Buying a used car in New Zealand isn't just about choosing the right brand or price—it's also about understanding the features that make driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Whether you're a family driver, a student, or a daily commuter, these 12 car features can dramatically improve your driving experience.

At MIG CARS, we carefully inspect and stock vehicles equipped with many of these intelligent technologies to help Kiwis drive smarter and safer.

1. Dual Slide Power Doors

What it is: Both rear sliding doors can open and close automatically via a button, smart key, or motion sensor—perfect for MPVs and family cars.
Benefits:

• Easy access for kids and elderly passengers

• Opens smoothly in tight parking spaces

• Adds convenience to daily family use

2. Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

What it is: Uses onboard cameras to scan road signs like speed limits and no-entry signs, displaying alerts on the dashboard.
Benefits:

• Reminds you of current speed limits in real time

• Helps avoid accidental traffic violations

• Increases confidence when driving in unfamiliar areas

3. i-stop 

What it is: Automatically turns off the engine when the car is stopped (e.g. at red lights) and restarts it when the brake is released.
Benefits:

• Saves fuel during urban driving

• Reduces carbon emissions

• Quieter and more eco-friendly driving

4. Heated Steering Wheel

What it is: Heats the steering wheel in cold weather for better driving comfort.
Benefits:

• Keeps your hands warm in winter

• Enhances driving feel without wearing gloves

• More pleasant winter driving

5. Auto Stop

What it is: A universal version of the i-stop system—automatically shuts off the engine when idle and restarts as needed.
Benefits:

• Reduces fuel consumption

• Lowers engine wear from unnecessary idling

• Helps reduce emissions

6. Heated Seats

What it is: Seats with built-in heating elements that can be adjusted to your desired temperature.
Benefits:

• Warmer and more comfortable during cold mornings

• Eases long drives and reduces fatigue

• Improves overall passenger comfort

7. Auto Hold (Automatic Brake Hold)

What it is: Keeps the brakes engaged after a full stop—releases automatically when you accelerate.
Benefits:

• No need to hold the brake in traffic

• Easier hill starts

• Reduces leg fatigue in stop-and-go driving

8. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

What it is: Alerts you when another vehicle is in your blind spot via dashboard indicators or warning tones.
Benefits:

• Safer lane changes

• Helps avoid accidents from hidden vehicles

• Great for motorway driving and multi-lane roads

9. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

What it is: Maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Benefits:

• Reduces driver fatigue on long trips

• Automatically manages acceleration and braking

• Keeps a safe following distance

10. Pre-Collision System (PCS)

What it is: Detects potential obstacles or vehicles ahead and applies brakes automatically to reduce impact or avoid a crash.
Benefits:

• Prevents or minimizes frontal collisions

• Especially effective in low-speed city traffic

• Enhances driving safety in emergencies

11. Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA)

What it is: Gently steers the car back into its lane if it starts to drift without signaling.
Benefits:

• Prevents unintentional lane departure

• Improves highway safety

• Useful for long drives and fatigue prevention

12. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

What it is: Helps maintain control on corners or slippery roads by automatically adjusting engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels.
Benefits:

• Prevents skidding or sliding on wet or icy roads

• Maintains stability during sudden maneuvers

• Enhances safety in poor weather or emergency situations

🚗 Drive Safer with Smarter Features
The more you know about your vehicle, the better your driving experience will be. At MIG CARS, we go beyond just selling used cars—we help you understand what you’re driving. Many of our cars come with these premium features pre-installed, plus a free 3-year mechanical warranty for added peace of mind.

💬 Want to see these features in action?
Contact us for a test drive or visit our Christchurch showroom today.