New Sedans: Blind Spot Monitoring As A Standard Feature

Blind spot monitoring is a safety feature that helps reduce crashes by improving visibility. While this technology is gradually becoming more common, it is not always standard on inexpensive vehicles. However, there are several new sedans that offer blind spot monitoring as an optional feature, including the 2016 Hyundai Genesis, 2016 Mazda Mazda3, 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2016 Honda Fit, 2016 Nissan Maxima, and the 2020 Honda Accord EX.

2020 Kia Soul S

The 2020 Kia Soul S is an excellent choice for a new sedan with blind spot monitoring. With an MSRP of $20,290, it offers great value for money, as you won't have to break the bank to access this feature in a new Soul. The S is only one step up from the base model, and you get a lot of car for your money.

The Kia Soul is known for its boxy design, but don't let that fool you. The interior quality, drivability, and list of available features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a practical and safe vehicle. The Soul's Blind-Spot Collision Warning system is a driving assistance feature that uses sensors located on the rear bumper and side mirrors to detect vehicles within your blind spot or in adjacent lanes. This system provides an audible warning and a signal on the side mirror when a vehicle is detected, helping to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.

The Blind-Spot Collision Warning can be activated by pressing the dedicated button on the dashboard. Once your Soul reaches 30km/h (approximately 19 mph), the system activates, and the icon will appear on your dashboard, indicating that the rear and side radar sensors are working. This gives you a real-time update on your driving situation and helps prevent hazardous lane changes.

The 2020 Kia Soul S also offers other safety features, such as lane-keeping assist, which work together with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning to make your driving experience safer. It's important to note that while these systems are designed to assist you, they don't replace safe driving practices. Regular maintenance, such as keeping the sensors clear of dirt and snow, is also crucial for the proper functioning of these systems.

The Kia Soul is a versatile and reliable vehicle, offering excellent fuel efficiency and surprising roominess. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and feature-rich sedan without sacrificing affordability and drivability.

2020 Hyundai Veloster Premium

The 2020 Hyundai Veloster Premium is a top choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly hatchback with a unique style, rewarding performance, and top safety features. Priced at $23,000, the Veloster offers a spritely drive with plenty of velocity. The Premium trim includes most of the safety tech as standard, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The Veloster's base model comes nicely equipped with features such as daytime running lights, automatic projector-beam headlights, and heated power-adjustable side-view mirrors. All models come with tech features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. The Turbo DCT trim, starting at around $26,000, adds useful features like a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and an upgraded sound system.

When it comes to engine options, the Veloster offers two choices. The base engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for the Turbo trim, you'll get a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The optional turbocharged engine is the superior choice if you're looking to make the most of the car's fun-to-drive nature.

The Veloster's handling is nimble and rewarding, and its suspension masterfully blends comfort and responsiveness. The cabin seats four and features solid craftsmanship with decent-quality materials. The addition of a third passenger-side door makes it easier for those in the back seat to enter and exit the vehicle. With the rear seats in place, the Veloster provides 20 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 44.5 cubic feet with the seats lowered.

Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster Premium is a great choice if you're looking for a safe, stylish, and well-equipped hatchback.

2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a vehicle with blind spot monitoring capabilities. This feature is available just above the base trim level, and it provides drivers with an extra set of eyes on the road.

The Blind Spot Monitor system in the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE actively scans the areas behind and along each side of the vehicle. When another vehicle enters the monitored zone, the system alerts the driver, helping to avoid potential collisions. This is especially useful when changing lanes, as the system will counter-steer to prevent accidents. The system can be customised according to the driver's preferences, as it can be deactivated in the instrument cluster display or the infotainment system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE is not the only sedan to offer blind spot monitoring. Other vehicles in this class, such as the 2020 Kia Soul S, 2020 Hyundai Veloster Premium, 2020 Toyota Corolla LE, 2020 Honda Accord EX, 2020 Mazda MAZDA6 Sport, and 2020 Subaru Impreza Premium, also include this feature. These vehicles provide drivers with enhanced safety and peace of mind, ensuring they are aware of their surroundings at all times.

While blind spot monitoring is a valuable safety feature, it is important to note that some drivers have experienced issues with its functionality. For instance, some Volkswagen owners have reported instances where the blind spot monitoring system provided false positives, remained constantly on, or failed to activate altogether. However, in some cases, these issues were resolved by cycling through the Assist menu and turning the feature off and on again.

Overall, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE is a reliable choice for those seeking a sedan with blind spot monitoring capabilities. This feature enhances safety and provides drivers with greater awareness of their surroundings, making it a valuable addition to any vehicle.

2020 Toyota Corolla LE

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars on the market. The LE trim, in particular, offers drivers a compact sedan with top-notch safety features and a lauded reliability rating.

Blind-spot monitoring is an important safety feature that warns the driver either audibly or visually if they attempt to veer into an occupied lane. While the 2020 Toyota Corolla LE does not come with blind-spot monitoring as a standard feature, it is available as an add-on in the form of an optional safety package. This package includes other advanced safety features such as lane departure warning and automatic high beams, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.

It is important to note that some online sources suggest that blind-spot monitoring cannot be added to the 2020 Corolla LE after the vehicle has left the factory. However, other sources indicate that there are aftermarket solutions available for adding this feature. These solutions may be more expensive and challenging to implement, so it is recommended to opt for the safety package if blind-spot monitoring is a desired feature.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla LE, with its available safety package, offers drivers a well-rounded option in terms of safety, performance, and comfort. The vehicle has a starting price of $20,050, making it an affordable choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich sedan.

2020 Honda Accord EX

The 2020 Honda Accord EX, priced at $27,920, is a midsize sedan offering a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. The Accord EX trim is equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes blind spot detection systems, lane keep assist, cross traffic alerts, and automatic high beams.

The Honda Accord's Blind Spot Information System™ uses sensors mounted on the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the blind spot. When a vehicle is detected, the system alerts the driver with a warning light on the side mirror, helping to avoid potential collisions when changing lanes or merging into traffic. This feature is especially useful on busy highways or crowded city streets with constant traffic changes.

In addition to blind spot monitoring, the Honda Accord EX offers a range of other safety features, including a cross-traffic monitor. This feature uses the same sensors as the blind spot system to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out of a parking spot, further enhancing safety and visibility.

The Honda Accord's advanced safety package also includes Honda's LaneWatch™ system, found on the Honda Civic. LaneWatch™ employs a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to display a live video feed of the car's blind spot on the central touchscreen. This system complements the blind spot monitoring, providing an even clearer view of the vehicle's surroundings and further reducing the risk of accidents when changing lanes or merging.

Overall, the 2020 Honda Accord EX offers excellent value with its array of safety features, spacious interior, and enjoyable driving experience. The inclusion of blind spot detection systems makes it a standout choice in its class, providing peace of mind and confidence while on the road.

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