake Support Light
What is the Radar Brake Support Light? Radar Brake Support is the same as Dual Camera Brake Support. The warning light on the dashboard for Radar Brake Support can be triggered by dirt or severe weather conditions, particularly when it's snowing. It will light up and sometimes beep to indicate that the sensor needs cleaning.
- Service Light Indicator
What is the Service Light Indicator? The Service Light Indicator on Suzuki vehicles is often displayed as the word 'Oil' with a spanner next to it. This simply means that the service is due on your vehicle. If you are concerned about a dashboard light, then contact your local service department before tackling the issue yourself.
- SHVS
What is SHVS? SHVS (or Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) refers to Suzuki's mild-hybrid system designed to lower CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy through the use of a small battery combined with the standard engine.
- Stop/Start System
What is Stop/Start System? Stop/Start technology cuts the vehicles engine when the car is stationary to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. It is especially useful in more urban areas where traffic is heavier and stops are more frequent.
- Telescopic Steering Wheel
What is Telescopic Steering Wheel? A Telescopic Steering Wheel doesn't just allow for adjusting the tilt but also enables the driver to pull it forward or push it backwards as required for maximum positional comfort.
- The Nissan Drivers Guide
What is The Nissan Drivers Guide? The Nissan Drivers Guide is a smartphone app which contains information on every aspect of their Nissan vehicle including all warning lights. It's a very quick and useful alternative to the vehicle handbook.
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WLTP / NEDC
What is WLTP / NEDC? WLTP and NEDC are both methods for determining the fuel economy and emissions of vehicles. NEDC is the older test designed in the 1980s which was criticised for not being realistic for today's standards, so was superceeded in 2017 by the WLTP system designed to give more 'real world' values.
TPMS
What is TPMS? The purpose of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your vehicle, is to warn you if one of more of your tyres has dropped in pressure. A light will appear on your dashboard (pictured) warning you of a change in your tyre pressures. This may be due to a puncture, or frequently can just be a change in weather conditions.
Top your tyre pressures up to the correct level (you may also need to reset the warning in your vehicles settings) to see whether the light disappears. If it doesn't, then you may have a puncture and will need to contact your local dealer.