10 Clever Hidden Car Features
By Motor Match • 24/07/2025
Most drivers know the basics, how to start the engine, set the sat nav and belt out their favourite tunes. But did you know your car might be hiding a few clever tricks you’ve never noticed?
Whether you’re buying your first used car or browsing the latest modern cars, there are plenty of surprising car features that make every day driving easier, safer and a lot more fun. From hidden compartments to clever car technology that does the thinking for you, here are ten smart features you probably didn’t know your car could do.
Self-Cleaning Headlights
You heard that right! Some car models, especially those with Xenon or LED headlights, include retractable washers that spray your headlights clean. It might sound like a gimmick, but it’s a brilliant feature for those muddy rural commutes or dark winter drives.
Found in:
- Audi A6 and A4 (with Xenon headlights)
- Range Rover Evoque
- Volvo XC60 and XC90
Auto Hold (Brake Hold) Function
Perfect for traffic jams and hilly roads, Auto Hold keeps the brakes applied when you come to a stop, even after you take your foot off the pedal. When you’re ready to set off, just press the accelerator and you’re on your way!
Found in:
- Audi A3 and Q2
- Honda Civic (higher trims)
- SEAT Leon
- Volkswagen Golf and Passat
Hidden Umbrella Compartments
You’ll find this gem in specific Skoda models. A tucked away slot in the front door for a full size umbrella. It’s the kind of clever touch that shows real attention to detail and gives your car that James Bond edge!
Found in:
- Skoda Octavia (specific trims)
- Skoda Superb
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
There’s no need to turn your music up when you hit the motorway, your car does it for you. This smart system automatically adjusts your audio volume to match your speed and road noise, how clever is that?
Found in:
- BMW 1 Series and 3 Series
- Ford Fiesta and Focus
- MINI Hatch
- Peugeot 208
Flip Down Hook for Shopping or Hanging Clothes
Certain cars hide small hooks behind the front seats or above the back seat window for hanging shopping bags or hanging clothes on, keeping your clothes sharp and your car mess free.
Found in:
- Honda Jazz
- Nissan Qashqai
- Toyota Yaris
- Volkswagen T-Roc
Fuel Cap Holder
It’s a tiny detail, but a lifesaver when you’re at the petrol station filling up. Many cars include a little slot inside the fuel flap to hold the cap while you fill the tank, keeping it clean and out of the way, no dangling, no drips. It’s one of those features you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Found in:
- Audi A1
- Hyundai i20 and i30
- MINI Cooper
- Volkswagen Polo and Golf
Cooling Glovebox
It’s as cool as it sounds - Your glovebox might be more than just storage, it could double up as a mini fridge! If it has a vent inside, it likely cools down using your air-con system, perfect for long drives, picnic food and drinks on hot days.
Found in:
-Hyundai Tucson
- Peugeot 3008
- SEAT Ibiza and Leon
- Volkswagen Tiguan
‘Quickclear’ Heated Windscreen
Picture this, it’s the middle of winter and you’ve been scraping your windscreen all week before work. It’s time to forget scraping the ice with an old loyalty card! Ford’s Quickclear windscreen uses tiny heating wires to clear ice and mist in seconds, it’s a lifesaver on winter mornings.
Found in:
- Ford Fiesta
- Ford Focus
- Ford Kuga
Rear Wiper Auto-Swipe
Have you ever noticed your rear wiper kicks in automatically when you reverse with the front wipers on? I’m afraid it’s not magic, but in fact a thoughtful little feature that keeps your rear view clear in bad weather.
Found in:
- Kia Picanto
- MINI Hatch
- SEAT Arona
- Volkswagen Polo
Traffic Sign Recognition
Certain modern cars nowadays use cameras to “read” road signs as you pass them, displaying speed limits or warnings on your dash. It’s a great piece of backup technology for when you miss a road sign or drive through unfamiliar areas.
Found in:
-Ford Puma
-Nissan Juke and Qashqai (from 2019 onwards)
-Peugeot 208
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Small Features, Big Benefits
From umbrella compartments to ice melting windscreens, cars are full of hidden talents. These little extras don’t just make driving more convenient, they show just how far cars have come over the years.
Explore used cars at Motor Match today and find the one that fits your lifestyle, it might just wow you with a few hidden features too.
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