What tech missing from Australian cars?

turbodewd · 22-04-2013, 09:59 AM

You read the odd comment from people on various sites saying that Australian cars are dinosaurs. Implying that they have old tech. Well which tech are we missing?!

As far as I know its just keyless start. Anything else?! I dont care about rain-sensing wipers. Do we have brake assist anywhere at Ford-AU or Holden?

TheSneakiness · 22-04-2013, 10:09 AM

I wouldn't saying tech is missing, I think it has more to do with the perception of the cars when compared to cheaper imports from Toyota/Mitsubishi/Hyundai etc etc

They don't look "flashy" enough

Kable72 · 22-04-2013, 10:11 AM

Brake assist on Falcons and Territories, no. They do come in on the Focus' though. I'm not sure where this lack of technology is coming from either. My Falcon has a touch screen, capable for reverse sensors AND camera, bluetooth, automatic AC, sat nav electric seats, power windows. That's plenty of tech and if you have the need for more tech than that then I have no idea what to say to you. I don't need something to give me a massage while I drive, I don't need an AI to talk to me while I drive.

Express · 22-04-2013, 10:11 AM

I think the complaints are usually aimed at the time it takes the locals to implement the tech.

They often appear to be one step behind the imports.

Using the new VF Commodore as an example. If the media is right, the US version will have more tech than the Aussie car. Not a good look for the local consumer.

Kable72 · 22-04-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapid_Axe

I wouldn't saying tech is missing, I think it has more to do with the perception of the cars when compared to cheaper imports from Toyota/Mitsubishi/Hyundai etc etc

They don't look "flashy" enough

How is it not looky flashy an issue? I've been in european cars where I have felt lost, literally lost. There are so many buttons to press, so many screens to look at and I don't feel welcomed in those sort of cars. Sure they look flashy and high tech but it's all so... stale. I much prefer the humble appearance of my ICC than the switchboard in these "flashy and high tech" cars.

csv8 · 22-04-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

You read the odd comment from people on various sites saying that Australian cars are dinosaurs. Implying that they have old tech. Well which tech are we missing?!

As far as I know its just keyless start. Anything else?! I dont care about rain-sensing wipers. Do we have brake assist anywhere at Ford-AU or Holden?

You got a few hours spare !!!! just look at the Focus and the Mondeo for starters..then the 300C, 300L, the coming VF is going to be tech ahead of the Falcon...Ford must get the FH here by the end of the year not"sometime in 2014" In reality, what is in comparable Ford Euro's should be in comparable Falcon models. I would like fast glass drivers side, heated drivers seat, electric passenger seat, better quality leather, and interior trim materials, DAB+ radio, (VF has Pandora internet radio)hot/cool cup holders.better sound proofing, my car in the rain ,the roof sounds like a machine gun !! Tezza, Titanium, side steps, electric tailgate, electric passenger seat ,hot/cool cup holders...What should be in the Falcon is debatable and could go on for hours!!!

**DJM83** · 22-04-2013, 10:19 AM

Probably not a heap although the mondeo has a few more features. But the main thing for me would be Bi Xenons, at least on G6E/XR6T.

Road_Warrior · 22-04-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

You got a few hours spare !!!! just look at the Focus and the Mondeo for starters..then the 300C, 300L, the coming VF is going to be tech ahead of the Falcon...Ford must get the FH here by the end of the year not"sometime in 2014" In reality, what is in comparable Ford Euro's should be in comparable Falcon models. I would like fast glass drivers side, heated drivers seat, electric passenger seat, better quality leather, and interior trim materials, DAB+ radio, (VF has Pandora internet radio)hot/cool cup holders.better sound proofing, my car in the rain ,the roof sounds like a machine gun !! Tezza, Titanium, side steps, electric tailgate, electric passenger seat ,hot/cool cup holders...What should be in the Falcon is debatable and could go on for hours!!!

And if it had all that stuff, would you run out and buy one???

