Hyundai in car technology takes the lead again
21 Jul, 2008
19 Comments 
Determined to be a leader in car audio and communication technology, Hyundai are again leading the way with the first car audio system to offer Bluetooth wireless music streaming capabilities.
Having introduced such firsts as MP3 capability in all models by early 2004 then iPod, MP3 and USB memory stick connectivity with the i30 range this year, the big Korean throws down the gauntlet for others to play catch up.
As we spend more time in our cars and expect greater availability of mobile and wireless technology it’s refreshing to see these features becoming not only commonplace in lower end cars but offered as standard.
Functioning in much the same way as hands free phone operation the system allows wireless streming of music from any compatible phone or music player – even your lap top. When the phone rings a built in microphone transmits the drivers voice whilst the stereo speakers are used to project the caller’s voice, instead of having two separate systems, and an in-built phone book stores up to 78 names and numbers, each of which is displayed on screen when an incoming call is received.
Getz and Tucson will be first to receive the new head unit with other models adopting the technology shortly thereafter.
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July 21st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
No doubt this cheap nasty head unit will sound about as good as a Kmart Audiosonic $49 boom-box.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
This would be genuis with a 3g iPhone would it not?
obvious battery life issues aside with bluetooth happening all the time?
no ipod cables and no phone kit ?
j
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
You might be surprised VW, I know I was. As it says in the story.. “Determined to be a leader in car audio and communication technology”
Vote:I would be very surprised if this was anything other than brilliant. Hyundai is poised to rule the world, like it or not.
Good on them. (the stereo in my Golf V TDI DCG is no great shakes mate)
j.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Does the word “Aesthetics” mean anyting to Hyundai?? What’s the deal with the ’80s screen….ever heard of LCD screen?? Seriously, if they plan on being the world leader, they gotta do better than that.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 6:12 pm
@ B///M3
Vote:Considering the music streams wirelessly from your iphone or bluetooth walkman etc, i think its the display on your mp3 player that youll be staring at, not the headunit. I assume a better looking unit will be available for their luxury cars anyway
July 21st, 2008 at 6:15 pm
This technology is brilliant, currently available in many Alpine and Pioneer aftermarket systems. I’ve used it with my new SE w960i phone, you’ll need a bluetooth 1.2+ compatible mobile for it to work, but its crystal clear just like being plugged in. Battery life does suffer, however.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Not bad for a 13k new car i.e Getz two door.
Suppose it helps when u also run a consumer electronics division.
Even if your toes curl up at the thought of buying a Korean car their innovation is starting to drive the market at the economy end and the consumer is the winner as everybody else plays catchup.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Missile next u will be asking for STANDARD SATNAV and DVD player in the Getz!LOL.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
What next?
a radio that just plays music??
Ding………
Vote:perhaps i shall be the first to design an object that specialises in one task rather that doing 50 half arsed tasks
July 21st, 2008 at 6:57 pm
This is good – how long were some manufacturers still including cassette players when cds were the dominant format!
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I recently bought a Hyundai Sonata secondhand after a long research – I was shocked at how good the stereo unit was. Speakers were just fantastic. Anyone who thinks Koreans puts crappy stereo in their cars should really drive a Sonata Elite, I bet you it will be miles better than any car 10K more expensive.
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Another great move by Hyundai who must have other car makers very worried right now.
Cheers !
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 9:32 pm
A little off topic I know but I’m currently driving the new XF SV8 (supercharged 4.2-litre V8) and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system in the car needs to be heard to be believed. This unit is the Holy Grail of car audio!
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I was under the impression that music cannot be transmitted via blutooth
laurie
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Its good that they feature it.
But seriously, its no big deal. We have suppliers and spec sheets that can easily add such devices, but they add to the cars price. Electronic parts of a car cost twice as much as most other mechanical/panel parts… obviously.
The biggest argument against such things is… young demographic.. usually buy after market stereo systems. If you are happy with stock “enhancement” fair enough. A $100 dollar supplier cost stereo system such as this translate to about $700~800 extra cost to the overall price of the vehicle…
or you can just buy a “much better” after market one and pay $600~1000 and have something you actually selected and prefer.
But good on Hyundai anyways…
Vote:July 21st, 2008 at 11:19 pm
VW_Freak: the headunit is not that important in sound quality, a good speaker and amp setup will make a good sound out of a basic head unit. Stop being such a knob.
Vote:July 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 am
it’s a pity they use $2 speakers.
Vote:Remember though. Features dont make a better car.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:00 am
I have one of these in my car and it works like a charm. Cheap shots at Hyundai are fine, because they make some great cars and will have the last laugh. And coming from a VW person it’s a bit rich. Don’t worry mate I’ll wave as I go by while you’re waiting for the tow truck. Been there, done that. So there. :oP
Vote:April 8th, 2009 at 4:02 am
The speakers, not the electronics are what makes the difference in the sound. And who stares at the display while they’re driving? You’re supposed to be watching the road.
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