Kia will eventually add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to luxury models equipped with satellite navigation, as it rolls out its next-generation infotainment system.
The transition will begin with the all-electric EV9 and the upgraded Sorento SUV.
Talk with Car ExpertKia Australia product planning boss Roland Rivero confirmed the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will support wireless smartphone mirroring and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and will debut with the updated Sorento and the all-new EV9 electric SUV. before the end of the year.
“The launch of our sixth generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNc) will start with the EV9 later this year, followed by the updated Sorento and Carnival,” said Mr Rivero.
“This next-generation infotainment system will have hardware to facilitate OTA updates and wireless smartphone mirroring for models with built-in satellite navigation.”
Mr Rivero noted that backwards compatibility with existing vehicles would not be possible, as the fifth-generation infotainment system fitted to the current range does not have the hardware for either of the new confirmed features.
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Kia Sportage
Historically, the official line from Hyundai and Kia has been centered on the ongoing dispute between the Korean automaker and technology supplier over priority mapping, as both embedded navigation and app-based online routing from Apple Maps and/or Google Maps are on the table. .
Kia does offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its base infotainment system without native satellite navigation – usually entry-level grades or lower nameplates like the Picanto and Rio.
Both the updated EV9 and Sorento range will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Sorento’s mid-life refresh will also mark the debut of Kia Connect’s online service for the popular nameplate as well.
The updated Carnival people mover, meanwhile, is expected to be revealed later this year ahead of a 2024 Australian release. In addition to the infotainment upgrades, the new Carnival should pick up features missing from the global catalog that the Australian model has missed out on since the current generation’s release.
Already launched on the Niro and Seltos, Kia Connect is a net-based telematics system that brings online functionality and remote services to the infotainment system and can also be accessed via a smartphone app.
Kia Connect highlights:
- Remote engine start
- Remote climate control
- Remote door lock, unlock
- Remote seat heating, ventilation control
- Check vehicle status
- Jockey Parking Mode
- Kia Connect Direct Service
- Emergency call
- Vehicle tracking
- Stolen Vehicle Ignition Control
- Send Car Destination 2 (via smartphone)
- Local Search
- Voice control
- Personal calendar integration
- EV (EV) charging station locator
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Kia EV9
Hyundai is understood to be planning to roll out similar updates across its line-up, starting with the new-generation Kona from the fourth quarter of 2023 – likely to coincide with the new Kona Electric and Kona Hybrid models.
The petrol version of the Kona will launch this month, and will be in line for a software upgrade to add wireless smartphone mirroring in line with the electric version later this year. Also expect the new Sonata to be included in this launch, as it also scores the latest generation infotainment system.
Mr Rivero’s comments suggest most of the wider Hyundai range will also not offer backwards compatibility with this update due to the lack of OTA functionality, although the electric Ioniq 6 is the first Hyundai to receive the OTA software update in Australia and will likely be the only model existing upgrade compatible.
Stay tuned Car Expert for all the latest, and leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
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Kia EV9
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