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Kia Australia rolls out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across core range

Carnival, Optima, Sorento 'upgrades' on the way


Kia Australia has quietly introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring software across most of its range, while also hinting at mid-life 'upgrades' for the Carnival MPV, Optima sedan and Sorento SUV.

Speaking with CarAdvice this week, Kevin Hepworth, general manager for corporate communications for Kia Australia, confirmed current models like the Cerato, Sportage now have the technology available across the range, joining the smaller Rio which launched with the software in January.

Meanwhile, the next-generation Picanto micro hatch - on sale in May - will also launch with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as will the Stinger liftback (below) when it launches in the latter half of 2017.

The seven-seat Sorento SUV will add the smartphone compatibility as part of a "third-quarter upgrade" - whether it will just be a new infotainment unit or a facelifted model is still unknown - while the Carnival people mover and Optima sedan will introduce both systems as part of "model upgrades" in 2018.

However, the smaller Rondo MPV and boxy Soul crossover miss out for the time being, with the local division unable to confirm if and when the technology will be available on these models.

Kia has also confirmed owners of current-generation Sportage models can visit their preferred dealer for a software update to gain CarPlay and Android Auto, but all other models already sold would require new hardware and can therefore not be updated.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months ahead of Kia's forthcoming "model upgrades" over the coming months.

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