Citroën C4 Cactus vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Captur: which one has the best infotainment system?
The Citroën C4 Cactus is one of the most distinctive cars on the road. Unfortunately, the charismatic Cactus was withdrawn from the local market after not many were sold. Here we compare its bold infotainment system to those in the Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur, to see which of the three provides the best user experience.
Citroën C4 Cactus
Our rating: 2/5
The C4 Cactus was one of the first cars to simplify the infotainment system at an affordable price point. Out came the myriad of buttons and knobs, and in went the functionality presented by modern touch-screens.
Most of the vehicle’s functions can be controlled using the 7 inch (18 cm) touch screen on the centre console. The usual analogue instrument binnacle was replaced by an attractive and unique digital display.
However, in the quest for simplicity and low input cost, Citroën had simplified the infotainment interface to within an inch of its life. Because the centre screen can only display one function at a time, the driver has to exit the radio menu and call up the air-conditioner menu to adjust the ambient temperature, for example. This sounds simple enough, but driving a car demands a clear focus on the road and traffic conditions. Fiddling with infotainment wastes precious second, which is dangerous.
Depending on the trim (Feel or Shine) the infotainment system includes an FM/AM tuner, mp3 playback, USB ports, Bluetooth for hands-free telephony and audio, climate control, integrated satellite navigation, a reverse camera, an enhanced audio system and interior mood lighting.
Related: Which Hyundai Creta holds its value better?
Hyundai Creta
Our rating: 3/5
Joining the Tucson and Santa Fe, the Hyundai Creta strengthened the marque’s SUV foundation in South Africa. Practical, spacious, good to drive and relatively affordable, the Creta was a welcome addition to the local car scene.
While the Creta’s infotainment system provides the driver with essential media engagement and other functionalities, it can be cumbersome to use. It also looks like a generic, after-market unit, with little about the display identifying it as a Hyunda product. Earlier versions of the Creta did not have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but these did arrive later in the current model’s life span.
Related: Renault Captur 66kW 1.5 dCi Dynamique - Plush, Practical and Pretty
Renault Captur
Our rating: 3.5/5
Renault’s MediaNav system has been around for a while now. Its minimalistic, stylish design almost seems overly simplistic at first, but the uncomplicated interface is soon appreciated.
MediaNav gives the driver access to navigation, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth hands-free media streaming and phone calls, some vehicle settings and information on fuel consumption. It also includes USB and Aux inputs, as well as fingertip controls behind the steering wheel.
Importantly, the MediaNav system also became Android and Apple compatible.
The R&Go application was introduced into the entry-level Captur Blaze derivative. Connected to the vehicle through the radio using Bluetooth, this application enables remote control of the user’s car radio, with the smartphone screen presenting an extended dashboard to display additional features. A dedicated cradle houses the smartphone and ensures safer and comfortable use. The R&Go application allows access to multimedia, phone, vehicle and navigation.
Our verdict
The Captur’s MediaNav infotainment isn’t perfect, but it’s quite easy to use and it has embedded navigation that works well. On top of that it runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its infotainment system wins this shootout.
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