It’s billed as the most wonderful time of the year and is a time for giving, so now is certainly the time to think about what you can gift your loved ones this Christmas. While it’s sometimes difficult to choose the perfect present, Volkswagen dealership Vindis have put together this list full of ideal car-related presents to help you make your choice:
A dash cam
The dashboard camera, often referred to as a ‘dash cam’, is a piece of tech that has risen in popularity in recent years.This is because they can produce high-quality video footage while a motorist is getting from A to B, which could then be used to prove exactly what happened in the event of a road incident and protect someone from false insurance claims.
If you purchase this nifty gadget for that certain motoring enthusiast in your life, you could even help to save money in the long-run. This is because some insurance companies now offer substantial savings on car insurance premiums for drivers who state they have dash cams fitted in their vehicle.
Make sure if you do buy one, that the image quality is high. Some devices on the market record such poor footage that the shots are unable to be used when making a case that a driver isn’t to blame after a road incident.
It’s also important to purchase a dash cam that can provide GPS location tracking. This element will enable motorists to pinpoint exactly where they were at the time a road incident took place. G-force sensors which save moments of high G-force automatically are also recommended, as well as a parking mode that sees the gadget begin to record footage without a human prompt if it senses a collision or impact while a vehicle is parked up.
Parking sensors
While the majority of new cars already come equipped with this technology, those who drive older models may not have this tool. Say hello to the EchoMaster Rear Parking Display System. Made up of four matt black sensors, which blend in perfectly with the majority of black bumpers but can be fully painted too, the system also includes a colour display and buzzers so that those behind the wheel have a better understanding about how close they are to objects when carrying out a parking manoeuvre.
No longer will motorists have to worry about bumping their vehicle when parking!
Forza Horizon 4
Does your ‘giftee’ dream of being a racing car driver? If they own an Xbox One games console, satisfy their desires by buying them Forza Horizon 4.The latest open-world racing game from Playground Games, players will be able to compete in a huge number of single-player and multiplayer races and so many more challenges whilst collecting 450 cars from 100 licensed manufacturers. For Brits though, arguably the most appealing aspect of the game is that it’s all set in the United Kingdom — drivers could very well have many moments of thinking “I know this spot” as they race past Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, through various villages and towns which make up the Cotswolds, across the Scottish capital Edinburgh, and so many more recognisable locations.
IGN state that “open-world racing has never looked as good as it does in Forza Horizon 4” and USGameracknowledges that the title “is one of a handful of showcase games that truly ought to sell you on an Xbox One X and a 4K TV”, so you know you’re buying someone a high-quality game that they’ll enjoy for hours too.
Track day experience
Get the adrenaline pumping by gifting someone a thrilling driving experience.You have so many options to choose from throughout the UK. Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey has both track and off-road experiences available, for instance, which take place on the iconic Brooklands motor racing circuit and a 10-acre terrain respectively. Meanwhile, the Platinum Supercar Thrill gives motorists the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most exotic supercars and put pedal to the metal for two laps of the famous Goodwood Racing Circuit.
For those who are extreme daredevils, take a look at the Paul Swift Ultimate Stunt Driving Experience. Held at the home of British F1, Silverstone, this experience sees seven-time British Motorsport champion and Top Gear’s stunt driver, Paul Swift, teaching drivers all about stunt driving. Your friend or loved one will be completing 360-degree handbrake turns, J-turns and so many more pulse-pounding manoeuvres before they know it.
A National Trust membership
If your intended recipient isn’t fond of high speeds but likes getting out and about, why not treat them to a National Trust membership? By becoming a member of the National Trust, they’ll gain free entry to more than 500 special places situated through England, Wales and Northern Ireland — including a raft of historic houses and castles — as well as heritage sites in Scotland which are looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. The membership can even be used further afield than the British Isles, as the card grants access to awe-inspiring locations in destinations like Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe.
As a special incentive, motoring enthusiasts, are granted free parking to most National Trust car parks too.
Hopefully, this list has helped you decide on your ideal gift. Have a wonderful Christmas!