Looking for car that has a speed limiter

drjoe27 on 29/01/2016 - 08:17
Last edited 29/01/2016 - 12:29

Hi,
I've been driving a Renault Megane and like its feature "speed limiter"
Which other maker / models have this feature?

speed limiters can be set by the driver to any desired speed; So I set it to 60kph and even if I press the gas pedal to the floor the car will not go past 60kph.
I am a capable driver but find this feature useful as speed limits change so many times and it helps you avoid speeding fines.
I adjust the speed just like you might on a bike when you see a hill ahead and you change a gear in preparation.

Automotive

Comments

      • WesthamAreMassive on 30/01/2016 - 20:23
        +8

        Simple. Step on the gas and it is bypassed as did the Citroen i hired

      • Herbse on 31/01/2016 - 02:39
        +2

        Um. Speed kills.
        Haven't you seen the ads?

        My theory is, limit everyone's speed to 0km/hr. And presto, no more speed related incidents.

        • wozz on 03/02/2016 - 12:40
          +2

          @guy incognito:
          Excellent idea! Have you ever thought about becoming a politician?
          You could create a new campaign around the safety of the new speed limit and how it benefits everyone through safety. Those who say "but I can't get to work" etc could be silenced by telling them they won't make it to work at all if they die from speed!

      • syousef on 01/02/2016 - 22:01

        You would press the pause button, get up, take a toilet break, find a snack and come back to see the ending. We're talking Hollywood fiction right?

        In real life:
        - If a crazy person was chasing you, you'd probably want to head for a police station.
        - If a huge boulder was falling off a cliff you'd want to have heeded the "Danger: Falling rocks sign".

    • chipstss on 01/02/2016 - 19:50

      The GPS idea would be real nice

  • zzap on 30/01/2016 - 16:25

    Most post-2010 Jaguars have this feature too.

    • Flying Ace on 31/01/2016 - 08:56
      +9

      This is OzBargain.

      • xuqi on 31/01/2016 - 12:17

        So? You don't think some OZB's own performance/prestige cars?

        • PVA on 31/01/2016 - 13:03
          +13

          a 2010 jag is neither.

        • IamEzza on 01/02/2016 - 20:49
          -1

          @PVA:

          Ever since the 2006 XK Jaguar have been making great cars, well regarded by both reviewers and owners.
          The models previous to that, the S-type and X-type were pretty bad though.

        • TailsK on 02/02/2016 - 10:08

          @PVA:
          I took the new XE for a test drive. It has a lot of punch for a 2.0 litre engine. Fun to drive, looks good, just a little small.

  • ozzie freddo on 30/01/2016 - 18:29
    +1

    Peugeot 307 has the speed limiter feature. Very useful.

  • ozzie freddo on 30/01/2016 - 18:41
    +1

    What would be really useful would be a linkage to navigation software that has the speed limits inbuilt (eg "here") to make your speed limiter adjust to the location's limit.
    It's a real pain when driving to have to keep an eye out for the frequent speed limit changes and then to remember what zone you are in.

    • geoffs87 on 01/02/2016 - 13:33

      I've often through this, or at least beeps when you're over the speed for that particular patch of road, whether you're navigating or not!

  • ozzie freddo on 30/01/2016 - 18:43

    Wikipedia (under "speed limiter") says "Many Citroën,[2] Mercedes Benz,[3] Peugeot,[4] Renault[5] as well as some Ford[6] car and van models have driver-controlled speed limiters fitted"

  • jason101 on 30/01/2016 - 22:09

    Perhaps its a French thing, the last few Peugeot's we have owned have all had this feature.

    • captobvious on 31/01/2016 - 11:53
      +2

      that's because you cant go very fast in France. cobbles, tiny roads, traffic, cyclists. CRAZY Roundabout etiquette! Transporter deceived me.

  • GLO on 30/01/2016 - 22:11

    I have it on my 2003 Mercedes C class, it was an expensive option that my father in law saw necessary.

  • ATangk on 30/01/2016 - 23:21

    I have it on an 06 R class Mercedes. its an alternate function on the cruise control. Will even automatically brake to stay within the speed limit. but these have been discontinued.

