Dependable rides

AMONG THE MOST sought- after — and, incontestably, the most essential — features in a vehicle are those that pertain to safety, comfort and reliability. Automobile manufacturers heedfully make sure that their four- wheeled offerings, from entry level to top of the line, are safer and much more enjoyable to drive than their predecessors.

But there are autos that are head and shoulders above most everything else in terms of the three above-mentioned areas. Here are a few worth noting:

HONDA ODYSSEY

The latest variants of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.’s minivan are aimed at answering the need for luxurious and comfortable mobility. Introduced late last year, they offer interior flexibility.

The EX- V Nav i var iant has a customizable, seven- seater capacity (2-2- 3) layout, a full- leather interior, black wood and silver trim panels, and a large armrest with center console. The EX variant, meanwhile, features an eight- seater capacity (2- 3- 3) layout with soft fabric seats, integrating a 60:40 split bench seat to accommodate three passengers in the second row. Both EX-V Navi and EX contain magic seats in the third row.

Smart entry with push start system is now a feature shared by the two variants (only EX-V Navi had it before). Aside from that, they both possess a seven-inch touch screen display system with Bluetooth for hands-free telephone functionality and audio streaming. EX-V Navi, however, has added entertainment features like a nineinch rear entertainment system with DVD and HDMI playback.

Safety-wise, the variants have lots of safety technologies — air bags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, speed sensing auto door locks, and multi-view reverse camera, among others.

MAZDA CX-3

The small sport utility vehicle offering of Mazda, which is distributed by Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc., makes driving hassle-free with its active driving display ( heads-up display), a screen that pops up above the main instrument pod that shows information like vehicle speed and more to keep the driver’s eyes on the road.

It also has a driver selection switch (sport switch) that changes the driver mode. When in sport mode, CX-3 responds better against accelerator operation. ( Disengaging from the sport mode is recommended when traversing slippery roads).

The G-vectoring control of the CX- 3 is another feature that helps with driving. It uses the engine to enhance chassis behavior, handing and riding comfort. Particularly, it varies engine torque based on steering input to control lateral and longitudinal acceleration and deceleration forces, optimizing the vertical load on each vehicle and improving traction.

CX-3 comes with an infotainment system that allows access to music, streaming apps, and social media platforms all from touchscreen located centrally, within the driver’s field of vision. There is also a voice command feature for menu switching and audio.

speeds, tires have greater a chance of being damaged by road hazards or heat build-up.

“Hi gh speeds can al so contribute to a rapid air loss or even a sudden tire explosion, which can cause the loss of control of the vehicle,” the company wrote.

TIGHTEN YOUR NUTS

AMG Australia also suggests checking your tires’ nuts as they keep your tires attached to the vehicle. It is critical to driver and passenger safety that none of them are loose.

“It won’t take that long. Perhaps when you get your car serviced, ask the team to check this for you. It’s rare that they will work their way loose but when they do, you may get to see your beautiful wheel trundling off down the road whilst you fight for control of your vehicle,” AMG Australia wrote.

USE YOUR SPARE TIRE AS NEEDED

Any damage whatsoever to a tire or wheel should be attended to immediately. All drivers should keep a spare tire for emergencies and should replace them whenever they are used. Michelin also recommends that all spare tires be checked by a professional.

HAVE THEM CLEANED

Lastly, not only are wheels integral to your vehicle’s safety and performance on the road, they also enhance its look and presence. Keeping your tires clean of any dirt and grime can help your car convey an air of confidence while on the road. Not to mention that clean tires can improve the longevity and the overall ‘age’ of a car.

“The biggest challenge comes when heated dust particles from your brake pads settle on your wheels and get baked on (notice that your front wheels especially have that coat of black dust on them?). Leave it there for too long and a process known as “galvanic corrosion” will set in and destroy the wheels finish,” AMG Australia wrote.

“Five minutes work on the weekend will keep it at bay (or a coffee and read of the newspaper at the car wash café will suffice).”