Range Rover Evoque - 3.5/5
The Range Rover Evoque features a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. This system offers Bluetooth connectivity and DAB digital radio. However, it has been said that this system is not the most responsive and the glossy screen can be tricky to read in direct sunlight. The upgraded system does come with a faster processor but still isn’t as responsive as rival systems like BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI. Overall, the graphics are relatively sharp and the menus are laid out fairly sensibly.
In the Evoque is the Touchscreen’s Navigation Pro system and optional Dual View which allows you to simultaneously interact with additional features. The Navigation Pro system learns your regular routes to update you with information, traffic and ETA. The way ahead can be displayed as your front seat passenger watches a DVD.
InControl Apps helps link your smartphone seamlessly to the system, allowing you to control compatible apps via the Touchscreen, whilst the Meridian™ Sound System plays your music.
The 380W Meridian Sound System with 10 speakers plus subwoofer delivers exceptional definition, crystal clear highs and full, deep bass through the careful arrangement of speakers. You can also upgrade to the 660W Meridian Surround Sound System. This has 12 speakers plus a subwoofer on the Convertible or 825W with 16 speakers plus subwoofer on the five-door.
You can also opt for the optional 12.3-inch high-definition Interactive Driver Display which shows a vast amount of driving information and active safety data. It allows you to see a full-screen map, as well as use your phone and control other media. In addition to the newly enhanced Head-up Display, which is presented in high-resolution graphics and full colour to optimise use, it presents key vehicle data such as your speed, gear position and navigation directions on the windscreen allowing you to keep your eyes and focus on the road.
Using the touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel to tweak settings aren't as intuitive as in the Audi and you may find yourself looking down a little more often, which is hardly ideal.
Audi Q3 - 4/5
Standard fitment to the Audi Q3 is the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) Radio Plus. This system features a 7.0-inch screen that has Bluetooth connectivity, AUX and USB input. It has voice control as standard. It uses a comprehensive 8-speaker system to play the audio. Optionally available for a better sound experience is the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound.
The MMI is controlled using a rotary dial in the centre console that has several buttons surrounding it to access a variety of additional features and shortcuts to basic screens.
This system can be upgraded to a larger 8.3-inch screen and can be complemented by the optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, known as Virtual Cockpit. This upgrade sees the inclusion of touch-sensitive control.
Navigation and real-time traffic updates are additional options as part of the MMI Navigation Plus package as is the Smartphone Interface which adds Apple CarPlay.
The system uses a logical, colour-coded main menu that is rather easy to navigate although you may find yourself in one sub-menu too deep and end up reverting to the main menu, rather than being willing to retrace your steps.
Jaguar E-PACE - 3.5/5
The new Jaguar E-PACE aims to be one of the most-connected vehicles in its segment. It offers the latest connectivity technologies and features the latest generation of Jaguar’s Touch Pro infotainment system as standard. This is made up of natural voice control technology, a 10-inch touchscreen interface and a customizable home screen that make interactions with the system quick, simple and highly intuitive.
The 21:9 super-wide format display includes multi-tasking functionality, allowing media to be shown on the main screen while a side panel can show navigation data or weather reports. This system is also available with a choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian, including an advanced 825W Surround Sound system boasting 15 speakers. But if you don't want to splurge on the upgrade, the E-Pace’s 125W standard stereo system is punchy enough.
You can opt for a 12.3-inch full-colour digital TFT instrument panel with the ability to tailor the display to show different information, including 3D satellite navigation mapping. On the downside, there's no fixed scroll wheel to help input an address while driving and you will have to type in each letter individually making it fairly awkward while driving.
The E-PACE also offers a next-generation Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Head-Up Display technology. The system can project large, full-colour graphics onto the windscreen directly into the driver’s eyeline, providing essentials information such as speed, navigation directions, engine speed data, and the cruise control settings, at a glance.
Unique to the segment, the E-PACE is also the only vehicle available with an innovative wearable Activity Key. This waterproof wristband can be used to let drivers lock the main key inside the vehicle when enjoying outdoor pursuits such as running, cycling, or scuba diving.
And fully equipped to integrate with the digital lifestyles of modern families, inside the E-PACE you will find up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections throughout the cabin, ensuring that mobile devices can always be powered, while an in-car 4G Wi-Fi hotspot will provide connectivity for up to eight devices.
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