SOMETIMES PARKING AND carrying out other manoeuvres can be a bit tricky in crowded city centres and car parks. Thankfully, there is some technology that can make this a little bit easier. Keep an eye out for the following features if you are looking for a car that makes a breeze of tight spaces.
City Mode
‘CITY’ mode is found in Fiat Group cars. By pushing the CITY button, usually found on the steering wheel, the power assistance is increased for steering at low speeds. This makes the steering lighter, lessening the effort required to turn the steering wheel. You can essentially turn the steering wheel with one finger. Parking operations are easier, so this function is particularly useful for driving in city centres.
CITY mode is found on the Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, Fiat Punto and Fiat Tipo models.
Rear-wheel steering
When manoeuvring at low speeds, rear-wheel steering systems turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels thus reducing the car’s turning circle. This makes parking and turning in tight spaces easier.
Cars with rear wheel steering include the new Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7, Lexus GS, LC 500, LS 500 and RC as well as many other models from BMW including the new 5 Series, Ferrari, Mercedes and Lamborghini.
Variable steering racks
You can also look for cars with a variable steering rack which reduces the minimum turning radius of a vehicle.
The new BMW 3 Series M Sport models will have variable steering, the Ford Focus ST has variable steering as does the Fiesta ST and Mustang.
There are many more models out there with these features, you just have to do a bit of research.
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