Erin Baker: What options should you order on your car?

Like all press cars, it was packed to the gunnels with bells and whistles, including the semi-autonomous driving system which consists of adaptive cruise control (ACC), which brakes and accelerates on your behalf, and Pilot Assist – the automatic steering function which works as long as you keep a wary hand on the wheel. This whole system isn’t actually an option but fitted as standard on every V90, which is astonishing, although less so when you consider Volvo’s safety standards. 

But on most other cars both ACC and self-steering are options. For the uninitiated, they don’t sound worth the trouble, but once you try them, especially when on a string long-distance journey, you won’t be without them again, much as we all wondered at one point why on earth we’d ever want email on our phones. It just takes some of the physical and mental strain away from you; of course, you still have to concentrate, but you can shift your right leg about, and ease your posture, both of which makes a significant difference to fatigue levels. If you can afford it, do it.

Similarly, panoramic sunroofs. Again, one might wonder why you’d want a great big plate of glass that doesn’t open, but the extra daylight in the cabin makes the car a much more pleasant place to travel in, and keeps children quieter for longer. They are normally about another £500; I say do it.

Rear parking camera: not worth it on anything the length of a coupe or hatchback (Golf, Juke, MINI, Focus, 3-Series etc) or smaller, but for estates and SUVs, don’t be shy: go for it. I’m an ace parallel parker but a rear camera has saved me on many occasions, and in my current Land Rover Discovery it’s essential. 

Posh sound system? This one depends on personal preference, but it will always be the one thing I splash out on in a car, even though it can be the most expensive option to add. A car for me has always been largely about the music: the chance to escape and sing at the top of your lungs and play your favourite song over and over with no one else complaining. An upgrade to Bang and Olufsen, Harman Kardon, Meridien or Naim (if you can afford a Bentley, this extra won’t really worry you) is essential for me. The audio quality these days is astounding. The one exception, though, is Kia’s bog-standard system, which knocks many of the posh brands into a cocked hat. No upgrade needed.

Other options that are worth it: heated steering wheel if you suffer from poor circulation like me – normally only another £200 or so, and most mass manufacturers offer it now, built-in booster seats if the manufacturer offers them as part of a child pack, blind-spot warning system and powered tailgate which you can open and close with a button – very handy when your arms are full of shopping and kids.

Next week: options to avoid.