It's not a feature but a compulsory requirement by the Australian gov. Any cars going to Australia must have a seat belt indicator as part of the requirements of the RTA. It's not a feature of the car but rather implemented for export purposes. They most probably put Australia under Asia and all export models to Asia will come with the indicator.

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Added on July 13, 2010, 3:37 pmFirst of all, it's not called a heat mat. It's an insulation mat. Secondly it does not absorb heat and release it out from the bonnet. It prevents heat transfer from the engine to the bonnet. It's an insulation mat and does not absorb any heat. It just deflects it back into the engine.

This post has been edited by sleepwalker: Jul 13 2010, 03:37 PM

This is so that you can touch your bonnet without burning your fingers. The insulation mat prevents heat soak that happens after you stop driving. Heat from the engine will radiate towards the bonnet, making it almost as hot as the engine itself and of course damaging the paint in the long run too.

It also doubles as a soundproofing material but it's primary function is to ensure that the bonnet does not get too hot. The engine does not get hotter after you turn it off since it is only radiating left over heat from the metal parts of the engine.

This post has been edited by sleepwalker: Jul 13 2010, 05:31 PM