Volkswagen is systematically reworking its basic infotainment and driver-assistance systems for the upcoming model year to add enhancements to the entire family save for the Eos and Touareg. Beyond a selection of all-new MIB II modular infotainment platforms which serves as the foundation for the next-generation of its Car-Net connected vehicle services, these revisions also introduce a comprehensive array of sophisticated driver-assist features to bolster the safety and security.
Cranking up connectivity
VW’s new MIB II infotainment system will hit showrooms within the next few weeks in four distinct variations, all featuring higher resolution screens and faster operation. The base Composition Color touchscreen on entry-level models has a 5.0-inch display along with an AUX-in port, dual SD card slots, Bluetooth and a USB multimedia interface that supports Apple iPhone and iPod compatibility. The system also brings a backup camera — a feature that will be standard on 85 percent of VW’s 2016 offerings. The Composition Media unit steps up to a 6.3- or 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen and adds App-Connect smartphone integration that includes Apple CarPlay (iOS7.1 or above), Android Auto (Lollypop 5.0) and MirrorLink plus SiriusXM Satellite Radio with real-time travel, HD Radio and enhanced EV-related functions on the e-Golf. Moving up through the model hierarchies brings the Discover Media unit that boasts 2.5D Navigation with an intuitive/predictive capability while the top-end Discover Pro setup gets an 8.0-inch capacitive touch screen, 3D SSD navigation, Jukebox music storage with 10GB capacity along with a host of additional features.
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Volkswagen’s enhanced Car-Net system focuses on three fairly self-explanatory main operational areas: Security & Service, Guide & Inform and App-Connect. While App-Connect is free, the other two will be complementary for six months on all Car-Net equipped vehicles and then available on a month to month or extended subscription basis. Later in the year, VW will introduce a Car-Net app for the Apple Watch. Along with providing expanded in-car and remote functionality for its conventionally powered models, VW’s Car-Net also will offer features unique to the e-Golf.
Democratizing driver assists
In a parallel move, VW is expanding the availability of many upline safety features that were previously only offered on its Touareg SUV. Save for the Eos, Tiguan and Touareg, all other 2016 Volkswagen models will get at least one new driver assist that starts with standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking (on all but the CC) that can mitigate injuries by minimizing the chance of secondary impacts. Other available features include radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. Also on offer are front/rear Park Distance Control and a new Parking Steering Assistant that has both parallel and perpendicular capabilities.
