Small Cars And Reverse Cameras: Any Models Included?

There are a variety of small cars that come with a reverse camera. The Smart ForTwo, the UK's smallest new car on sale, can be fitted with a rear-view camera. The Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i10, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Up, and Kia Cee'd are all small cars that can be purchased with a reversing camera. Additionally, the Honda Jazz is a small hatchback that can be retrofitted with a reversing camera if it is not already included.

Small cars with reverse cameras

There are a number of small cars that come with a reversing camera. Here is a list of some of the best options:

Smart ForTwo

The Smart ForTwo is the smallest new car currently on sale in the UK. Its rear-engined layout means the front wheels can turn more than its rivals, allowing for a tiny turning circle. You can also add rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera to help you park.

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is one of the largest superminis available but its tall, square body with short overhangs means visibility levels are excellent. All the controls are light, making parking a breeze. You can also add front and rear parking sensors to avoid any bumps or scrapes.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is the UK's most popular new car. It has a small body, so you won't have any trouble finding a parking space. If you need a little extra help, you can add parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is a small car that's as refined, comfortable and practical as cars in the class above. It has light controls, short overhangs and great visibility all around, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. You can add rear parking sensors to the top-spec Premium SE model.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is a great option for anyone with restricted mobility. It has excellent visibility and a CVT gearbox, and you can add a reversing camera or beepers if they're not already fitted.

Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo has light controls, great visibility and extremely small dimensions, making it one of the easiest cars to park. It comes with rear parking sensors that sound an alarm when you get close to an obstacle.

There are plenty of other small cars that come with a reversing camera, including the Volkswagen Golf, Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up, and Kia Cee’d. So, if you're looking for a small car that's easy to park, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Benefits of reverse cameras

Reverse cameras, also known as backup cameras, are small, wide-angle cameras mounted on the rear of a vehicle. They are connected to a screen on the dashboard or a small monitor in the rearview mirror. When the driver engages the reverse gear, the camera is activated, and the live feed is displayed on the screen, allowing the driver to manoeuvre safely.

Enhanced Safety

Reverse cameras significantly improve safety by providing drivers with a clear view of the area behind the car. This helps to avoid collisions with obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Improved Maneuverability

Reverse cameras make parking and reversing more precise and convenient, especially in tight spaces and congested areas. The wide-angle view and dynamic guidelines assist drivers in manoeuvring the car accurately.

Reduced Blind Spots

The wide-angle lens of reverse cameras minimises blind spots, increasing the driver's awareness of their surroundings. This is especially useful when backing up, as it eliminates the need to turn around and look behind the vehicle.

Accident Prevention

The real-time video feed, along with warning tones and sensors, helps prevent accidents by alerting drivers when they are too close to an object. This reduces the risk of property damage and protects both passengers and pedestrians.

Peace of Mind

Having a reverse camera monitoring the area behind the vehicle provides drivers with a sense of confidence and peace of mind while reversing. Knowing that hidden dangers can be detected helps reduce stress and improves overall driving experience.

Increased Resale Value

Vehicles equipped with reverse cameras are considered more technologically advanced and often command higher resale values. This is an important consideration for those who plan to sell their cars in the future.

Drawbacks of reverse cameras

Reverse cameras have become an essential safety feature in modern cars, offering a clear view of the area behind the vehicle and aiding in parking and manoeuvring. While they provide numerous advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Cost Implications

The inclusion of a reverse camera system can add to the overall cost of a vehicle, particularly if it is installed as an aftermarket addition. This may be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget or looking for a more basic model.

Technology Dependence

As electronic devices, reverse cameras are susceptible to malfunctions and failures, which could compromise their effectiveness. This includes issues with wireless pairing, signal interference, or component defects. Such problems may require professional diagnosis and repair, adding further costs.

Limited Visibility

In certain conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or glare, reverse cameras may offer reduced visibility, impacting their performance. This limitation can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, requiring drivers to rely on other safety measures such as parking sensors or their own judgement.

Maintenance Requirements

To ensure optimal performance, reverse cameras require regular cleaning and maintenance, especially in dusty or muddy environments. This adds to the overall upkeep of the vehicle, and a neglected camera may become obscured and useless over time.

