Ford Tourneo Custom vs VW Kombi vs Hyundai H-1: which one has the best infotainment system?
We compare the infotainment systems in three of the more popular MPVs to see which one offer the best blend of features and functionality.
Entertainment may not be one of your priorities when it comes to investing in a multi-seater people mover, but when you consider that this is a vehicle that will most likely do the long-haul holiday and getaway trips, it moves up the ladder. Ensuring that you and your passengers are comfortable on longer journeys ranks fairly high up the list then.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Ford Tourneo Custom
In order to see which MPV will be able to serve you best, we've selected three of the more popular offerings, all at roughly similar price-points and compared their infotainment systems. Looking at things such as standard functions and features, along with ease-of-use, we can give you some insight into what it will be like to live with one of these systems.
Ford Tourneo Custom
Our rating: 3.5/5
The latest update for the Tourneo Custom took place at the end of 2021 and saw some much-appreciated revisions to the on-board tech. The updated Tourneo Custom gets the latest SYNC3 infotainment system that comprises an 8.5-inch touchscreen interface. This system allows for smartphone-like controls with swiping and pinching.
The display is a clean and clear, colour display with a user-friendly menu system. One is able to control the system either through the touchscreen, multifunction steering wheel or through the tactile interface. This interface consists of a row of 5 buttons flanked by two rotary knobs for volume and tuning functions. The buttons allow for quick access to the frequently accessed functions.
This powerhouse system accepts input from Bluetooth, USB, and AUX and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AppLink. Naturally, it includes reception for AM/FM radio bands and will play most modern digital media formats.
Volkswagen Kombi (T6.1)
Our rating: 4/5
The Volkswagen Kombi forms part of the VW transporter range under the T6.1 group. This range includes the likes of the Transporter, Kombi, Caravelle and California. The Kombi is the more practical version of the high-end, luxury Caravelle and California and as such has to make do without some of the luxuries that one would find in these R1million+ offerings.
You will get the Composition Media system in the Kombi houses an 8-inch touchscreen interface with a bank of push buttons and two rotary knobs for volume control. The glass-like surface is elegant and is touch-sensitive for added control over interactions with the system.
This system accepts USB, AUX, SD Card, and Bluetooth connections and through AppLink, one is able to tether a suitable smartphone. This system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The clear and crisp menu system is fairly easy to use with only a few obscure settings tucked away in the far reaches of the system. Vocal Enhancer will use the hand-free microphone to plumb the speech of the front passengers into the rear speakers to assist with communication.
Hyundai H-1
Our rating: 2.5/5
The popular crew-bus, the Hyundai H-1, was updated in 2018 to give it a fresh new face and some interior refinements. Part of this upgrade was the fitment of a touchscreen infotainment system. Using a familiar 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the Hyundai H-1 is now able to keep with its peers.
This system will accept input from USB, AUX, SD Card, and Bluetooth connections as well as receive AM/FM radio frequencies. A CD slot is also present for CD playback. Control comes in the form of the aforementioned touchscreen as well as a row of 6 buttons and two rotary knobs below the screen. A multifunction steering wheel allows for basic audio control without having to take one's hands off the wheel.
We found this system to be acceptable but struggled a little with the legibility in bright light. The operating system is also slower to respond than we would have liked.
Audio is plumbed through a 6-speaker sound system for audio playback throughout the cabin.
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