When my present vehicle was purchased some 5 years ago I thought it had everything. It is a Toyota Camry Altise and a big step up from my 30-year-old Datsun 200C, which, when purchased new in 1981, had all the latest equipment and was like a Rolls Royce to drive. The Japanese manufacturers had spared nothing in it. As an older person the Altise is perfect for me as it also has exactly what I need for local shopping and the odd trip on the highway.
The problem with today’s products, whether cars or anything else, the thing you buy today is quickly outdated by something better tomorrow. That’s how I felt when my niece drove me in her hybrid Toyota.
The ride in this vehicle left me somewhat speechless. The noise levels are practically zero when driving and when stationary there is nothing to be heard at all. Thinking it had cut out I made a comment about it. That’s when she explained about the battery.
As one drives it the battery is recharged and is always the means of starting the vehicle before the petrol side of it kicks in. The ride in it is beautiful and inside the vehicle has more functioning tools, including the outside temperature display. My immediate thought was that I want one but my finances are rather limited so it will take awhile to achieve.
But even before that thought died in my head the news is for all-electric vehicles, which are now coming onto the market in greater quantities. The batteries in these don’t recharge as the car is driven but service stations are now supplying electric plugs for that purpose.
But, hold on there, something new has now been manufactured to surpass even these. The driverless car is coming off the starting blocks and already at least one manufacturer is taking orders. Where and when will we arrive at a vehicle to satisfy all demands? Driverless buses are now being tested to run around the show-ground in Sydney in six months time.
Driverless trains are also to be used on the new railway link between Sydney and the north-western suburbs in a couple of years. Wow! What a time to be deciding on a new car, or even a second-hand one for that matter. The Australian government has already announced that by 2030 no petrol driven cars will be sold here and possibly soon after they will not be registered.
This is certainly a change in vehicle decision and purchasing times. While I lusted over a hybrid car now it is already old hat and obsolete in future terms. In the meantime, however, it has to be the most fuel-efficient car on the road today.
