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Nifty gadget hacks for older cars

Still saving for the car of your dreams? Don't worry – there are plenty of gadgets out there to bring older cars up to speed.

'Although in 2016 the hardware satnav has been rendered almost as superfluous as the in-car cassette player, there are plenty of fantastic apps to help you get where you want to go, for free.'

'Although in 2016 the hardware satnav has been rendered almost as superfluous as the in-car cassette player, there are plenty of fantastic apps to help you get where you want to go, for free.'

Read any car review written in the last five years and you’ll be dazzled by the extra kit available as manufacturers vie to outdo each other with the latest gadgetry and gear. There are cars that can expertly park themselves into a snug space, saintly hybrids with near-zero emissions and even a car with actual lasers for headlights. The future of motoring truly has arrived.

But what about the motorists who must make do and mend with their beloved (if a little behind the times) run-around? In an age of parking sensors, touchscreen sat-nav and heated wing mirrors, how can they possibly show their modest grille on the roads?

If you’re still saving up for your dream car, but want to make the most of what you’ve got, don’t despair – there are plenty of goodies on the market to make your journey a more pleasant one.

Music lovers, rejoice

If you’ve exhausted the relics in your CD collection (we’re looking at you, Shania Twain’s Come On Over) and grown tired of twiddling the dials of your AM/FM radio it might be time to get your smartphone involved via a radio transmitter like this one from TeckNet. Just plug it into your car’s lighter socket, find a vacant frequency and pop the Aux cable into your smartphone. There are numerous great subscription services available to help you compile the ultimate in-car playlist, like Apple Music, Spotify and, if you have an ear for lossless audio, Tidal. Some even offer a free trial to help you find the best fit for your music taste.

When it’s time to buy…

Bless your ears with the crystal-clear sounds of the Jeep Cherokee’s sound system. The Night Eagle edition boasts no fewer than nine amplified speakers (with bass-blasting sub-woofer), a voice command system and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a Uconnect media centre with 8.4-inch touchscreen to keep you in sync with your devices, and a DAB radio, making it an any audiophile’s dream drive.

Find your way, anywhere

Before the invention of the sat-nav, driving somewhere new was an expedition fraught with unruly maps and untold frustration, often culminating in lengthy detours, unnecessary fuel expenditure, and divorce proceedings. But then the smartphone came along, making it possible for almost anyone with 4G connectivity and the Google Maps app to find the fastest route from A to B (with time to squander on eating a petrol-station pastry). Although in 2016 the hardware satnav has been rendered almost as superfluous as the in-car cassette player, there are plenty of fantastic apps to help you get where you want to go, for free. If you prefer a step-by-step navigation system, MapFactor is a great alternative to Google Maps, with a beautifully-in-depth navigation system, 3D mode and speed camera warnings.

When it’s time to buy…

Opt for something with an integrated sat-nav, like the superb new Renault Clio. Fitted with Navteq ‘n’ Go satellite Navigation it’ll steer you in the right direction (not literally, you still have to move your hands). There’s also a Renault MediaNav onboard multimedia system to keep you connected, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating to ensure you get there safely.

 Take charge

Of course, for either of the above in-car hacks to work, you’ll need a smartphone, charged up and ready for action. Using 4G, streaming music and running a sat-nav can seriously destroy your battery, but where there’s a will, and the appropriate socket, there’s a way. Why settle for a wired connection? If your phone has wireless capability, ditch the spaghetti with this sensible little charging cradle. Just drop your phone onto the cradle and let it power up en route. There’s even an LED light to show your phone’s charging status.

When it’s time to buy…

Realise your smart potential with a truly future-proof ride. The Kia Optima can be specified with a wireless smartphone charger, its own USB port and Kia connected services.

And if you prefer to save your data, as well as your power, try the new Vauxhall Astra. It comes packaged with Vauxhall OnStar, a connectivity and safety service that has its own in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, not to mention a savvy smartphone remote control!

About the Author

Kirsty Leckie-Palmer

Staff writer at Arnold Clark

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