Semi-computerized driving (level 2) is an exceptionally fascinating thing. An appropriately prepared vehicle stays in path under characterized conditions, yet in addition slows down and speeds up autonomously. All without the driver busy. Our manager Hayo Lücke had the option to get a thought of the innovation for himself at the IAA – in the new Kia XCeed.
It is radiant and enjoyably warm on the second press day of the IAA in Frankfurt. I stand by persistently for my arrangement at Kia’s German central command not a long way from the show community. Since today I can evaluate to some extent robotized driving myself. It seems a bit like “returning home”. The Kia Ceed SW module crossover was stopped in position in the hall. What’s more, as a private driver of a Ceed GT, a great deal looks recognizable.
Making the rounds IN THE NEW KIA XCEED
A couple of seconds after the fact I sit down. In the spic and span Kia XCeed, which will be accessible in Germany with its car like rooftop line from September 21st. Painted in the everything except subtle shading quantum yellow, I branch out of the city traffic of Frankfurt onto the expressway toward Taunus. A huge 12.3-inch HD show shows me the speed as an instrument group. The route gadget – which can be partitioned through split screen whenever required and consistently furnished with continuous traffic data by means of eSIM – shows me the way on a 10.25-inch screen. So presently the time has come to test letting the vehicle drive no less than a smidgen self-rulingly.
At 120 km/h, I dare. I initiate the gridlock associate. With respect to Kia it says in a real sense in a corporate correspondence: “The Lane Follow Assist perceives the path markings and keeps the XCeed in the path. Also, it utilizes radar sensors to situate itself to the traffic ahead and assumes control over the speed increase, slowing down and controlling while the driver screens the region around the vehicle. “What’s more, this up to a speed of 180 km/h.
So much for the hypothesis. In any case, what does the training resemble? The appropriate response is basic. What sounds extremely specialized is a genuine addition in driving solace, in actuality. Yet, reality likewise incorporates: It feels a bit awkward to take your foot off the gas pedal and just let the vehicle drive and steer – life at the breaking point. Thus I let my semi-self-ruling hybrid runabouts voyage “awfully” toward a truck driving before me.
Kindly BRAKE. BRAKES!
And afterward the second is there. The Kia XCeed starts the slowing down measure expected to stay away from a backside crash significantly earlier than I would have anticipated. What’s more, as guaranteed, it holds the distance to the truck in front. Indeed, even with a second and third endeavor, everything fills in as you might want it to be in street traffic. However, oh well, I take my hands off the directing wheel. The vehicle promptly sounds the alert and makes it understood: Don’t do that, your hands have a place with the control module even in level 2 driving.
I’m leaving the superhighway. In the Taunus I need to test whether the gridlock right hand keeps what it guarantees on back roads. A traffic signal with holding up vehicles proves to be useful. I’m drawing nearer at 55 km/h. Furthermore, in this situation, as well, the Kia decreases speed sooner or later, brakes the vehicle to a halt and halts around five meters before the holding up vehicle with no activity on my part.
On the last couple of meters back to the Kia base camp, I turn off the help frameworks. And afterward, as a little something extra toward the end, I notice the haptic input that the directing wheel gives me when I get excessively near the middle or hard shoulder without turning on the pointer. Unmistakably recognizable vibrations in the guiding wheel rapidly make it understood: Boy, be cautious, you are not driving as per the real principles.
End: SEMI-AUTONOMOUS DRIVING (LEVEL 2) – IT MAKES YOU WANT MORE
No doubt, it was entertaining. I’m accustomed to driving on the North Rhine-Westphalian motorways with a journey control framework. What’s more, I would prefer not to manage without the accommodation of a the associate speed, particularly on the open street. This turns out to be obvious to me over and over when I need to drive in a vehicle without voyage control. Particularly on longer excursions. Yet, what level 2 driving showed me is considerably more fun.
No inquiry concerning it: toward the starting it requires a bit of work to give the vehicle the option to control while driving. Yet, when you become acclimated to it, the driver rapidly gets the sensation of coasting somewhat more loose across the street.
By and by, I likewise state: Never focus on altogether different things. Since when a multi-path traffic signal crossing point opens up before me, at which a left-turn path supplements the straight-ahead path, it rapidly turns out to be evident that the help frameworks are not doing 100% what they should. The Kia XCeed needs me to turn left, in spite of the fact that I really need to follow the course of the street. Yet, hello, I’m still there as well. It’s pleasant that my consideration is still useful for something.
Incidentally: From the start of 2020, the Kia XCeed will likewise be accessible as a module crossover .
