The future of motoring: it's automated - What's available already?

Cruise control has been around for decades, but the latest systems can keep your car a safe distance from the vehicle in front, even if speeds fluctuate.

The newest system - Mercedes' Distronic Plus - even operates in stop-start traffic, working from a standstill up to 100mph.

Cars have also started to steer themselves. Some Hondas can monitor road markings to keep you within your lane on the motorway, although you still have to hold onto the wheel.

Both Mercedes and Honda also have systems that can automatically apply the brakes if you don't notice that you're about to have a collision.

Every manufacturer is in on the game. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are, after all, examples of everyday intervention that we accept without question.