Compatibility Concerns

Not all cars are compatible with aftermarket reverse camera systems, and careful consideration of compatibility factors is necessary. This may limit the options for those looking to add a reverse camera to an older or less common model of car.

Privacy Concerns

The use of reverse cameras in residential areas or public spaces may raise privacy concerns for some drivers. This is especially relevant when cameras are paired with recording devices, as they may capture images of people or private property without consent.

Potential Distraction

While reverse cameras aid in safe manoeuvring, they should not become a distraction for drivers. It is important to remain focused on the road and surroundings, utilising the camera as one of several tools to avoid accidents.

Wireless vs. wired reverse cameras

All cars and light trucks manufactured for sale in the US since May 1, 2018, have been mandated by the federal government to include backup cameras. This has been a welcome development for buyers of new cars, but what if you want to add one to your older vehicle or improve the quality of the one that came with your new car?

There are two types of reverse cameras available: wired and wireless. While wired cameras provide a more stable connection and better picture quality, wireless cameras are much easier to install.

Wired Reverse Cameras

Wired reverse cameras require a cable to be run from the reverse lights to the camera, which is how they know when to activate. They also require a long cable to be run from the camera to the display. While this type of camera may be more challenging to install, it often provides a better and more stable display.

The installation process for wired cameras can be complex, especially if your vehicle is not already wired to accommodate a camera system. In some cases, you may need to hire a professional, which can double or triple the overall cost. For longer vehicles, such as RVs, the installation process can be even more difficult, making wireless cameras a more attractive option.

Wireless Reverse Cameras

Wireless reverse cameras do not require any cables or wiring, making them much more convenient to install. However, they are susceptible to radio frequency interference and distance limitations, especially for longer vehicles. While some interference can be avoided by using a wireless camera system with digital signals, random interference may still occur.

Wireless cameras typically have a simple dashboard monitor and a small rear camera with receivers and transmitters attached. While they may not offer the same level of picture quality as wired cameras, they are a good option for those who want a quick and easy installation process.

The decision between a wired and wireless reverse camera ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value convenience and ease of installation, a wireless camera may be the best option. On the other hand, if you prioritize picture quality and a stable connection, a wired camera may be the better choice.

Additionally, cost and installation complexity are also important factors to consider. Wired cameras tend to be more expensive and may require professional installation, while wireless cameras are typically more affordable and can be installed without professional help.

Installation of reverse cameras

Installing a reverse camera in your car is a straightforward process if you are a bit handy with tools and have some knowledge of car mechanics. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Planning and Preparation:

First, decide on the type of backup camera you want. There are two main types: wifi models and hardwired models. Hardwired models are more reliable but require more work to install. You also need to choose a location for your camera, such as above or on your license plate. Ensure that the provided cables are long enough for your car, and read through the installation instructions that come with your chosen camera.

Gathering Tools and Equipment:

You will need a power hand drill, an appropriate drill bit for drilling holes to feed the cable, fishing tools, and a rubber grommet to protect the cables from the sharp metal edges of the hole you will drill. Your backup camera should come with the necessary cables, but if not, you will need to purchase camera and monitor female/male RCA cords with connectors for video and power cables. You may also need ground wires and a trigger wire. Finally, a crimper or wire stripper will be useful.

Running and Connecting Wires:

Remove the interior panel of your trunk and your license plate. Drill a hole from the exterior side of your trunk that is large enough to run the necessary cables through. Insert the rubber grommet and then run the camera and power cable through the hole into the interior of your car. Locate the reverse light wires for your car and strip the positive and negative wires. Splice the power cable for your backup camera to them, ensuring that positive connects to positive and negative to negative. Cover everything in electrical tape.

Connecting the Display:

Connect the RCA cable to the camera's cable and run it from the trunk to the fuse box area at the front of the car. You can conceal the cable underneath the ceiling panels of your vehicle or attach it to the ceiling. Mount your monitor according to the instructions, either to your rearview mirror, dashboard, or windshield. If your monitor requires it, install a fuse tap to connect the bare wiring of your monitor to the power of your fuse box.

Mounting the Camera:

Get excited, as you are almost done! Mount the camera to the back of your license plate or trunk and connect the appropriate wires (RCA and power). Test your setup by running different driving configurations to ensure that the camera functions properly. For example, put your car in reverse to test if the camera powers on when it is supposed to.

Frequently asked questions