GQ_Smooth · 22-04-2013, 10:21 AM

For starters:
Double overhead cam
4 valve per cylinder
Direct injection
Blind spot monitouring.
Front & rear parking sensors.
HID/Zenon lights.
Both front electric seats
Rear Camera
Radar cruise control
Bluetooth streaming
Intergrated satellite navigation
Self Parking assist.
Full set of airbags including knee airbags for driver.
Proximity keyless entry and start.
Heads up speedo display.
Euro 5 emissions.
Paddle sifts.

That's all I can think of, you'll find local brands have these but not all in the same model, Falcon has one 5/10, Commodore 6/10, Aurion 7/10. When you look at imports, this will likley end up being the bear minimum in the next 24 months and imports are no longer sold on price (unless they are from China).

The majority of the features, don't make a car good or bad. It's just features and benefits that help sell the car to the majority of non-enthusiasts.

Rodge · 22-04-2013, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Express

I think the complaints are usually aimed at the time it takes the locals to implement the tech.

They often appear to be a full generation behind the imports.

Using the new VF Commodore as an example. If the media is right, the US version will have more tech than the Aussie car. Not a good look for the local consumer.

Fixed that for ya.

TheSneakiness · 22-04-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kable72

How is it not looky flashy an issue? I've been in european cars where I have felt lost, literally lost. There are so many buttons to press, so many screens to look at and I don't feel welcomed in those sort of cars. Sure they look flashy and high tech but it's all so... stale. I much prefer the humble appearance of my ICC than the switchboard in these "flashy and high tech" cars.

You proved my point exactly.

The general buying public don't like "plain and boring" and "simple to use". They'd rather have a million buttons to push and barely use them cause it looks cool.

Express · 22-04-2013, 10:31 AM

I buy Aussie V8’s because they are affordable compared to the imported competition.

I’d like them to be fully loaded but I’m also happy to live with just the V8 and the basic creature comforts if that’s what it takes to have them here.

If I was in the market for just a family car and performance wasn’t the driving force, I’d be chasing something with as much to offer for my money as I could get.
Unfortunately the imports seem to have the advantage in this area.

The Euro’s with their crash avoidance systems are a big seller for my family.
I’m waiting for this tech to become common place here.

turbodewd · 22-04-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

You got a few hours spare !!!! just look at the Focus and the Mondeo for starters..then the 300C, 300L, the coming VF is going to be tech ahead of the Falcon...Ford must get the FH here by the end of the year not"sometime in 2014" In reality, what is in comparable Ford Euro's should be in comparable Falcon models. I would like fast glass drivers side, heated drivers seat, electric passenger seat, better quality leather, and interior trim materials, DAB+ radio, (VF has Pandora internet radio)hot/cool cup holders.better sound proofing, my car in the rain ,the roof sounds like a machine gun !! Tezza, Titanium, side steps, electric tailgate, electric passenger seat ,hot/cool cup holders...What should be in the Falcon is debatable and could go on for hours!!!

Mate, you do a lot of talking, but say little. From your paragraph I gathered heated seats and heated/chilled cupholders. You can keep your cupholders, but the heated seats wouldnt be bad at times in Canberra.

What is an electric tailgate?

lockieoc · 22-04-2013, 10:41 AM

Its all about consumer perception, getting as much bang for your buck.
The longer the list of features, the more buttons and flashing lights (regardless how useful) the more value the consumer thinks they are getting.

turbodewd · 22-04-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

For starters:
Double overhead cam
4 valve per cylinder
Direct injection
Blind spot monitouring.
Front & rear parking sensors.
HID/Zenon lights.
Both front electric seats
Rear Camera
Radar cruise control
Bluetooth streaming
Intergrated satellite navigation
Self Parking assist.
Full set of airbags including knee airbags for driver.
Proximity keyless entry and start.
Heads up speedo display.
Euro 5 emissions.
Paddle sifts.

That's all I can think of, you'll find local brands have these but not all in the same model, Falcon has one 5/10, Commodore 6/10, Aurion 7/10. When you look at imports, this will likley end up being the bear minimum in the next 24 months and imports are no longer sold on price (unless they are from China).

The majority of the features, don't make a car good or bad. It's just features and benefits that help sell the car to the majority of non-enthusiasts.

