Cool comfort - Individual climate controls enhance driving experience

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Drivers and front passengers in some automobiles are now able to control the temperature on their side of the vehicle, using Dual Zone Climate Control. While some vehicles have three- and four-zone climate controls, they are not as popular as the dual control.

Autotrader.com explains that the dual zone technology "typically features two temperature controls - one on each side of the control unit - so the driver and the passenger can create their own microclimates. Some cars also give the passenger a separate fan control and air-flow selector, whereas others limit the 'dual' functionality to just that temperature knob".

Three- and four-zone systems allow rear-seat passengers to control the temperatures they experence.

Toyota Jamaica and ATL Automotive are two of the local dealers which carry vehicles equipped with the feature.

Tracy-Ann Fletcher, assistant marketing manager at Toyota Jamaica, said a few 2013 models boast dual-zone control but more 2014 models have it as a standard feature. "You have it in the Prado, Rav4, Camry and Fortuner," Fletcher said of the 2014 models.

"It just makes driving a little more comfortable for all persons," she explained. "Everyone has their own control. They can actually change their temperatures at the back without affecting those at the front," Fletcher explained of the systems which offer some rear-seat passengers their own controls.

Independent temperature adjustments

Fletcher pointed out that the 2014 Prado has fully automatic air conditioning with dual controls. It offers three-zone independent temperature adjustment (driver's seat/front passenger/rear seat. The pollen removal mode helps reduce pollen and fine dust in the cabin.

Etus Collman, Audi brand manager, said the Q7, A7 A6 and A8 models offer three and four zone systems. "Everything over five carries it as standard," he said. He explained that "It uses two temperature elements. It is controlled from the centre console. It has two compressors. The elements are controlled by two different switches, so when you turn up the heat on one side of the vehicle you have heat elements that allow that side to stay warm while the other side is still cold."

According to audi.ca, "Rear seat passengers in the Audi Q7 have a separate climate control unit that is found in the rear centre console. The rear functions of the four-zone electronic climate control can also be adjusted from the front seats via a menu in the front climate control unit. The four-zone electronic climate control is exceptional for its draught-free regulation of the ventilation system."