  • AeyJey on 31/01/2016 - 00:39
    +1

    Golf MK7 has speed limiter with the cruise control

  • Herbse on 31/01/2016 - 02:34
    -1

    Yea, messing around with little buttons and displays every few minutes is definitely going to be safer for everyone around you. But at least you won't get a speeding fine..

    The roads are dangerous enough with everyone's eyes glued to the speedo. Take a bus if you're worried about fines.

    • saintmagician0 on 31/01/2016 - 10:02
      -1

      This is why we should ban cruise control, media buttons, and temperature controls in cars.

      I mean seriously, every time you want to turn on the aircon, adjust the volume, or turn on the cruise control, you're risking your life. And we all know that most drivers have to do this every few minutes………..

      • Herbse on 31/01/2016 - 11:54

        Yes, everytime someone takes their eyes off the road, it's a danger to other drivers and pedestrians. Which is why it should be reduced as much as possible.

        Have your child run over by someone and come back to me

        • chipstss on 01/02/2016 - 19:53

          Which is why it should be reduced as much as possible.

          A speed limiter does exactly that, no more looking at your speedo because you know you can't go over the limit.

      • Euphemistic on 31/01/2016 - 12:26

        Thing is with these functions they are often on the steering wheel. Easy to reach and remember where they are on the wheel if you use them often enough, you can even work out where the buttons are by feel. Touch screen on the other hand, cannot be operated by touchi alone, you need to see where you are pushing the screen to get the right function most of the time.

  • papagoose on 31/01/2016 - 03:53

    A shame everyone is so critical of this, I drove a rental car with this feature and loved it. I can't say I've ever had to accelerate out of danger. I would be willing to bet that more people have accidents trying to accelerate out of danger, than actually avoid an accident that way. In fact, if instant acceleration is so essential to avoid an accident, with so many people driving automatics that downshift when you press the pedal hard, you wouldn't get instantaneous acceleration anyway. Realistically, you're more likely to get a speeding ticket than be in a situation where speeding is the only way to avoid an accident. And in any case, it's a feature you control. Clearly if you're driving on a 100km/h road with the limiter set at 100km/h, you wouldn't try to overtake without either disabling or raising the limiter to say 120 before commencing the manoeuvre.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2016 - 14:00
      -1

      So exceeding the speed limit by 20km/h is OK now if overtaking?… strange, never knew this.

  • 2Poor4Ozb on 31/01/2016 - 06:11
    -4

    learn to drive!!!!!!!!!!!

  • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2016 - 08:26
    +3

    Tesla has this too, except that it can also be automatically based on the speed limit detected and the driving conditions ahead of you too.

    • Herbse on 31/01/2016 - 11:55
      +2

      Speed limiting is different to adaptive cruise control.

  • ITveteran on 31/01/2016 - 09:23

    I guess most of cars except super luxury ones with these throttles will not help when the car glide down steep hills, where you still have to use brakes to slow down.

  • saintmagician0 on 31/01/2016 - 10:00
    +3

    For all the people saying this is a stupid feature - keep in mind that like cruise control, this is a feature to make driving easier, it's optional, and by all accounts can be manually overridden.

    I also doubt it has major safety concerns, because if that were the case such a feature would never be allowed / such cars would never be allowed in Australia.

  • pn09 on 31/01/2016 - 10:12

    Current model Mercedes A class (i.e. from a few years ago) has this feature.

  • Azn310 on 31/01/2016 - 10:51
    +1

    I see a lot of people saying this is a stupid feature, or praise the feature. Here are 2 things to note, it varies on car, but I have driven a Renault van with speed limiter and its great for 40 zones:

    • when on speed limiter, you slam the accelerator and it cancel the limiter, the car takes off. Good example of when I do this is when cruising 55 on a 60 road, I need that little bit of speed to get thru the amber light safely.

    • be fully aware that when rolling down hill, where cameras usually are, the car can exceed the limit you set. This is because while the speed limiter can reduce speed by changing to lower gear, it is not safe when the car is rolling down hill fast. Changing to another lower gear would blow the transmission. And speed limiter does not apply braking, so you have to brake yourself.

    TL;DR it is not a bad feature, but learn to use it properly to avoid speeding.