Double overhead cam - Falcon has this
4 valve per cylinder - Falcon has this
Direct injection - Falcon has this
Blind spot monitouring.
Front & rear parking sensors. - Ive got rear parking sensor, inc sonar display
HID/Zenon lights.
Both front electric seats - Falcon has this
Rear Camera - Falcon has this
Radar cruise control
Bluetooth streaming - does latest Falcon have this?! I have no idea
Intergrated satellite navigation - what do you mean by integrated?
Self Parking assist. - can they do that on a RWD car?
Full set of airbags including knee airbags for driver. - Falcon has airbags
Proximity keyless entry and start. - I listed this already
Heads up speedo display. - Commodore has this
Euro 5 emissions. - that's not a technology
Paddle sifts. - Falcon still has sequential shift

madmelon · 22-04-2013, 10:53 AM

AUTO UP/DOWN WINDOWS ON EVERY WINDOW- BMW had this in the 90's on the 3 series and I know at the very least the Prado has had it for years.

GQ_Smooth · 22-04-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Double overhead cam - Falcon has this
4 valve per cylinder - Falcon has this
Direct injection - Falcon has this
Blind spot monitouring.
Front & rear parking sensors. - Ive got rear parking sensor, inc sonar display
HID/Zenon lights.
Both front electric seats - Falcon has this
Rear Camera - Falcon has this
Radar cruise control
Bluetooth streaming - does latest Falcon have this?! I have no idea
Intergrated satellite navigation - what do you mean by integrated?
Self Parking assist. - can they do that on a RWD car?
Full set of airbags including knee airbags for driver. - Falcon has airbags
Proximity keyless entry and start. - I listed this already
Heads up speedo display. - Commodore has this
Euro 5 emissions. - that's not a technology
Paddle sifts. - Falcon still has sequential shift

Bluetooth streaming: Falcon has this (is it well known to the public?).

Intergrated satellite navigation - what do you mean by integrated? - From the factory not dealer fitted options (Falcon has this)

Euro 5 - muted point, how many imports aren't euro 5 compliant, we seem to wait until legisltion is passed to make it manditory rather than be ahead of the game. At the end of the day its to everyone benefit that our cars are as enviro friendly as practically possible. It's just treating our market/people as 2nd class, again!

**DJM83** · 22-04-2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Double overhead cam - Falcon has this
4 valve per cylinder - Falcon has this
Direct injection - Falcon has this
Blind spot monitouring.
Front & rear parking sensors. - Ive got rear parking sensor, inc sonar display
HID/Zenon lights.
Both front electric seats - Falcon has this
Rear Camera - Falcon has this
Radar cruise control
Bluetooth streaming - does latest Falcon have this?! I have no idea
Intergrated satellite navigation - what do you mean by integrated?
Self Parking assist. - can they do that on a RWD car?
Full set of airbags including knee airbags for driver. - Falcon has airbags
Proximity keyless entry and start. - I listed this already
Heads up speedo display. - Commodore has this
Euro 5 emissions. - that's not a technology
Paddle sifts. - Falcon still has sequential shift

Your just changing this to suit yourself.
Where can i buy a DiVCT XR6T? See i can do it too.

ryeman · 22-04-2013, 11:01 AM

What I NEED is auto up windows when I lock n leave.

buggo · 22-04-2013, 11:04 AM

To add to that ^^

Ecoboost has DI
What's the appeal of HIDs over the current projectors?
Sat Nav in the ICC is about as integrated as it gets

And how long do some of you blokes keep a drink in the cup holders for? Its not a fridge. Ask for more ice if drinking too fast hurts your teeth.

Edit: bit slow haha

Just a side not though, how much extra will the public willingly pay for a Falcon with warm cup holders and internet radio? $5k, $10k? Because at the moment they're battling hard as is.

Maybe it is just tech holding it back, or maybe its just perception which has reached a point of no return.
Me personally, I hope its still around in 10 years when I'm 30 and grown up with a family.

**DJM83** · 22-04-2013, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggo

To add to that ^^

Ecoboost has DI
What's the appeal of HIDs over the current projectors?
Sat Nav in the ICC is about as integrated as it gets

And how long do some of you blokes keep a drink in the cup holders for? Its not a fridge. Ask for more ice if drinking too fast hurts your teeth.

