L is for...

Lane keep assist

This piece of hi-tech kit helps take the strain out of staying on the straight and narrow. Using a camera mounted in the windscreen that monitors the road ahead, it alerts the driver when it senses the car drifting out of its lane: Honda’s system even steers the car, too. 

Originally only available on costly luxury models, it’s now filtering down to mainstream motors. For instance, the new Ford Focus gets Lane Keep Aid as part of a Driver Assistance pack (£750). If you do lots of motorway miles, it will reduce driver fatigue and boost safety – but it won’t add any value when it’s time to sell the car.