    • ATangk on 01/02/2016 - 00:11

      The speed limiter on my car applies the brakes, so your second point would be dependent on the make or model of the car, as you have noted.

      • Azn310 on 01/02/2016 - 10:24
        +1

        Oh really? May I ask what car you have? I'm very curious because thats very advanced, like the new crash avoidance feature. You sure it is not engine braking? I.e. Lowering one gear. Thanks for sharing!

        • ATangk on 01/02/2016 - 10:30
          +1

          Nah, im sure its applying the brake because i can feel the brake pedal being depressed.
          Its an older car though, 2006 Mercedes R350.

    • johnno07 on 01/02/2016 - 09:14

      Good example of when I do this is when cruising 55 on a 60 road, I need that little bit of speed to get thru the amber light safely.

      Any particular reason for setting cruise under the speed limit?

      • Azn310 on 01/02/2016 - 10:20

        Just personal preference, just to be on the safe side. Coz i do slam on the accelerator from time to time, to get thru amber light and stuff, so if it was 60, it would then be over 65 :) i got caught by camera before, dont wanna do it again. Also, to avoid speed increase when car rolling down hill.

        • jzdhgkd on 01/02/2016 - 11:28
          +2

          If you'd been doing 60 instead of 55, you'd've cleared the intersection before the amber :p

        • Ridiculous Panda on 01/02/2016 - 13:27

          @jzdhgkd: he probably would've reached his destination.

        • johnno07 on 01/02/2016 - 17:47
          +1

          I've got to say, purposely going under the speed limit is pretty annoying for your fellow commuters. I'd rather a person sped past me than slow me down due to their "personal preference".

        • Azn310 on 01/02/2016 - 21:15

          @johnno07: 60 roads normally have more than one lane. Like I said, i have had a few speeding tickets, and i dont wanna have to pay for another one.

          Plus, looking at Sydney roads, your not going anywhere if you go fast anyways. Many times, commodores zoom past me and then meet me again at the red light for an awkward session.

        • RockyRaccoon on 02/02/2016 - 10:35

          @Azn310

          I need that little bit of speed to get thru the amber light safely

          Speeding up to thru amber lights is illegal.

          So much for being safe!

          might read this

          https://www.allianz.com.au/car-insurance/news/orange-lights-…

        • Herbse on 02/02/2016 - 20:34

          Thanks to tac ads, drivers now believe that driving under the limit means they will be "safe"..

        • Azn310 on 03/02/2016 - 00:11

          @RockyRaccoon: if it is no longer safe to stop, i.e. Ur car will skid.. then you can speed thru, as long as you dont go over the speed limit.

        • Azn310 on 03/02/2016 - 00:13
          -1

          @guy incogneto: safe from fines and losing demerit points, thats all i care about.

  • goraygo on 31/01/2016 - 12:56
    +1

    All the new Mercedes have them. Set the limit and you can never go over it no matter how hard you push the accelerate.

    I tested it in my cars but never actually wanted to use them.

    • AgentQ on 01/02/2016 - 09:09
      +1

      Can second that. From OPs pow it is exactly what is needed. I have driven MB vehicles and the alternate to cruise control i.e. Speed limiter works a treat, easy to change without looking at buttons as it is a stalk which you bump up and down to increase/dec the limit by 10kmph intervals which is how limits change. No matter how you mash the throttle, it wont let the vehicle go over that speed, except there is a small pedal movement after you think you've hit the floor, press it very hard and the pedal depresses a tiny bit more but the limiter deactivates. Also, on steep declines the limit might be overshot by 3-4kmph because the vehicle struggles to downshift quick enough for sufficient engine braking.

      • ATangk on 02/02/2016 - 15:14

        My merc brakes instead of downshifting…

  • ballsofsteel on 31/01/2016 - 13:36

    My ford focus mk3, Mercedes CLK and e class has this feature.

    On all of them they can be overridden by stepping on the throttle WOT.

    I use it all the time and it has saved me lots of money.

    • johnno07 on 01/02/2016 - 09:17
      +2

      My ford focus mk3, Mercedes CLK and e class has this feature… It has saved me lots of money

      Fortunately you've avoided those few fines, otherwise it sounds like you'd really be struggling!

