Looking for Android Auto on a budget? While I still recommend the Volkswagen Jetta, there's going to be an even wallet-friendlier four-door sedan with Auto on the block soon. The Jetta, with delivery, rings up around $21,000 all in for the least expensive model with Android Auto, but the new Hyundai Elantra will set you back ten fewer Benjamins, at around $20,000 with delivery ($19,785 to be precise).
The 2017 Elantra goes on sale in the next couple of months in the US - before spring rolls around - and Android Auto is a mere $800 upgrade on the base SE (automatic) trim, which nets you the aforementioned Auto, plus Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, 16" alloys, steering wheel media controls, cruise control, Bluetooth, heated outboard mirrors, and a hood insulator, which is apparently something some car manufacturers aren't including on every single car in 2016?
The Elantra can be optioned up much higher than that, though, and there's little denying that the top-tier Limited trim presents a heckuva value, and it's definitely the one I see on the road most often. For $23,185 including delivery, you get The Total Package(TM). And by total, I mean there are still $4,400 of packages available on top of that, but let's talk about the basics. The 2017 Elantra Limited gets you LED running lights, blind spot detection, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual automatic climate control, lighted driver's door handle (swag), sunvisor extensions (!), 17" alloy wheels, side mirror turn indicators, LED taillights, chrome exterior accents, a power drive's seat, 60/40 fold-down rear seatback, dual USB ports, and like eight other things that are just way too mundane for me to care about listing here. Unfortunately, you do still get the basic 7" touchscreen, and 8" with navigation is a $2500 upgrade. You can find the real nitty-gritty here.
Also, here's a press release.
PRESS RELEASE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2017 Hyundai Elantra launches this month with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. CarPlay is the smarter, safer way to use an iPhone® in the car, taking the things users want to do with their iPhone while driving and putting them right on the car's built-in display, so drivers can stay focused on the road. For Android phone users, the 2017 Elantra is also compatible with Android Auto.
Both smartphone integrations will be available on the 2017 Elantra's seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and Hyundai's eight-inch touchscreen navigation system with voice texting, access to music stored on the phone and third-party audio apps.
"By launching our best-selling model, Elantra, with CarPlay and Android Auto support, we are building on our promise to offer more convenience features for today's modern driver at an affordable price point," said Mike O'Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Also, the new smartphone integrations will help to keep drivers' eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, helping to reduce driver distraction."
CarPlay delivers an instantly recognizable experience to iPhone users that will help reduce driver distraction due to its familiarity. CarPlay support lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. With CarPlay, Siri provides drivers an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands that are easily and directly accessed through the steering wheel's voice button. Using a Lightning connector, CarPlay works with iPhone 5 and current models running the iOS 7.1 or higher operating systems. Elantra provides an available second USB port for charging because of this wired connection.
Elantra is also compatible with Android Auto for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including navigation with Google Maps™, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities and over 40 approved smartphone apps. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 5.0, Lollipop or higher.
The CarPlay roster of supported apps can be found at the following link: http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/. Android Auto's app roster can be found here: g.co/androidauto. Apple and Google plan to add more third-party apps in the future, and these will not require any vehicle software updates.
In early 2016, Hyundai will have additional information regarding the availability of CarPlay and Android Auto on other models. This will include information on how existing owners of compatible vehicles with Hyundai's fourth-generation navigation system or Display Audio can update their vehicles with these features. Android Auto is currently available on 2015 and 2016 Sonata models.
DISPLAY AUDIO
Hyundai's Display Audio system features a high-resolution seven-inch color touch-screen display optimized specifically for smartphone integrations and the latest generation of Blue Link.
In addition, Display Audio incorporates Hyundai's latest and most innovative in-vehicle technology by offering a simple, multi-use home screen, HD Radio® capability, mixed AM, FM and SiriusXM presets, along with Pandora-link integration.
Additional Display Audio Features:
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Integration with Apple's Siri-powered "Eyes Free" mode
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Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to use the voice command button on the steering wheel to ask Siri questions without taking their eyes off the road
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Siri Eyes Free supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back text messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, and adding reminders, among other functions
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Integration with Google's voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality through Android Auto
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Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to find destinations in Google Maps, set appointment reminders, make and receive calls, respond to text messages with intuitive voice commands, and more
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Pandora integration
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SiriusXM Satellite Radio with enhanced features
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Pause, back and play for current station
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Automatic recording of top six presets
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SiriusXM Travel Link
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Sports scores and schedules, stock ticker, movie times, fuel prices and weather/alerts
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Advanced voice recognition
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Multi-touch screen that supports swipe and wipe gestures
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New home screen with multiple functions
Display Audio combines the best of phone-based connectivity technologies with Blue Link. Blue Link provides a full suite of safety and diagnostic features, as well as features that are only possible with an embedded telematics system, such as remote engine start, stolen vehicle recovery and remote door lock/unlock.
EIGHT-INCH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Hyundai's eight-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display and home screen that shows map and music information, regardless of the music source. The Blue Link Guidance package (three-month trial included) works with Hyundai's on-board navigation system by providing Destination Search, powered by Google™, as well as POI Web Search and Download to help you get to your destinations via your connected car. Owners can make the most of SiriusXM Travel Link with the ability to send searched locations to their car's navigation system.
NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK
Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Remote features can be accessed via Hyundai's smartphone app or Web portal. Blue Link also features maintenance alerts and safety features, such as Automatic Collision Notification and SOS. The next-generation Blue Link system uses a 4G connection. The Blue Link Connected Care package includes safety and diagnostic features and is standard for one year on equipped models.
