Toyota says the whole system reduce noise levels inside the car by up to 8dB

Noise-cancelling isn’t just useful for getting some peace and quiet on a plane, it’s also great for shutting out the hubbub of the motorway on a long drive, at least, it is if you’re driving a Toyota.

The car firm has shoved its new Active Noise Control technology inside the Toyota Crown Hybrid, a half electric, half petrol car that uses speakers to cancel out noise from the engine, road, and other cars.

Toyota says the whole system reduce noise levels inside the car by up to 8dB, using three microphones inside the cabin that listen for noise, before passing it to a processor that flips it, and plays reversed signals back out of three speakers in the front doors and parcel shelf.

The effect is a dampening of low frequency rumble, and a much quieter ride