  • antler on 31/01/2016 - 17:00
    +1

    The Mercedes C class has this feature.

  • enzioFirenze on 31/01/2016 - 19:49

    Tesla has something similar to this, and it did come in handy at times :)

  • Ebayee on 31/01/2016 - 21:53

    I have found the speed limiter is quite useless and dangerous when you wanted to do overtake or run past the amber light .

  • mattgt on 31/01/2016 - 22:27
    +2

    I drive a Mercedes Sprinter at times for work and it has this feature. I find it much more useful than cruise control as you feel you are still in control of the van. Unlike cruise control where it will power through corners and over Hills etc.

    Like others have said it has a foot to the floor override if you need sudden acceleration.

    I would definitely get it on my personal car if I had the choice.

  • BestofOZB on 31/01/2016 - 22:28
    -1

    Set it at 120kph and get a fine at a 70 zone. Just stay alert and you will be fine.

  • FernandoWho on 31/01/2016 - 22:57

    In a 2009 Camry (not sure about latest models) you can set an alarm for a certain speed e.g 60km/h. As soon as you go over that speed it will beep until you go back under.

  • Amaris on 31/01/2016 - 23:12

    The BMW 3 series has a speed limited

  • mikkim4eva on 01/02/2016 - 00:29
    +1

    Safest car is still volvo? Get one of those and only drive on the left lane :)

    Not saying it's not a good feats, it helps a nervous driver to forget one less things while driving.

    Generally speaking, if you have enough driving experience, you would get the sense on what sort of speed you are going. So if you cant tell the speed without looking at the speedo every two seconds and keeping your feet on the pedal without changing the speed. You need to really drive more…

    Speed limit is "designed" for safe driving without the consideration of the suituation/s and condition/s. Speed up or slow down should be assessed depending on the suituation not worrying about a speeding fine but yours/ your loved ones and others well being.

    What the op need is to raise his/her situation awareness, and not to feel too safe inside a cage. Being too complacent and reliant on technology can also cause a dangerous situation.

    TLDR;
    My 5 cents

  • porsche26c on 01/02/2016 - 06:04
    +3

    what your explaining sounds so unsafe. if you need to accelerate or do a maneuver due to something dangerous in front of you eg accident at very short notice…you cant. i would use cruise control and have control than this speed limiter.

    • Euphemistic on 01/02/2016 - 07:21
      -2

      When was the last time you needed to accelerate out of trouble? Most people, when faced with an emergency situation use the other pedal, the one that makes you slow down. Anyway, as described above there is an override for this feature.

    • ozibargainer on 02/02/2016 - 02:20

      If you need to accelerate suddenly this feature can be cancelled in a fraction of a second.

  • snajper on 01/02/2016 - 08:49

    new Ford Focus

  • greencomet on 01/02/2016 - 08:53
    +3

    I love how people that have never used this feature are complaining about how unsafe it sounds. I have it in my Focus ST and it comes in handy every now and then. Set it to say 60km/h and the car won't exceed that speed no matter your throttle position, if you floor the peddle it'll switch off and accelerate like normal. You can turn it off and on just like cruise control.

    It's excellent for going down roads with large amounts of speed cameras, where you can't or don't want to use cruise control. No need to take your eyes off the road as often to check your speed. Don't knock it till you try it.

  • Brianqpr on 01/02/2016 - 09:02

    So in theory, using this feature could become law and speeding related deaths and injuries could be avoided?

    State government revenue might take a hit, but I'm sure they would prefer to save some lives. Right?

    • eggnbacon on 01/02/2016 - 17:00
      +2

      Lets have a reasonable discussion about this.

      You are making the assumption that speeding in and of itself = deaths and injuries, but people aren't simple physics objects. Unfortunately this simplistic view of speed is the prevailing understanding of the topic.

      What do I mean by this?
      Lets look at some government funded research that states that "the risk of involvement in a casualty doubles with each 5km/hr increase in free travelling speed above 60km/hr".

