Reversing Cameras In Small Cars: Which Models Have Them?

Reversing cameras have become an increasingly common feature in modern cars, with some manufacturers offering them as standard and others as an optional extra. While they are not yet compulsory in all countries, reversing cameras have been shown to improve safety and reduce accidents, particularly in large vehicles with bigger blind spots, such as SUVs. Aftermarket reversing cameras are also available and can be installed in older cars or those without this feature, often at a lower cost than manufacturer-fitted cameras. This article will explore the small cars that come with reversing cameras as standard and discuss the benefits of adding one to your vehicle.

Reversing cameras are now mandatory in the US

Before this mandate, many accidents occurred when drivers unintentionally struck pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles while backing up. Reversing cameras provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, eliminating blind spots and improving overall safety. This is especially useful in crowded areas and tight parking spaces, where visibility is often limited.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced this requirement, and it applies to new passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. While this mandate only applies to newly manufactured vehicles, older cars can also benefit from installing reversing cameras, improving safety and even boosting their resale value.

Some insurance companies offer safety feature discounts for vehicles equipped with reversing cameras, as they are proven to save lives, especially those of children and seniors. This technology advancement not only makes driving safer but also provides drivers with added convenience and peace of mind.

Reversing cameras are not yet mandatory in Australia

The lack of a current mandate in Australia means that reversing cameras are not standard on all vehicles sold in the country. However, many car manufacturers are already offering built-in camera systems on their vehicles, even on smaller cars. This is likely due to customer demand and the trend towards improving road safety and manoeuvrability.

One example of a small car with a reversing camera is the Toyota Aygo X, which is one of the smallest cars on the road but still includes a rear-view camera as standard. Another option is the Peugeot 2008, which has a high-resolution reversing camera that creates a bird's-eye view of the car and its surroundings.

While not all small cars currently have reversing cameras, the trend towards including this feature is growing. This is likely due to the increased awareness of the benefits of reversing cameras, such as improved road safety, increased manoeuvrability, and the prevention of driveway accidents.

As the mandate for reversing cameras in Australia approaches, it is expected that more car manufacturers will include this feature as standard on their vehicles. This will improve safety and make it easier for drivers to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces.

Aftermarket reversing cameras are available

Aftermarket reversing cameras are designed to improve your visibility, eliminate rear blind spots, and reduce the risk of collisions and accidents while reversing, especially in tight or crowded spaces. They can also help you avoid obstacles like rocks and low walls that may not be visible in your rearview mirror.

When choosing an aftermarket reversing camera, consider the following:

• Low-light performance: Opt for a camera with good low-light capabilities to ensure clear images in various lighting conditions, especially at night.
• Ease of installation: Wireless cameras with solar panels are generally easier to install than fully wired units. However, wired cameras provide a more stable connection.
• Field of View (FOV): A wider FOV provides better visibility, allowing you to see more of the area behind your vehicle.
• Night vision: Look for a camera with infrared (IR) or night vision capabilities for clear images in low-light or nighttime conditions.
• Image Reversal: Ensure the camera provides a mirrored or reversed image that matches what you see in your rearview mirror.
• Waterproof Rating: Choose a camera with an IP65 or IP68 rating to withstand weather conditions, especially if it will be exposed to rain and moisture.
• Parking Lines: Some cameras offer static, dynamic, or steering-linked parking lines to help you gauge distances and aid in vehicle alignment during manoeuvres.
• AUTO-VOX Upgraded Solar Reversing Camera Wireless Kit: This convenient option features a solar-powered camera and a wireless connection to the dashboard display screen. While the video quality is only 480p, the system is easy to install and offers good battery life.
• Garmin BC50 Wireless Rear Backup Camera: The BC50 offers up to 720p HD resolution and a 160-degree viewing angle. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating. However, professional installation is recommended, which adds to the cost.
• Garmin BC40 Wireless Backup Camera: This model offers up to 720p HD resolution and a 150-degree wide-angle view. It runs on two AA batteries and can be purchased with an optional number plate mount.
• AUTO-VOX M1 Car Reversing Camera Kit: This budget-friendly option provides a 170-degree field of view and IP68 waterproof rating. Installation is simple, but it requires wiring the camera to the reversing light for power.
• Road Angel RA8100 Universal Reversing Camera: Known for its build quality, this camera offers a 129-degree field of view, night vision, and a three-year warranty. However, it does not come with a monitor, which would need to be purchased separately.
• Pioneer ND-BC9 Rearview Camera: With a 159-degree viewing angle and brightness adjustability, the ND-BC9 is designed to work with a wide range of monitors and screens. It is also very compact and subtle once installed.

Reversing camera features vary

The quality of the camera display is an important factor. The Audi Q8, for instance, boasts a high-resolution 12.3-inch display, while the BMW 7 Series allows drivers to adjust the picture quality. The Dacia Duster, despite being a cheap car, offers a surprisingly good reversing camera with a good-quality picture. The Peugeot 208, a super-mini, also has a surprisingly high-end screen for its class, enhancing the reversing experience.

The size of the screen is also a consideration. While some cars have small screens tucked into the rear-view mirror, others offer larger displays that provide a wider view of the area behind the vehicle. The Tesla Model 3, for example, features a 15.4-inch screen, while the Volkswagen Touareg offers an optional 15-inch display.

Some reversing cameras provide a 360-degree view, allowing drivers to see their vehicle from a bird's-eye perspective. The Peugeot 2008 is an example of a car with this feature, and its camera system creates a "bird's eye view" by "remembering" where the car is reversing. The Range Rover Velar and the Audi Q8 also offer impressive 360-degree views.

In addition to the rear camera, some cars have additional cameras to enhance visibility. The Nissan Qashqai, for instance, has an Around View Monitor (AVM) with a front camera and cameras under each wing mirror, providing a near-360-degree field of vision. The Land Rover Defender takes it a step further with a 3D surround-view camera system, offering a top-down view and side cameras to assist with parking and off-roading.

Some car models also offer unique and innovative features. The BMW 3 Series, for example, has self-parking technology, while the BMW 7 Series allows for picture quality adjustments. The BMW Reversing Assistant is another standout feature, capable of remembering the last 50 meters travelled and reversing the car hands-free.

Reversing cameras improve safety

The history of reversing sensors and cameras can be traced back to the 1950s, when simple kerb sensors were introduced. These sensors helped with parking by detecting how close a wheel was to the kerb, but they didn't assist with other types of reversing. Over the years, vehicle manufacturers experimented with various solutions, including laser, ultrasound, and infrared systems, before cameras became a viable option with the advent of cheap colour LCDs.

Today, reversing cameras are a common feature in many small cars, such as the Toyota Aygo X, Peugeot 2008, and Cupra Leon. These cars offer a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to navigate in tight spaces and manoeuvre around obstacles.

In addition to improving safety, reversing cameras can also provide other benefits. For example, they can help with parking by giving the driver a better sense of the distance to nearby objects. Some cameras even have multiple viewing modes or switchable angles to provide a more comprehensive view of the surroundings.

While reversing cameras offer many advantages, it's important to note that they should be used in conjunction with mirrors and a general awareness of the surroundings. Cameras can sometimes provide a distorted view or have limited fields of view, and they may need to be cleaned periodically to ensure a clear image. Nonetheless, when used properly, reversing cameras can significantly enhance safety and make driving a more enjoyable experience.

Frequently asked questions