Since the dawn of the automobile sector, automakers seem to make our driving experience seamless, comfortable, safe, and fancy. From basic features like the 3 point seat-belt to the latest car-connected technology, the list is pretty long to fit in an article.
However, sometimes they get too ambitious and make features that aren’t necessary like fake plastic roof rails and hood scoop and (what were they even thinking), and my favourite useless feature of them all, the electronic handbrake(The Grand Tour agrees with me.)
Now there’s a new feature on the street and its time to decide whether it belongs to the necessary or unnecessary side.
Cornering lights: What are they?
Cornering lights have become pretty common among automakers like VW, Skoda, etc. They are basically small lamps integrated into either the headlamps or fog-lamps (depends on the automaker) and whenever the driver corners on one side, they light up to provide extra vision to the driver and thus making his driving experience safer. The cornering lamp function is activated when turning. Depending on the steering angle, the headlamps swivel left or right or the fog lights(depends on the model and make) light up. They illuminate the area to the side of your car, considerably increasing safety in the dark or while driving in poor lighting conditions.
Advantages
Remote city driving- Most of the small cities and towns in India don’t have proper path illumination which avoiding bad roads, potholes etc difficult to avoid. Cornering lights increase visibility and thus helps the driver avoid such inconveniences.
Hill Driving – Possibly the most dangerous route to drive on, hill driving is the major cause of road accidents throughout the world. The Narrow, wavy roads and an awful amount of blind spots cause these accidents. Cornering lights help to eliminate these blind spots and thus help in making the overall drive much safer and seamless.
Highway Driving- Most of the highways in India don’t have minimum to no illumination which makes it difficult for drivers( especially novice) to change lanes at high speeds. These lights help them changing lanes easily.
Is it worth the hype?
They are certainly a well-thought feature as sometimes there is a dire need for some extra visibility while turning, especially during changing lanes on a highway. I think its safe to say that this feature can be a deciding factor between life and death. But if you look at the daily commuter who travels in the city with ample amount of street lights, this feature ain’t necessary.
Verdict
Cornering lights, just like any other feature, will take time for us Indians to acclimatise to. Its a great feature but is it a deciding one when one chooses between too cars? Too soon to say.
Additionally, here are 10 cars in India that are offered with cornering lamps-
-
Volkswagen Tiguan All-space
Launched in early 2020, the Tiguan made an instant impression amongst SUV buyers due to its sleek styling, plush interiors, powerful engine and overall practicality. Although this car did not topple the segment leaders like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, the big bright German boy surely made everyone feel its presence.
2. Skoda Kodiaq
Although Indians have been waiting for a facelift, the first generation Kodiaq had all the power, styling and essence to make people drool. It was the first proper SUV offered by Skoda in India (yes yes there was the Yeti but a proper SUV? meh). It’s the same story with the Kodiaq as its German cousin but yes it is surely a cult car.
3. Jeep Compass
Launched in 2017, the much-awaited entry of Jeep in India was surely a big bang. Muscular looks, ample amount of bells and whistles and Fiat-sourced petrol and diesel engine options producing an ample amount of power, it was a recipe of success. The facelift is about to hit the roads and although there are a lot of options in this segment, no car can match the road presence of this car.
4. Hyundai i20
The recently launched facelift of i20 received mixed reviews. Most of the people hated the styling and to be honest Hyundai’s designers could have done a better job. But besides the styling, this car is one hell of a rocketship. Hyundai has hit the right spot by offering an ample amount of engine and transmission options so that there’s an i20 for everyone and the turbo petrol version is arguably a class apart.
5. MG Gloster
The MG Gloster is another car that created a lot of buzz before its launch. Finally, there was a worthy competitor to the Toyota Fortuner and it surely is. A 218 BHP twin-turbo diesel engine placed in a warm cosy big ass cocoon is what Indians needed. It’s too early to say whether its time to see a new segment leader but if any car can do it then it’s the Gloster.
6. Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon has been smashing the monthly charts since the day it was launched. The only compact SUV which offers everything you need, its a very practical, well designed and an allrounder.
7. Nissan Magnite
Launched in December 2020, this was Nissan’s only shot at being relevant in India and what a hit! Indians just couldn’t believe how VFM the Magnite was and it surely did wonders for Nissan in India.
8. Mahindra XUV500
The big daddy of luxurious SUVs under budget in India. When it was launched in 2012, it created the same buzz as Safari did in 2002. Nobody had seen anything like it. And even after 9 years and a lot of SUV’s after, it has still managed to stay relevant to the scene.
9. Mahindra Alturas G4
Just like many great SUV’s who failed, the G4 also came in the SUV segment with a full bang. Great design, a good torquey engine and legit offroad capabilities. But sadly it too had to lay its weapons down in front of the great Toyota. Here’s the silver lining: the President has one in its convoy
10. Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks is another compact SUV in this sea of small SUV’s. The only thing that was different about it and actually exciting was the 154 BHP turbo petrol engine that surely made enthusiasts scream. Sadly it couldn’t hit the spot for Indian buyers.
Informative: Fog Lights/Cornering Light | Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Here are the Top 10 Compact SUVs With The Best Road Presence
