Car that puts the brakes on teenagers

Parents will soon be able to choose a car for their teenage children that prevents the car stereo from being played too loudly and won’t break the speed limit. The new Ford Fiesta hatchback due in Australian showrooms next month uses a special key that controls the stereo system, a speed limit and prevents safety aids such as stability control from being switched off.

The “My Key” system will also call 000 automatically if the car is involved in a crash in which the airbags have been deployed. The system enables different keys to be assigned to different drivers.

Ford is hoping the car will appeal to first time car-buyers, or parents who want peace of mind. Key to the new system is the fact that it can’t be switched off, no matter how hard tech savvy teenagers try.

The only way to get around the system is to switch keys with mum or dad. The announcement was made at a Ford event at Sydney’s Fox Studios where 11 new models are being previewed ahead of the Falcon’s demise in 2016. The new Ford Fiesta is due in Australian showrooms in September priced from about $16,000.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling