6 tech features that should be standard in every new car

Air bags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. CD players, power locks and windows, and air conditioning. These are all features that at some point or other were optional (and sometimes costly) vehicle features, but over time we’ve come to expect them in every new car on the road — whether that’s due to legislation or changing buyer tastes. As cars continue to evolve, so grow our expectations of what should be included in the sticker price. I’ve rounded up a few optional car tech features that I’d like to see become make the jump to standard equipment.

Early Bluetooth hands-free systems were often included in expensive, optional tech packages.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Bluetooth connectivity

Let’s start with the most obvious answer: Bluetooth. The best way to keep phone-toting drivers from plowing into things is by keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road by making use of the ubiquitous Bluetooth connection that nearly every phone has. Unfortunately, early Bluetooth connectivity was pretty clunky and had traditionally been bundled as part of expensive technology packages. Drivers and lawmakers complained loudly and, by and large, automakers have started to make Bluetooth standard on their 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles. There are still a few stragglers who haven’t … [Read more]

Car Tech: An automotive blog from CNET