Infotainment
Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav and connectivity?
INFINITI Q60 Infiniti Navigation System Standard Key features: Nav, online apps, Bose stereo ALL versions of the Q60 get Infiniti’s Navigation system and Intouch connectivity set-up. The latter allows you to connect your smartphone and access apps such as Google and Facebook, as well as read your E-mails and texts. Once linked, the system will also retain your preferred driving mode settings. And while there’s no Apple Carplay or Android Auto, the standard Bluetooth means you can stream music to the 13-speaker Bose hi-fi.
However, while the set-up is packed with features, the interface can be a challenge. Two screens are set into the centre console, with the eight-inch upper display showing sat-nav and trip data. The lower seven-inch unit controls the audio, apps and climate controls. Oddly, the graphics’ resolution is poorer on the top screen, giving the set-up a mismatched look. Also, the upper unit features a rotary controller and hot keys, steering-wheel buttons and touchscreen capability, but the lower display is accessed only by touchscreen. On the move, it all gets confusing. LEXUS RC 300H Lexus Navigation £995 Key features: Nav, reverse camera, Bluetooth LEXUS currently lags behind the best manufacturers when it comes to infotainment, and that’s highlighted by the RC 300h. For starters, this is the only car here that doesn’t get sat-nav as standard. What’s more, the £995 upgrade brings more dated graphics than either rival, plus the standard rotary controller is replaced by a touchpad that takes practice to use accurately.
The RC is also the only contender not to feature any form of online connectivity. You can upgrade to the £1,995 Premium Navigation, but this set-up is limited to providing Internet-based destination searches, parking apps and an ability to send directions to your smartphone so you can continue your journey on foot.
Elsewhere, the standard set-up allows you to stream music, plus there’s a comprehensive trip computer for the hybrid drivetrain. And while the system’s graphics are a little blocky, the menu layout is clear and simple to use. touchpadȑ4l4l AUDI
score A5 MMI Navigation Plus £1,100
Key features: Nav, 4G Internet, EVERY version of the A5 has Audi’s seven-inch MMI infotainment set-up, while the Sport tested here adds Sd-based sat-nav that includes TMC traffic updates. Also featured is a three-month subscription to the Audi Connect service. This has a 4G connection and gives access to the brand’s various apps, plus Twitter and Google Streetview for detailed route-finding assistance.
All this is controlled via the manufacturer’s intuitive MMI rotary dial and shortcut keys that are located on the centre console. There’s also a standard voice-control option – although using it takes a little patience.
Our A5 test car was upgraded with the MMI Plus system (£1,100 on this Sport and £1,600 on the entrylevel SE). This adds a larger 8.3-inch touchscreen which, as with the smaller display, features slicker graphics than its competitors. Also included in the upgrade is a touchpad for the rotary controller, a three-year subscription to Audi Connect and a 10GB hard drive.