Deals and Wheels
Hyundai sound cancellation technology will reduce road noise by up to 50%
Hyundai hopes to 'increase driving pleasure' by bringing noise cancellation technology to cars, reducing unwanted sound from tyres and road surfaces while driving.
The automotive giant has teamed up with audio experts at Harman International to launch the world's first active noise cancellation system for a production vehicle.
Much like sound-cancelling headphones that isolate the user from the outside world, the in-car technology creates waves that cancel out the unwanted sound waves before they reach vehicle occupants' ears.
Acceleration sensors fitted to the suspension and vehicle chassis can predict road noise and allow the software to cancel it out within milliseconds, resulting in up to 50% less unwanted intrusion.
In its research for the product, Harman said drivers reported road noise to be the biggest auditory distraction while driving. However, modern consumer demands such as good vehicle handling, high fuel efficiency, stiffer suspension and wider, lower-profile tyres had resulted in increased noise intrusion from the road surface.
Dubbed Road-Noise Active Noise Control, the technology will make its debut on the Genesis GV80 SUV, which goes on sale in the USA this summer.
Renault Megane receives mild update with new plug-in hybrid technology
Renault is hoping to take a chunk out of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf's domination of the family hatchback market by giving the Megane a mild refresh.
Updates to the outside are minimal, but improved technology and a new hybrid powertrain are now offered.
The latter is a petrol-electric unit that uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, paired to an automatic gearbox that Renault claims can deliver 'barely noticeable gear changes'.
Its battery capacity is 9.8kWh, providing an all-electric range up to 40 miles at speeds up to 84mph. It will only be available on the Megane estate at launch but will be added to the hatchback line-up at a later date.
In the cabin, there's a new 9.3-inch multimedia screen and 10.2-inch dashboard screen, while an advanced cruise control system is now available. On the outside there are LED headlights to improve visibility at night as well as giving the car a stronger look.
The sporty Renault Megane RS hot hatch has also been updated, with the entry level engine being dropped. Instead, the 296bhp version of the 1.8-litre engine is included across the range and has more torque at 420Nm (up from 390).