All the new cars in South Africa that come with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Car entertainment and audio systems have evolved rapidly over the past decade. So too have car hands-free kits. Increasingly, bulky add-on units are being replaced by systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
These make it safer and easier to use your phone in the car. As demand for these relatively new technologies grows, they may also add to your car book value.
A number of new cars for sale in SA feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are apps, developed by Apple and Google respectively, that let you access cell phone functions via the touchscreen for a car’s infotainment system.
Some vehicle models offer one or the other, as either standard or optional features.
While the battle between Android and Apple continues, it doesn’t have to factor into your vehicle choice. Here we look at vehicle brands in South Africa that offer both Android Auto Apple CarPlay in their line-ups.
Alfa
Alfa’s resurgence continues with their new SUV the Stelvio, which is meant to compete with other premium brand SUV’s. It offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but only from Super Trim level and above.
Audi
Audi is a premium German brand, and as expected it offers these systems on most of their models. Audi models above the A1 have the capability for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it’s part of the Audi smartphone interface, which is an optional feature that costs approximately R4,500.00. Models include the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, TT, Q7, Q5, Q2 and R8.
Datsun
Datsun is back in action after its heydays in the ’70s and ’80s, when it made a name for itself for reliability and affordability. Now as part of the Nissan family, it continues that tradition. An entry-level vehicle, the Datsun Go has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features.
Fiat
This Italian company uses its Uconnect® interface to connect to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which are standard features in its 500, Tipo and 500X models.
Ford
Ford sells an extensive range of vehicles in South Africa. Currently, however, only the Ford Ranger, Ecosport and Everest come with Ford’s SYNC®3 infotainment system. This is compatible with both Apple and Android systems.
Hyundai
Hyundai is the first Korean brand on the list and continues to offer great value for money. It provides a wide range of vehicles with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay infotainment systems as standard features. These include the i10, i20, Accent, Elantra, Creta, KONA, Tucson and Santa Fe.
Jaguar
It’s great to see that most of the cars in the Jaguar range have compatibility for both Apple and Android as part of the standard Smartphone Pack, instead of as optional extras. Models include the XE, XF, XJ and F-Type. Jaguar’s new electric vehicles, the I-Pace, E-Pace and F-Pace, also have both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
JEEP
The new Jeep Compass is the only vehicle in the range to incorporate both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its infotainment system. The other models offer high-end Alpine infotainment systems but don’t support these apps.
Kia
Kia offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Sportage models 2.0L EX PLUS 2WD Auto and above. It also provides both as standard in the Rio, Sedona and Sorento ranges.
Mazda
Another manufacturer that’s seen a resurgence in recent years, with some outstanding designs and a breath-taking colour range, is Mazda. Unfortunately, only the CX-5 had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. Although many models aren’t equipped with this technology, Mazda has a kit that can be retrofitted to any Mazda3, Mazda2, CX-3 or CX-5 model that doesn’t have it. The cost of the kit is R2,785.
Mercedes
As expected, most Mercedes models come with both Apple and Android systems as standard equipment. Models that have the systems include the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLS, GLE, GLS, GLA, G-Class, SL and SLC. Two vehicle models that don’t have the systems are the X-Class and the V-Class.
Opel
Initially a German brand, but taken over by the French Groupe PSA in recent years, Opel has a reputation for reliability and comfort. In the Opel range, models with connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay include the Mokka, Corsa, Crossland and Astra.
Peugeot
Peugeot is the flagship brand of Groupe PSA and the first French car maker on this list. Currently, the 308 is the only car in their range with connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other vehicles in their line-up, like the 3008 and the 2008, have connectivity to Apple CarPlay only.
Renault
Another French company, Renault specialises in unique designs for people who want something out of the ordinary. In the Renault range, only the Koleos and the new Duster can connect to both Apple and Android systems.
Subaru
Subaru is known for its boxer engines and exceptional reliability, at great prices. In the Subaru range, only the Impreza and the legendary WRX and WRX STI have connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota
Arguably South Africa’s favourite brand, Toyota is offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in only very few of its vehicles. Currently, only the CH-R, Rush and Landcruiser 200 series support these systems.
VW
Volkswagen uses software called App-connect to connect to mobile devices, but doesn’t offer it in all models. The Polo and Tiguan have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only in highline trim and upwards. The Golf and Tiguan also have both, but only in the comfortline trim and above. The Toureg, Caravelle and new Arteon have both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment units in all models in the range. Unfortunately, the popular Polo Vivo has neither.
Volvo
Volvo claims to make the world’s safest cars, and most of their vehicles come with an impressive range of safety and tech features. The XC90, CX60, CX40, S90 and V90 all have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as part of an optional smartphone integration package. This costs R4,050.
So there you have it. These are the current vehicles in South Africa that come with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Manufacturers such as Lexus, Nissan and BMW are missing from the list. That’s because they provide support only for Apple CarPlay and not Android Auto. Other companies, like Mitsubishi and Isuzu, don’t offer either in their current ranges.
Technology features generally add to your car value, potentially increasing its resale value and the amount you can get as a loan for your car.
At Lamna, we offer fast, discreet loans against the value of a wide range of assets, including cars. For more information about using an asset to secure a short-term loan, contact us on 086 111 2866 or simply complete and submit our online application form.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Client borrows R10,000 for 90 days.
Loan Amount | Repayment Period | Monthly Interest | Total Cost of Loan | Initiation Fee | Monthly Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R10 000 | 3 months | R500.00 | R2 914.50 | R1 207.50 | R569.00 | 60% |
Fixed rates range from 36% to 60% APR and payment options range from minimum 3 to maximum 24 months. Apart from the initiation and monthly fees shown below, the only additional fee is credit life insurance if the borrower does not have this already.