In its brand-new vehicles, which will go on sale in Europe next year and in the United States in early 2016, Audi will start providing the Apple CarPlay technology.
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The Apple CarPlay technology will be made available in Audi’s brand-new vehicles, which will be on sale in Europe next year and in the United States in the early part of 2016.
Does the 2017 Audi A3 support Apple CarPlay?
The addition of the Virtual Cockpit system, which we first experienced in the Audi A4 Avant earlier this year, is the most notable advancement, at least from the perspective of the driver.
The Virtual Cockpit is now an optional feature on every model of the 2017 Audi A3 as part of the Technology Pack, costing $1,490. It is not standard equipment. I’d advise you to think about spending more money if you’re creating a new model because it’s a great addition.
The conventional analogue dials and small DIS (driver’s information system) screen that typically reside behind the wheel are effectively replaced by a massive 12.3in, 1,440 x 540-resolution digital display with Virtual Cockpit. This can display your satnav map and media playback navigation in addition to the speedometer, rev counter, gear, miles per gallon, and trip distances.
There are two options for perspectives. The Classic display is an option for those who want a more conventional dial-based arrangement, with a larger speedometer and rev counter in the front and a smaller satnav and media control portion in the back. However, when you press the Display button on the steering wheel, Progressive mode is selected, which causes the dials to become smaller and be tucked into the corners in favor of a larger map and information view.
Although Virtual Cockpit remains one of the most customizable displays, it is more expensive than competitors because Virtual Cockpit is so good that nearly all other manufacturers now offer it as an option. For instance, the Active Info Display on the VW Golf is a much more affordable 495 option for new vehicles that don’t include it as default.
However, it’s important to note that, unlike the Golf, if you choose the active invo display and Audi’s own satnav, voice control is included at no additional cost.
Audi A3 review (2017): Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
Naturally, Audi, being Audi, does not stop there. The Audi A3 is also the first vehicle from the German automaker I’ve driven that is equipped with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The good news is that the “Audi Smartphone Interface,” as Audi refers to this technology, is now standard across the whole A3 range, unlike Virtual Cockpit. Since you won’t need to specify Audi’s exclusive navigation system in order to have navigation in the dash, you might be able to save 495 as a result.
Additionally, setup is expertly handled. When your phone is plugged into one of the car’s USB ports, the Audi system recognizes it even if Android Auto isn’t loaded on it and prompts you to download and install the necessary software.
Given that CarPlay is already included in iOS, getting started with it couldn’t be simpler: all you have to do is enable it in your iPhone’s settings, connect your phone in, and follow the on-screen instructions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that CarPlay functionality only goes as far back as the iPhone 4s. Unfortunately, owners of previous models will be left out.
The bad news is that this integration still somewhat feels like it was added on at the end. It feels a little awkward using the rotary MMI knob on the center console to navigate either Google or Apple’s fledgling car interfaces because the 7-inch screen, which emerges from the top of the dashboard on a motorized track, isn’t a touchscreen.
The 2016 Audi Q3 is Apple CarPlay compatible.
The throne-like front sport seats with the Sport package have wide cushions and thick bolsters on either side.
These athletic chairs offer tremendous thigh support, which taller front-row passengers will adore.
Because the back seat is low to the ground, rear passengers have 0.4 inches more headroom than front passengers. The legroom, on the other hand, is an usually tiny 31.1 inches, making this row ideal for those who are diminutive.
The Q3’s slanted C-pillars restrict inside space; its 16.4 cubic feet capacity is significantly less than the 27.1 cubic feet of the BMW X1. The Q3’s back seats can be folded down to create a total area of 48.2 cubic feet, which is less than the X1’s total room by around 10 cubic feet. Although the X1 is just slightly longer than the Q3, its more upright lines enable it to fit significantly more space into its footprint.
Audi’s MMI navigation system, which is included in the Q3 Prestige, has a clean, high-contrast interface that is one of its key advantages. This interface is displayed on the center seven-inch screen.
Hard buttons that take you to different function screens make navigating the MMI’s functions simple. Although there is no support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the MP3 SD card slot is a wonderful addition.
If the Audi Q3 were even remotely as endearing as it is, it would sell well. There is something here for almost every crossover buyer, and the 2017 Premium trim level’s cheaper starting price ensures that the majority of people in this market will have a reason to look Audi’s way.
If we were purchasing, we would carefully examine the Q3’s roominess and hope that Audi would offer a Q3 with the active safety systems that are offered by so many other crossoversit would be a disappointing omission from a typically tech-leading automaker.
However, the Q3’s overall winning combination of size, quality, and style is obviously appealing to crossover buyers.