Infotainment

score 3.8 Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?

Volkswagen Polo Composition Media Standard Key features: Carplay, Android Auto

GO for a Polo in SE trim and you get an eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard.

While most buyers will have a compatible smartphone to gain access to navigation, built-in sat-nav is a pricey £650 option, whereas it’s only £300 on the Ford and included as standard on the SEAT.

The system works slickly and responds quickly to inputs; VW has really got this area of its cars nailed for ease of use because the interface and menus are laid out logically. The graphics are also sharp and bright, and while touchscreens aren’t always the easiest to use on the move, the size of the display and its positioning higher in the dash mean you encounter fewer of those ‘missed’ prods.

The beats model’s stereo is also good for a small car, featuring seven speakers and a 300W amplifier.

Display Touchscreen makes it easy to use DAB, car settings and mobile connectivity. Standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto compensates for fact built-in nav is £650

Ford Fiesta SYNC3 Nav System £300 option Key features: Sat-nav, phone tech, screen

ZETEC models get a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, but our test model had the optional upgrade, which boosts the screen size to eight inches and adds nav.

The two set-ups work similarly and offer clear graphics and quick responses to inputs. The big icons mean the system’s layout is simple and it’s placed in an even better position than the Polo’s screen. Like the VW, you get two USB sockets so you can connect your phone to your car and charge another gadget. Unlike its rivals, wireless charging isn’t supported, though.

The strong point of the Fiesta’s infotainment system is its simplicity. Whereas some rivals’ units are laggy and feature convoluted menus, the Ford won’t ever leave you frustrated or waiting for a function to be completed. More functionality would be nice, however, even if it’s optional.

Touchscreen Simplicity is the key to the Fiesta’s impressive infotainment. Optional SYNC3 system adds sat-nav to standard DAB radio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto

SEAT Ibiza Media System Plus Standard Key features: Nav, Full Link

FR trim comes as standard with SEAT’S Media System Plus, which features an eight-inch colour touchscreen to match its rivals. But unlike the other models, you also get sat-nav, so the Ibiza offers more in the way of standard infotainment features. The Spanish brand’s Full Link connectivity pack is included, too, so Apple Carplay and Android Auto allow you to hook up your smartphone. There’s also voice recognition.

The Ibiza’s screen graphics aren’t quite as sharp as the Polo’s, while the layout of the interface isn’t as slick as the VW’S or as simple as the Ford’s, either. However, as with the Polo (where fitted), the beats sound system is punchy for a small car.

DAB is also standard, although it’s not included on any Ibiza below FR spec, which seems stingy. This aside, the SEAT scores well here thanks to its better level of standard kit for similar money to its rivals.

Infotainment System is packed with features such as sat-nav, DAB, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The downside is that the graphics aren’t as sharp as rivals’