I dont want an Ecoboost falcon.
Compare a car with HID's to a car with projectors then you will understand.
Agree re cup holders.

turbodewd · 22-04-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

Your just changing this to suit yourself.
Where can i buy a DiVCT XR6T? See i can do it too.

You think Im treating this like a debate, Im not, Im merely asking which technologies Australian cars are lacking.

Some character/Mazdaman in the thread lists a stack of stuff and the Falcon already has half of it. DOHC for example.

My brother's 2012 Accord Euro doesnt even have a digital speedo - that's a joke too. I would think a precision driving machine would let you do something fundamental - choose a precise speed.

jmack · 22-04-2013, 11:10 AM

i think the biggest tech this country could do with in cars is people who know how to drive and b considerate.keep dumbing down the thinking of driving and all u will eventually have is dumb drivers!

TC200six · 22-04-2013, 11:17 AM

Here's one the Taurus has, but we probably don't need.

Multicontour Seats with Active Motion®

Quote:

The multicontour driver and front-passenger seats, optional in Taurus Limited and SHO models, feature 7 seat bottom and lumbar air cushions designed to help reduce driver muscle fatigue in the legs and lower back by changing the contour of the seat back and bottom.

**DJM83** · 22-04-2013, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

You think Im treating this like a debate, Im not, Im merely asking which technologies Australian cars are lacking.

Some character/Mazdaman in the thread lists a stack of stuff and the Falcon already has half of it. DOHC for example.

My brother's 2012 Accord Euro doesnt even have a digital speedo - that's a joke too. I would think a precision driving machine would let you do something fundamental - choose a precise speed.

Yeah i understand that, but saying it has DI isnt right. I mean as i said the XR6T (The model id most likely buy if i were to ever purchase another falcon) has DI isnt right. Its a tech that id like in a falcon.
But someone who wants an EB falcon would see the DI as something the falcon has.

Road_Warrior · 22-04-2013, 11:22 AM

Little wonder the Toreass weighs 2 tonnes.

Rollover Mitigation System in the SZ Territory has been conveniently overlooked I see.

vvv Well, I wouldnt say auto up/down windows is annoying, I'd say the Falcon should have had auto up AND down for the driver at least, years ago.

Kable72 · 22-04-2013, 11:23 AM

Alot of the tech that aussie cars already have is more than enough. Anything more than that is pure and utter **** factor. Good job, you have heated/cool cup holders. Your *** is warmer than my ***. You get to put up with the annoying auto up and down windows. I don't.

GQ_Smooth · 22-04-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

You think Im treating this like a debate, Im not, Im merely asking which technologies Australian cars are lacking.

Some character/Mazdaman in the thread lists a stack of stuff and the Falcon already has half of it. DOHC for example.

My brother's 2012 Accord Euro doesnt even have a digital speedo - that's a joke too. I would think a precision driving machine would let you do something fundamental - choose a precise speed.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, I thought you asked tech that Australian cars that have been referred to as Dinasours were lacking, I didn't know you meant specifically Falcon only, and that you definition of tech is different to mine.

Wretched · 22-04-2013, 11:33 AM

Have a look at Mondeo then look at Falcon. Not forgetting how old the Mondeo is too.
Even have a look the Focus.
Then just have a look at the US cars for features too.
What we have here is ok for XT but once the buyer is shelling extra dollars for luxury models and GTs you expect a little more for the $$, not really there.

turbodewd · 22-04-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

Please correct me if I'm wrong, I thought you asked tech that Australian cars that have been referred to as Dinasours we lacking, I didn't know you meant specifically Falcon only, and that you definition of tech is different to mine.

DOHC/4 valves per cylinder - youre referring to GM V8s.

They can, if they wish, argue that their engine should be judged on its output and economy, regardless of the technology.

Accordingly, I suggest that if a engine has the same characteristics (power, torque, economy, weight, reliability, NVH) as a high-tech 4cylTurbo then does it really matter?! Its not my cup of tea, but it is a very compelling argument.

Why do so many RX7 owners put GM V8s in their cars?! I know of 2 personally.