Long before onboard tech and multimedia interfaces became an important part of cars, it was nearly impossible to get an affordable or a small vehicle that had a decent infotainment system. Sure, you could get a radio and the simplest Bluetooth integration, but navigation and smartphone apps suites were out of the question. To get those you had to step up to something expensive and relatively large. Now, almost every car offers a long list of connectivity features and an available infotainment system that’s highly connected. No longer do you have to suffer with low-rent interfaces just because you don’t want to get a massive behemoth of a car. Here are 10 small and affordable cars that come with great infotainment systems.
Scion iA
Yes, we all know Scion is dying, but the iA will be one of the models that will live on under the Toyota brand. Despite its low starting price of $16,495, the iA comes with a slick infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and features such as Pandora, Aha, and Stitcher to keep your music flowing. An available navigation upgrade features 3-D graphics when you zoom in.
Toyota Prius C
The hybrid Toyota Prius C is an eco-friendly urban warrior with plenty of connectivity thanks to the Entune infotainment system and app suite that has an available navigation upgrade. Featuring apps such as Yelp, Slacker, Facebook, Pandora, and iHeartRadio, plus data services that can track stock, fuel prices, sports, and traffic, the Prius C keeps you well-connected to your world.
Ford Fiesta
For 2016, the Ford Fiesta received Sync 3, the latest version of Ford’s infotainment system, which comes with a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen and 3-D mapping when equipped with navigation. Sync AppLink gives you access to all the latest smartphone-based apps such as Pandora and Spotify, while Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link gives you real-time traffic information.
Nissan Versa Note
You can get the NissanConnect infotainment system with mobile apps and navigation on SR and SL trim levels of the Nissan Versa Note. As part of the mobile apps suite, you’ll get Google online search, Facebook, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Twitter, TripAdvisor, and SiriusXM services such as satellite radio, traffic reports, fuel prices, movie listings, stocks, and sports.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system was added to the Impreza compact car in 2015 and is available with a 6.2-inch touchscreen or a 7-inch unit when equipped with navigation. The standard apps include Aha, Pandora, Stitcher, and iHeart Radio. You can also get 4G LTE connectivity with AT&T on select 2016 Subaru models.
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet’s MyLink interface has always been one of the better infotainment systems on the market, and it’s better than ever in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. In addition to 4G LTE, the MyLink infotainment system in the 2016 Cruze has Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto compatibility, giving you access to an expanded array of apps on your smartphone including Google Maps, iTunes, and Spotify. If you need more space to go with your tech, the Cruze will also be available as a hatchback.
Hyundai Elantra
Recently redesigned for the 2017 model year, the Hyundai Elantra gains an upgraded infotainment system with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. This gives you expanded access to your smartphone apps and essentially turns your phone into your infotainment system. Should you want to use Hyundai’s excellent unit, you’ll be able to swap over to it as well.
Mazda CX-3
Currently one of the most entertaining small crossovers to drive, the Mazda CX-3 has an infotainment system that’s well-thought-out and user-friendly. Featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, the Mazda Connect interface can be controlled multiple ways and comes with apps such as Pandora, Aha Radio, and Stitcher. Additionally, it can read text messages to you and gives you access to social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Fiat 500X
FCA’s UConnect infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly interfaces available today and it’s available in the Fiat 500X. Featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the UConnect system in the 500X comes with 3-D mapping for the available navigation upgrade, satellite radio, traffic updates, and SiriusXM Travel Link, which can tell you everything from movie listings and stocks to fuel prices and locations of red light and speeding cameras.
Kia Forte
Like its Hyundai Elantra cousin, the Kia Forte receives an upgraded infotainment system for 2017 that has Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. In the sedan, the new multimedia interface is available in the S and EX trim. On the hatchback it’s an option on both EX and SX trims. You’ll be able to switch to Kia’s excellent UVO system with one button should you not want to use your smartphone as an infotainment system
The post 10 Small and Affordable Cars With Great Infotainment Systems appeared first on Motor Trend.
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