Mazda has begun its rollout of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, announcing the features will be added to the North American 6 sedan during their summer. At this point, the feature is reserved for the facelifted Mazda 6 in North America, but it's not likely to be long before the technology makes its way to Australia...
Australian pricing and specs for the revised 2018 Maserati GranCabrio have been announced, with the V8 Italian drop-top to kick off from $335,000 before on-road costs. The car will be offered in two trim levels: Sport (below in blue) and MC, or Maserati Corse (above). Both are powered by the same naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V8 engine, making 343kW and 520Nm...
BMW Australia is considering a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay, potentially following in the footsteps of its American counterpart. Speaking to CarAdvice at the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour, Lenore Fletcher, local communications boss for BMW, said the company was in discussions about making customers – who currently pay upfront to have CarPlay fitted – make yearly payments to use the service...
While Mazda leads the game in Australia on many fronts, it falls short in the field of basic smartphone technology and connectivity. Speaking to media at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show, president and CEO of Mazda North America Operations, Masahiro Moro said technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is on the way...
Nissan Australia has confirmed it is working to bring Apple CarPlay compatibility to its range, but it's yet to provide a concrete time-frame – nor a definitive model – for the smartphone-mirroring technology's local debut. Speaking with CarAdvice at the local launch of the updated Qashqai SUV (stay tuned for the review on Friday), the new local Nissan boss, Stephen Lester, said Apple CarPlay will become the norm in the range "very soon"...
The upgraded 2018 Fiat 500X has been revealed for the US market, with an Australian launch confirmed for sometime in the first quarter of next year. As is often the case with Fiat's 500-badged models, the retro styling of the 500X shows only subtle changes for the new model year. Indeed, tweaks on the outside are limited to new colours: Donatello Bronze (bottom) and Alpi Matte Green (top)...
A new Do Not Disturb While Driving feature is coming to Apple iPhone devices from around the third quarter of this year. When Do Not Disturb While Driving mode is enabled, the phone can block incoming messages and also automatically reply with something like: "I'm driving with Do Not Disturb on. I'll respond when I get to where I'm going...
Mini has announced a number of range-wide updates this week for July production, including the addition of Apple CarPlay mirroring, along with a new driver's cluster and head-up display. All models in the line-up - which includes the Hatch, Clubman wagon and Countryman SUV - will get a new cockpit instrument layout with an additional "night" design and a revised fuel level display...
The special-edition 2017 Fiat 500 Mirror has been revealed in Europe with the latest smartphone connectivity, but it appears buyers in Australia are set to miss out. The new Fiat 500 Mirror model is named after its smartphone mirroring tech, with the media system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - two in-demand items from consumers, particularly in the city car segment of the market...
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...
Mazda's US arm has confirmed it will add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to its line-up, though timing is still to be confirmed. Speaking to Cars.com at the US launch of the new CX-5, a spokesperson for the company said it is planning to introduce the smartphone mirroring technology, though didn't say which vehicle will debut the feature...
BMW Australia says it will continue to offer Apple CarPlay as a cost option rather than providing it for free like many entry-grade brands do, because it feels the latest iDrive 5 and iDrive 6 systems render it unnecessary. The German premium brand’s local arm charges $479 for the software download from its ConnectedDrive store that you can upload yourself to iDrive version 5 and up — or $623 if you purchase it with the car from new, on account of luxury car tax...
Ford and Toyota have created the SmartDeviceLink Consortium to develop and promote an in-car smartphone application connectivity standard that will, the car makers' hope, rival the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay app mirroring technologies...
The 2017 BMW 5 Series has been unveiled, bringing with it a host of advanced technology and features - including a handy world-first for fans of the Apple iPhone. BMW's G30 5 Series debuts wireless Apple CarPlay integration, which eliminates the use of a cable. If you're anything like this writer, with a ritualistic phone charging routine, this will be a godsend...
Welcome to the CarAdvice.com News Desk, a regular video wrap of the latest happenings in the automotive world and Australia's new-car market. Keeping you in the loop, Tegan Lawson presents a weekly video from the CarAdvice Garage, with everything you need to know about the week in news and reviews...
Hyundai has added Android Auto compatibility to the majority of its line-up this week, joining Apple CarPlay as part of a quick software update. Like its fruit-branded counterpart, Android Auto allows drivers to get directions, make phone calls, send and receive messages, set reminders, play or stream multimedia, and more, without needing to touch their phone...
Spanish manufacturer Seat has become the first auto manufacturer to release an app specifically for Apple CarPlay. Developed in-house, the Seat DriveApp allows customers to view full vehicle-status data, including scheduled maintenance and tyre pressure, along with a dealer finder. More features and services will be added over the next few weeks...
Details of the 2017 Porsche Panamera’s all-new infotainment system have been revealed, which will eventually feature across the brand’s line-up. Depending on the market, the new Porsche Connect system will offer a number of connected mobile services and apps, along with satellite navigation and a WiFi hotspot...
A new sales campaign for a handful of Peugeot models in Australia has brought the popular Apple CarPlay connectivity platform to the French brand's local range for the first time. Announced with the limited-run 208 Active Special Edition, CarPlay is joined by other upgrades that include MirrorLink connectivity and a reversing camera...
Hyundai Australia has expanded its growing rollout of Apple CarPlay connectivity, this time upgrading variants in the Accent, iMax and iLoad ranges. Essentially gracing the vehicle’s infotainment system with the familiar look and feel of an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s CarPlay software offers access to Apple Maps navigation and Siri voice command - such as hands-free phone calls, messaging and dictation - along with music, calendar and apps like Spotify...
