Hyundai in tune with Android Auto

A new software update from Hyundai will enable the compatibility of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across a range of models.

Hyundai has made the move in an effort to not only increase the functionality of owners' cars, but also to make them safer, as both these apps can be operated via the car's touch screen or through voice activation.

According to Hyundai, this should significantly decrease the amount of distractions mobile devices usually cause to drivers and should aid drivers in focusing on the road ahead.

The in-car apps will allow owners to safely get directions, make phone calls, send and receive messages, set reminders, access calendar information and interact with the car's multimedia system.

Owners of Hyundais with Apple's CarPlay can also get the Android Auto app, if the car is compatible, via a software update that takes around 15 minutes and is provided free of charge at any Hyundai service dealership.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia's CEO, Scott Grant, said: "Hyundai has been quick to embrace benchmark technologies and I'm proud to say we're now able to safely offer the invaluable functionality of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across the majority our range".

Hyundai vehicles that are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are:
• i30 Series II - Active / ActiveX / SR (4th quarter 2015 production onwards)
• Elantra - All Variants
• Veloster Series II - Veloster / Veloster SR Turbo (January 2016 production onwards)
• Tucson - Active / ActiveX / Special Edition
• Santa Fe Series II - Active / Special Edition

Hyundai vehicles that are only compatible with Apple CarPlay are:
• Accent - All Variants
• iMax Series II - All Variants
• iLoad Series II - All Variants