Tech | Pistons & pixels
From premium speakers to sharp-eyed dash cams, a look at this season's essential auto tech toys.
There was a time when automotive luxury was a purely tactile affair. The buttery give of hand-stitched leather, the cold click of weighted metal, and the scent of polished walnut. But in the modern cockpit, the definition of ‘premium’ has migrated from the fingertips to the senses. Today, true opulence is found in the invisible. The crystal-clear depth of a high-res soundstage, the seamless flow of a wireless interface, and the silent vigilance of 4K optics. From heavy-hitting amplifiers to cinematic dashboards, we curate the season’s definitive tech toys to transform your daily commute into a high-fidelity sanctuary.
There was a time when automotive luxury was a purely tactile affair. The buttery give of hand-stitched leather, the cold click of weighted metal, and the scent of polished walnut. But in the modern cockpit, the definition of ‘premium’ has migrated from the fingertips to the senses. Today, true opulence is found in the invisible. The crystal-clear depth of a high-res soundstage, the seamless flow of a wireless interface, and the silent vigilance of 4K optics. From heavy-hitting amplifiers to cinematic dashboards, we curate the season’s definitive tech toys to transform your daily commute into a high-fidelity sanctuary.
KICKER CX SERIES CX1800.1 AMPLIFIER
This amp is for anyone who wants their car audio to stop sounding polite and start sounding alive. With 1800W RMS at 2 ohms, a full-range Class D design, adjustable low-pass crossover, and variable bass boost, it gives you the muscle and control needed for serious low-end performance. It is the kind of amplifier that adds authority, depth and drama to every track without turning your setup into guesswork.
Price: Rs. 1,11,800
CP PLUS F85B DASH CAM
The dash cam is the kind of car gadget that earns its keep quietly and constantly. Its 4K front camera, Full HD cabin lens, wide-angle coverage, IR night vision, and 24x7 parking surveillance make it a strong safety net for both the road and when the car is parked. Add support for up to 1TB storage, and it becomes a smart buy for peace of mind, evidence, and everyday reassurance.
Price: Rs. 21,500
SONY XAV-9500ESTOUCH SCREEN RECEIVER
This 10.1-inch high-resolution receiver is less a car upgrade and more a cabin glow-up. Its sharp anti-glare touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hi-Res Audio support, ESS DAC, and advanced sound tuning turn everyday drives into a far richer experience. Add flexible mounting, cable-free smartphone connectivity, and support for up to three cameras, and it becomes an easy pick for drivers who want their dashboard to feel smarter, cleaner, and unmistakably premium.
Price: Rs. 1,04,990
SONY XS-162ES SPEAKERS
The Sony XS-162ES is built for drivers who care as much about sound texture as they do about volume. Its lightweight rigid woofer, aramid fibre matrix, soft dome tweeter, and bi-amp-capable crossover work together to deliver cleaner highs, tighter bass, and lower distortion across the range. In simpler terms, it makes your music sound richer, more detailed, and far less strained, which is exactly what a premium in-car audio upgrade should do.
Price: Rs. 1,08,000 (set of four)
