ADAS features in India are becoming such a hot trend that even cars under ₹20 lakh are stepping into the Level 2 ADAS game. The latest poster child for this change? The Honda Amaze! Yes, you heard it right Learn how Advanced Driver Assistance Systems enhance safety, driving convenience, and which Indian cars under 20 lakhs are offering this feature.

So, what’s all this ADAS buzz about? Before you assume it's some sci-fi gadget, let’s break it down. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is more than just car tech; it’s like having your very own co-driver who warns you about blind spots, manages steering, and even keeps tabs on your speed. Cool, right?

But let’s take a deeper dive into what ADAS actually means, its levels, and which cars in India are offering these features with which tech level.

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) traces its roots back to the 20th century when automakers began integrating basic electronic technologies into vehicles for safety and convenience. The initial concepts of ADAS revolved around simple alert systems like collision warnings. Over time, with advancements in computing, sensors, cameras, and AI, ADAS evolved into sophisticated driver-assistance systems capable of automating key driving functions. The development of radar, LIDAR, and other sensor-based technologies allowed cars to monitor the environment in real time, significantly enhancing driving safety.

Tesla’s innovation with self-driving features in the early 2010s brought mainstream attention to the idea of automated driving, combining features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. Tesla's Autopilot, a Level 2 system, set the stage for ADAS’ commercial appeal worldwide.

ADAS Levels and What They Mean

ADAS operates on a scale of 0 to 5, depending on how much control the system offers compared to the driver:

Level 0: No automation. Driver has full control of all aspects of driving.

Level 1 (Driver Assistance): Single features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) are introduced.

Level 2 (Partial Automation): The system manages both steering and speed simultaneously. The driver must remain engaged at all times.

Level 3 (Conditional Automation): The car can handle most driving functions under certain conditions but still requires the driver to intervene when prompted.

Level 4 (High Automation): Fully autonomous within predefined operational zones. No driver input needed.

Level 5 (Full Automation): No driver required under any circumstances—completely autonomous vehicles.

Tesla’s Position in the ADAS Journey:

Tesla has pioneered much of the modern ADAS tech, with Autopilot representing Level 2 automation. Tesla’s cars can manage both steering and speed with a driver supervising, allowing the vehicle to autonomously handle highways and regular commutes. Tesla's vision aims toward achieving Level 5, or full autonomy, although that’s still in the experimental phase. Tesla's constant innovation has defined ADAS’ evolution in the market.

Where Indian Cars Stand

In India, the ADAS journey is picking up speed but is mostly seen at Level 1 or Level 2. While these technologies aren’t as advanced as Tesla's Autopilot, they are enough to enhance safety and driver convenience. India is on a gradual path toward adopting ADAS across more affordable segments, with Level 2 systems becoming standard on mid-range and premium sedans and SUVs.

ADAS cars in India

1. Hyundai Venue SX (O) Petrol- 12.5 Lakhs and above trims

Key ADAS Features: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), High Beam Assist, and more.

2. Hyundai Verna SX (O)/ SX (O) Turbo / SX (O) Turbo DCT - ₹14.8- 17.4 Lakhs

Key ADAS features: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA)

3. Honda City ZX/ZX CVT - ₹15.0- 16.30 Lakhs

ADAS features: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

4. Honda Amaze 2024 ZX CVT- ₹12.8 Lakhs

Key ADAS Features: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Auto High-Beam Headlights, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).

5. XUV 3XO W8 (O) Petrol/Diesel ₹11.5 Lakhs-12.8 Lakhs

Key ADAS Features: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Assist (HBA).