An innovative headlamp bulb developed by ABS and airbag pioneer Philips is tipped to become standard fit on volume cars within two years.

The company's newly introduced VisionPlus is said to project up to 50 per cent more light on the road compared with a standard bulb and is still in line with European regulation R37 for glare limits. Philips claims its new product - made from UV-block quartz glass - has the highest possible output for a street-legal car bulb.

Official distributors already have VisionPlus in H1 (448), H4 (472) and H7 (477) for afterfit, with recommended retail prices from £19.95 a pair - double blister or double kit. “Depending on the type of bulb used in the car, with VisionPlus drivers can see 20 metres further,” says Philips Automotive Lighting's European communications manager Richard Marples.

“That's about five car lengths, so it lets them see obstacles much earlier, anticipate the unexpected and increase braking distances.”

The blue ring on the VisionPlus H1 and H4 (it wasn't necessary on the H7) transforms yellow light into a much brighter light output. Marples adds that various studies have shown that not only does whiter light stimulate the powers of concentration, it also reflects better on road markings and street signs.