Drive Safe for Less: ADAS-Equipped Cars Under Rs 30 Lakh in India

The Indian automotive industry is going through a major transformation as consumers place more emphasis on vehicle safety when making their purchase decisions. Car manufacturers are incorporating cutting-edge safety features in their latest models to meet the increasing demand for enhanced protection.

One such feature that is gaining popularity in the Indian market is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which is proving to be a game-changer for new vehicles.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a collection of safety features that aim to prevent accidents by providing important alerts and sometimes even taking control of the vehicle.

These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Previously, ADAS was only found in luxury and high-end cars, but now it is becoming more accessible to the average consumer. Car manufacturers are now offering ADAS in vehicles priced under Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom), making it easier for more people to benefit from these advanced safety technologies.

MG Hector and Hector Plus

In early 2023, MG Motor India refreshed its SUV lineup with an updated MG Hector and Hector Plus. These models received a new look and boasted improved comfort, convenience, and safety features.

The introduction of ADAS in these vehicles marked a significant upgrade. However, it's important to note that ADAS is offered solely on the top-end Savvy Pro variant, which presents adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and AEB as part of its safety package.

Honda City

The Honda City, one of India's beloved sedans, received a noteworthy update in March 2023. Honda expanded the availability of ADAS beyond the hybrid variant, now incorporating it from the V variant upwards.

This move set the Honda City apart, making advanced safety features more accessible across its lineup. The ADAS in the Honda City includes forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and lead car departure alert, enhancing overall safety for its occupants.

Hyundai Verna

The sixth-generation Hyundai Verna debuted with a new generational update early in the year, becoming one of Hyundai's initial models in India to be equipped with ADAS. However, Hyundai restricted this feature to the SX (O) with CVT and SX (O) Turbo variants. The Verna's ADAS technology features forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.

Honda Elevate

Joining the competitive compact SUV segment, the Honda Elevate arrived with several standout features, including ADAS, distinguishing it in its category. Yet, similar to other models, ADAS is available exclusively on the premium ZX trim. The Elevate's suite of ADAS functions boasts adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision avoidance.

Hyundai Venue And Venue N Line

The Hyundai Venue and its sportier counterpart, the Venue N Line, experienced a facelift in 2022 but only received their ADAS update in 2023. In this sub-4m SUV range, only the top variants - the SX (O) and N8 - are fitted with the ADAS technology. The feature set includes forward collision warning, driver attentiveness alert, and lead vehicle departure warning, although adaptive cruise control is notably absent.

Kia Seltos

Midway through 2023, the Kia Seltos underwent a facelift and emerged with an even more extensive list of features, including the much-touted ADAS. Available only on the higher-spec GTX+ and X-Line variants, the Seltos's ADAS suite is quite comprehensive, consisting of 17 features such as forward collision warning and avoidance, driver attentiveness alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist.

Tata Harrier-Safari Facelifts

Tata Motors also jumped on the bandwagon with the much-anticipated facelifts of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs in October 2023. Both models received a major makeover, featuring enhanced aesthetics and a host of new technologies.

ADAS technology was incorporated from the Adventure+A variant onwards, after initially being introduced with the Red Dark editions at the Auto Expo 2023. The ADAS package for these SUVs includes AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure warning. Further updates are expected to add lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control to their roster of features.

DriveSpark Thinks

To summarize, the year 2023 marked a significant shift in the Indian automotive market, with several cars under Rs 30 lakh receiving their first ADAS features.

While the integration of these advanced safety systems is becoming more widespread, it is essential to note that they are often reserved for higher-spec or fully loaded variants.

The Honda City stands out for its broader availability of ADAS across its range, signaling a potential trend towards more inclusive safety features in future models.

For automobile enthusiasts, this evolution in car safety presents an exciting opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology without venturing into the luxury segment's pricing. As the industry progresses, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on safety, with ADAS becoming a staple feature in cars across various price points.

As consumers become more safety-conscious, manufacturers are likely to respond by making these technologies standard across their lineups, contributing to safer roads and a more informed driving experience.