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The Hyundai Elantra will be the least-expensive Android Auto vehicle we’ve seen
While built-in services like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are becoming more and more common, we’re still seeing them installed on more luxury-geared vehicles, for the most part. However, Hyundai is looking to break this trend by setting loose a budget-friendly car that’s ready to bring Android Auto to folks not interested in breaking the bank for their wheels: the 2017 Elantra.
Including delivery, the Hyundai Elantra sports a price tag of $19,785. It will be going on sale during Q1 in the US, and if you want Android Auto installed, all you have to do is fork over an additional $800. That might seem a bit pricy for Android Auto alone, but what comes with the package is Apple CarPlay functionality (just in case), a rear-view camera, automatic headlights, media control buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment system, heated side mirrors, and a hood insulator.
It’s possible to outfit the Elantra further than this tier, but that’s the minimum that you have to pay to get Android Auto included in the bundle. Even the Limited version comes with blind spot detection, LED running lights, leather steering wheel, shift knob, and seats, 17” alloy wheels, and a slew of other perks to boot. However, if you want that 7-inch touchscreen built into the dash, you’re going to be paying an extra $2,500.
Bottom line here: the Hyundai Elantra is looking to be the least-expensive device on the market with Android Auto support in 2016. If you’re looking for a new ride, and Android Auto is on your priorities list, maybe give this one a close look. Full press release below.
What are your thoughts on Hyundai’s latest Android-savvy go-places machine? Let us know in the comments below!
[press]FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The 2017 Hyundai Elantra launches this month with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. CarPlay is the smarter, safer way to use an iPhone® in the car, taking the things users want to do with their iPhone while driving and putting them right on the car’s built-in display, so drivers can stay focused on the road. For Android phone users, the 2017 Elantra is also compatible with Android Auto.
Both smartphone integrations will be available on the 2017 Elantra’s seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and Hyundai’s eight-inch touchscreen navigation system with voice texting, access to music stored on the phone and third-party audio apps.
“By launching our best-selling model, Elantra, with CarPlay and Android Auto support, we are building on our promise to offer more convenience features for today’s modern driver at an affordable price point,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Also, the new smartphone integrations will help to keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, helping to reduce driver distraction.”
CarPlay delivers an instantly recognizable experience to iPhone users that will help reduce driver distraction due to its familiarity. CarPlay support lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. With CarPlay, Siri provides drivers an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands that are easily and directly accessed through the steering wheel’s voice button. Using a Lightning connector, CarPlay works with iPhone 5 and current models running the iOS 7.1 or higher operating systems. Elantra provides an available second USB port for charging because of this wired connection.
Elantra is also compatible with Android Auto for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including navigation with Google Maps™, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities and over 40 approved smartphone apps. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 5.0, Lollipop or higher.
The CarPlay roster of supported apps can be found at the following link: http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/. Android Auto’s app roster can be found here: g.co/androidauto. Apple and Google plan to add more third-party apps in the future, and these will not require any vehicle software updates.
In early 2016, Hyundai will have additional information regarding the availability of CarPlay and Android Auto on other models. This will include information on how existing owners of compatible vehicles with Hyundai’s fourth-generation navigation system or Display Audio can update their vehicles with these features. Android Auto is currently available on 2015 and 2016 Sonata models.
DISPLAY AUDIO
Hyundai’s Display Audio system features a high-resolution seven-inch color touch-screen display optimized specifically for smartphone integrations and the latest generation of Blue Link.
In addition, Display Audio incorporates Hyundai’s latest and most innovative in-vehicle technology by offering a simple, multi-use home screen, HD Radio® capability, mixed AM, FM and SiriusXM presets, along with Pandora-link integration.
Additional Display Audio Features:
- Integration with Apple’s Siri-powered “Eyes Free” mode
- Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to use the voice command button on the steering wheel to ask Siri questions without taking their eyes off the road
- Siri Eyes Free supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back text messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, and adding reminders, among other functions
- Integration with Google’s voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality through Android Auto
- Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to find destinations in Google Maps, set appointment reminders, make and receive calls, respond to text messages with intuitive voice commands, and more
- Pandora integration
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with enhanced features
- Pause, back and play for current station
- Automatic recording of top six presets
- SiriusXM Travel Link
- Sports scores and schedules, stock ticker, movie times, fuel prices and weather/alerts
- Advanced voice recognition
- Multi-touch screen that supports swipe and wipe gestures
- New home screen with multiple functions
Display Audio combines the best of phone-based connectivity technologies with Blue Link. Blue Link provides a full suite of safety and diagnostic features, as well as features that are only possible with an embedded telematics system, such as remote engine start, stolen vehicle recovery and remote door lock/unlock.
EIGHT-INCH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Hyundai’s eight-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display and home screen that shows map and music information, regardless of the music source. The Blue Link Guidance package (three-month trial included) works with Hyundai’s on-board navigation system by providing Destination Search, powered by Google™, as well as POI Web Search and Download to help you get to your destinations via your connected car. Owners can make the most of SiriusXM Travel Link with the ability to send searched locations to their car’s navigation system.
NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK
Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Remote features can be accessed via Hyundai’s smartphone app or Web portal. Blue Link also features maintenance alerts and safety features, such as Automatic Collision Notification and SOS. The next-generation Blue Link system uses a 4G connection. The Blue Link Connected Care package includes safety and diagnostic features and is standard for one year on equipped models.[/press]