      Of the 151 crashes used in this study, 44 of the drivers did not brake at all. That's ~30% of the total crashes. Does this not strongly suggest that speed isn't the main cause of said accidents? That speed was basically incidental to that 30%? If they had been travelling at 50kph would it have made a difference if they were seemingly not concentrating on driving at all?

      What of the other 70%? Apart from being hit by out of control vehicles it's very hard to tell with the information provided. So to put it all down to speed is literally ignoring a much more nuanced reality.

      How many deaths are down to purely excessive speeding? I'd love to know, but TAC statistics found on their own website are disappointingly vague when it comes to this (a single vague descriptor covering several categories of speeding as opposed to actual percentages given for other accident related stats).

      Let me be clear, driving at excessive speeds is dangerous (relative to prevailing conditions) and these people should rightfully be stopped from driving, but a slavish adherence to an outdated number on the side of the road (based on decades old vehicle technology) is not the way forward. Better driver (re)training would be a much better option.

  • melfes on 01/02/2016 - 09:26

    Good feature OP, Learnt

  • John Dough on 01/02/2016 - 09:45

    I can see how this feature could be most useful.
    Instead of worrying about constant checking of your speedo, you can just set and forget.
    Coupled with an accurate GPS that senses the speed zone you are in would be helpful also.

  • altomic on 01/02/2016 - 09:49
    +5

    Datsun 120Y has a speed limiter due to it being a POS.

  • l005e on 01/02/2016 - 09:52

    you can install an aftermarket computer that has that feature to your vehicle

  • StewBalls on 01/02/2016 - 10:37

    As others have mentioned, the Ford Focus (& possibly some other Ford models) have this feature.

    We have a few mid-range Foci in our work fleet & they all have it…not sure about the base models?

    I've tried it out, seems to work exactly as you desire…not sure why someone else reckons it's overridden by throttle, it doesn't on ours, they simply won't go over the preset limit unless you turn off the feature.

    • ballsofsteel on 01/02/2016 - 13:44

      You have to put your foot to the floor to override it

      • StewBalls on 01/02/2016 - 13:46

        That makes more sense, yes…I thought you meant just accelerating, which I agree would kind of defeat the point. ;)

  • Tombf2g on 01/02/2016 - 11:31

    My motorcycle (bmw s1000rr) has this feature, it's actually used for the speed limit in pit lanes for racing but can be used as a speed limiter on the road, I have mine set to 40kph for school zones, basically it will lock you at 40kph until you release the button

  • yoonibear on 01/02/2016 - 13:19
    +2

    I have a speed limiter in the car. My girlfriend.

    • Marcsie on 01/02/2016 - 19:54

      Can I borrow your speed limiter ? lol

    • WT on 02/02/2016 - 13:29
      +1

      Mine must be the updated version as it also tells me how to drive, in addition to knowing when I am paying less attention, has an inbuilt "radio too loud warning" but the self adjust feature seems to work sporadically.

      In addition I also get the "youre driving like a douche" warning, which is annoying because I know exactly what I am doing since I am driving, why would I need to be told this.

      Technology huh…

      The model she was derived from doesnt have any intrusive features when equipped. Seems impossible to change the software, maybe I should try it and just hope it crashes

      • wired00 on 02/02/2016 - 14:05

        haha classic OZB post

  • charltz on 01/02/2016 - 13:22

    I love this feature and use it everyday in my 2015 Ford Focus ST (LV). Putting your foot to the floor (100% throttle) will override the limiter (as a safety measure).

  • Nicktorious on 01/02/2016 - 15:29

    I drive a Nissan Juke. It has the speed limiter feature. I believe a number of Golf models also have that feature. I love it. Don't have to worry about speeding on the freeway.

  • James030609 on 01/02/2016 - 17:24

    Peugeot should still have this. I had a Peugeot back in 2008 and was asked if I wanted the Speed limiter option during the buying process

    • wired00 on 02/02/2016 - 14:03

      Yeah same with Citroens (not surprising as they're the same company now and essentially identical cars underneath)

  • scozzie on 01/02/2016 - 18:20
    -4

    If you are unable to drive within the limits by yourself, please hand in your license.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 01/02/2016 - 22:24

      Is that the same as "if you are unable to change gears by yourself" troll?

