IT’S ALWAYS FRUSTRATING when you buy a new car and a few months later, it’s upgraded with features that you really would have liked, but couldn’t get, at the time of purchase. Usually, it’s either impossible, or prohibitively expensive to upgrade to the new features or technology.
However, Mazda has addressed one of the big concerns for recent purchasers by introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade kits.
All Mazda customers with a model with the MZD Connect infotainment system, first introduced to the Australian market in early 2014, will be able to purchase the smartphone mirroring upgrade kit for $494.98 (recommended fitted price).
Customers interested in purchasing the kit are invited to visit their nearest Mazda dealership, where a straightforward hardware and software retrofit process will be completed in several hours.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow driver or passenger to connect their mobile device to the in-car display screen. Via integration to steering wheel controls and voice activated commands, the user can send and receive calls and messages, listen to music, follow directions – all without compromising focus on the road ahead.
Mazda has also confirmed that all new vehicles launched in Australia will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, promising seamless incorporation into the MZD Connect infotainment system. This follows the successful 2018 launches of the tech in Mazda’s Ute segment player, the BT-50, and the latest upgrade of its awarded seven-seater SUV, the Mazda CX-9.
“The ability to fully integrate this technology into our existing offering will give Australians another reason to choose Mazda, but we are especially happy that it is something we can offer to our existing community of customers” said Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi.
Customers looking to retrofit their vehicle with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are invited to enquire with their local dealer, either online or via phone. To locate your nearest dealer, visit https://www.mazda.com.au/find-a-dealer.