While the drivability of your vehicle is important, automobile manufacturers have understood the importance of a good infotainment system too. The car you drive is your very own entertainment cocoon; and the right music and ambience can make even the longest journey an enjoyable breeze. Here is a list of some of the latest technology built into the newest wheels on the road in India.
Chevrolet Cruze — MyLink Infotainment system
The new Chevrolet Cruze comes equipped with MyLink Infotainment System that claims to change the way you speak to your car. The system can be synced to your mobile phone through Bluetooth technology, which lets you answer and make calls, and stream music from it, without having to look at the device. To further ensure that you focus on the drive, the “Text to Speech” functionality converts your text messages to voice (the phone’s software must support this feature though). There is also a USB Connectivity feature that allows USB drives to play music in the vehicle. Siri Eyes Free mode for iPhones takes convenience to the next level by allowing you to compose text messages and access notifications without really using your smartphone. This is possible by pressing down on a button on the car’s steering wheel to activate Siri. The Enhanced Voice Recognition system also allows you to give your Cruze simple voice commands to play music of choice, access files within your smartphone, and make or take phone calls. Other features include automatic door locks and frequent warning signs that ensure safety when driving/parking. chevrolet.co.in
Ford Endeavour — SYNC 2
The latest Ford Endeavour is in-built with a large range of “intuitive and practical” technologies that add an edge to this beast. It makes sure your drive is not just enjoyable, but also smart. Ford’s globally renowned in-car connectivity technology, SYNC 2 enables you to not just sync your mobile devices to the car (via Bluetooth), but also connect to other data devices via an SD card reader, and audio/video RCA connectors. Easy voice commands can control the infotainment system to even set the right cabin temperature. This advanced system prides itself on an eight-inch touch screen with colour codes that allows simple navigation between phone (yellow), climate (blue), entertainment (red) and navigation/information (green). SYNC 2 lets you customise different aspects of your infotainment system too, such as speech, commands and wallpaper. There is also a “first-in-class” ten-speaker sound system that comes integrated with a subwoofer and prides itself on high quality bass and accurate sound reproduction. india.ford.com
Mercedes-Benz S-Class — COMAND Online Multimedia system
The COMAND Online multimedia system offers excellent, hard-disc based navigation guidance by using top quality topographical 3D map display. This high-end system can be accessed via voice control thanks to LINGUATRONIC that allows navigation, music search, voice calls and control of Mercedes-Benz apps. When the car is stationary, the system allows you to access websites and Mercedes-Benz apps when on the go. A seamless Bluetooth connection allows you to be “hands-free” with the text message reading function. You can stream music and use all multimedia functions too without losing focus on your drive. There is also an 80GB hard disc, two USB ports, and one SD card slot in the control panel that is equipped with an advanced ergonomic touchpad with a rotary controller. Being a long saloon, Burmester sound system amplifies sound in the interiors. It is equipped with 24 speakers that give a total output of up to 1,540 watts providing unparalleled sound experience. mercedes-benz.co.in
Hyundai Elantra — Audio Video Navigation system
The brand new Hyundai Elantra comes with an advanced Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system that features an 8.0 high-definition touch screen. When the navigation mode is turned on, the screen “constantly updates information on road conditions, traffic and detours so that one can readily avoid delays when on the road”. The rear view camera offers improved visibility, making parking and reversing a breeze. The system, once synced with your smartphone, allows you to access and use its applications and voice controlled search capabilities. This is the first time that Hyundai Elantra has collaborated with Arkamys, a software and audio signal processor, to create a “smart surround system”. The car is equipped with six high performing speakers that promise to deliver a crisp music experience making sure you are entertained on the go. hyundai.com/in
BMW 7 Series — iDrive
The latest BMW 7 Series comes with an intuitive technology called iDrive. It has a control display and controller (dial on the central console) that can be used with one hand, without taking your eyes off the road. The four most frequently used functions (media, radio, telephone and navigation) have assigned buttons around the controller. The futuristic system also has Gesture Control that recognises six pre-defined hand movements for volume control and answering or rejecting of phone calls to name a few. It also features BMW Touch Command, an innovative system fitted into a seven-inch tablet designed for the rear passengers to control entertainment and comfort options. You can use iDrive’s Navigation System Professional that offers a 3D design combined with a glare-free display that adjusts itself to the cabin’s brightness. The innovations don’t end here — the BMW Remote Control Parking and BMW Display Key can allow you to park your car in a tight space, without even being inside it! The cabin experience is one of a kind too; the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system with 16 speakers (optional feature available at an additional cost) has a total output of 1,400 watts. bmw.in
Audi A, Q and performance ranges — Multi Media Interface navigation plus
The Multi Media Interface Navigation Plus with MMI touch in most of Audi’s top range models comprises of a 21cm monitor that spoils you with an array of technological choices. The Audi Voice Dialogue system understands voice commands and also connects to smartphones’ (iOS and Android) voice assistant. There are eight customisable buttons that let you access stored files in your phone, including contacts and media, and shuffle between your favourite radio stations. It has inbuilt Audio Navigation that merges with the MMI to provide an advanced and accurate navigational system (a part of Audi Genuine Accessories — this feature can be installed only on navigation-ready cars). With two card readers, the Audi Music Interface has a DVD drive, aux port, 10GB of flash storage and a Bluetooth interface. Exceptional sound quality is guaranteed with its 19-speaker BOSE sound system and Bang & Olufsen sound system. While the Audi A8 L comes equipped with wifi and Audi Rear Seat Entertainment System with twin ear screens, the Audi Q7 offers an all-in-touch control panel with multi-touch capability with haptic feedback. Audi also equips its Audi A4, Audi TT, Audi Q7 and Audi R8 with a virtual cockpit that lets you switch between two views by pressing a button on the steering wheel, to access navigation maps, phone lists, radio and media areas alongside the tachometer and speedometer. audi.in
Nissan GT-R — Multi-Function Display system
With a reduced number of hard buttons, the 2017 Nissan GT-R uses intuitive technology to ensure a drive in this super car is an enthralling experience. The car has a large eight-inch multi-touch screen that is fitted with a configurable Multi-Function Display system. The superior display provides the driver with information on the car’s key performance parameters such as the engine’s performance, braking and acceleration. Also included is the factory preset screen, which is a stopwatch display activated from the steering wheel to record your driving time. These track times can be stored on a flash drive using the two USB ports in the centre console. There is also a dial called Display Commander that allows you to navigate within the multi-touch screen with ease. Rotate the dial or push it to the left or right, to scroll through all the menus available on its infotainment system. However, what stands out still is the three-mode dynamic system that allows on the fly adjustment of data transmission, suspension and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) stability control. nissan.in