  • triple675 on 01/02/2016 - 18:53

    Mercedes Benz has this feature

  • big on 01/02/2016 - 21:14

    Yep. My 2010 Mercedes Van has this.
    Not that I use it, but its on the same lever as the cruise control and can be easy switched on/off.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/02/2016 - 21:48

    I have a Renault Koleos with this feature. Click the switch down and its cruise control, switch it up and its a speed limiter. CC button on the steering wheel sets the limit when you press the button. Throttle disabled if at/over the speed (unless you floor the accellerator, then it overrides)

  • OzzyOzbourne on 01/02/2016 - 22:22

    Renault scenic has it. Ford falcon and territory sounds a chime

  • Randxyz123 on 01/02/2016 - 23:00
    +1

    Hi OP

    Many European cars have this. So I'd be looking at the Golf for starters. I think the most recent focus has it as well.

    If you are after something slightly more up market then the Mercedes A class, BMW 1 series all have them at least as an option.

    Have you got a budget in mind?

    Oh and for those saying it is dangerous you wouldn't set it to the speed limit. You would set it to 110kph in a 100 zone. That way you can safely merge or overtake.

    It is also very easy to turn on or off.

  • ozibargainer on 02/02/2016 - 02:25
    +3

    It seems a lot of people are not even aware of this feature & just assume that it is unsafe. I can tell you from using it for almost 10 years that it is THE BEST feature you can get in a car. My old 1999 ML Merc has it & I love it. A lot of cars come with this feature these days. I know Mercs & Rangies do. It's not at all unsafe. You can cancel it in a fraction of a second in case you need to quickly overtake/accelerate.

    • wired00 on 02/02/2016 - 13:58

      just to add, its now essentially superseded by radar which adjusts your speed on the motorway to traffic ahead. but yeah, i agree its a great tech for ~2007 era euro cars

  • Davo1111 on 02/02/2016 - 05:58

    Just get a really underpowered car. Won't go over 90, let alone 100.

  • DiscoJango on 02/02/2016 - 09:36

    the current model ford focus has this feature

  • Huntta on 02/02/2016 - 11:24

    Citroën c5 has speed limiter

  • Dabbler68 on 02/02/2016 - 12:12

    I don't get it. If the prime aim of a speed limiter is to keep within the speed limit, then you need to be constantly tweaking/resetting as you go through different zones. As you enter a 40k school zone, or go from 60 to 70 and back to 60 in a couple of kilometers, will you keep adjusting it? If it's a freeway trip with minimal different speed zones then it could make sense.

    But why not go for a simpler solution that works in any zone ….. a GPS. Mine just flashes a red symbol when exceeding the limit, but I assume there are models that will give annoying beeps (if that's what you want). Of course, up to date maps are essential, and even then there will still be inaccuracies …. but far more accurate than you having to remember to manually reset a speed limiter as you progress through different zones. That would get tiresome pretty fast. Finally you still have full control of the vehicle in those odd occasions when power may be needed for safety.

    • wired00 on 02/02/2016 - 13:57

      You don't set the thing in slow traffic areas, AFAIK its intended to be used in motorway conditions. its really as simple as that. It also conserves more fuel than cruise control.

  • cheesecactus on 02/02/2016 - 13:41

    We have a 2011 Mercedes ML300 SUV and it has this feature. Can set it at whatever you want and it wont allow you to go above till you turn it off.

    Great feature, I use it every day when driving on any major road. Be it 50,60,70,100.

    People in here need to actually use it, then maybe they'll understand.

    That being said we also have a lexus with adaptive cruise control which I prefer to the limiter. I use it even in 50 zones.

  • wired00 on 02/02/2016 - 13:52

    We had a 2008 citreon C4 and it has speed limiter and cruise control. I constantly used speed limiter on the freeway. I found the fuel economy was better when using it. Cruise control over accelerates up hills.

    Needless to say, also prevents going over speed

    It was pretty common with ~ 2007 era Euro cars with fly by wire throttle

    btw, so many peeps in here either can't comprehend how it is useful or just straight out bagging the concept without ever driving a car with it. You use it on the freeway, it keeps you under a certain speed and it helps conserve fuel as it gently limits throttle as you approach target speed. Simple as that.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join