In the entry-level segment, infotainment has become a key selling point. Those who are slow on the uptake are finding themselves left behind in the sales race. One of the first entry-level offerings to present touchscreen infotainment with any sort of substance was the Renault Kwid. Most of the competitors have followed suit, so what can you expect from these little, pocket-friendly offerings?
As initial costs are of the utmost importance to the manufacturers, they fit relatively simple infotainment systems with little in the way of bells and whistles. There's a benefit to this though as the systems end up being rather pleasant to use with little in the way of complication. You won't find the same look and feel as you would in a high-end vehicle, but all of these units are genuinely surprising.
Related: Safety comparison: The new Datsun Go vs. the Renault Kwid
Here's how the new Hyundai Atos compares to the new Renault Kwid and the latest Datsun Go.
Hyundai Atos
Our rating: 4/5
The Atos is fitted with a simple, easy to use 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will be somewhat familiar to those that have dealt with a Hyundai system in the past. It features a clean and uncluttered home screen with a tri-colour theme. The home screen is arranged in such a way that frequently accessed functions are at the ready. Swiping through the pages will present more options as you go along, depending on the current function/screen selected.
This unit is also equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink for seamless smartphone tethering. It accepts Bluetooth connectivity and USB input but is devoid of a CD player and AUX connection. Video playback of supported formats is possible with the USB connection.
Two rotary knobs rest below the screen, separated by six shortcut buttons for track skipping and phone functions. The two knobs handle tuning and volume control. One of the highlights of the Atos system is the inclusion of steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
This system sounds rather impressive and is a true pleasure to use.
Renault Kwid
Our rating: 3/5
As the Kwid was the first to offer up touchscreen infotainment, we had high expectations set when interacting with the system found in the new Renault Kwid. Once again, the Renault system delivers and the Kwid features the largest screen of the three compared here today. It utilizes an 8-inch touchscreen and those familiar with Renault products will recognize it as a MediaNav multimedia system.
This colourful system has a simple main menu with four tiles for primary functions. Delving into the screen offers a tabbed layout that is easy and intuitive to use, if somewhat colourful and bright. It accepts USB, AUX and Bluetooth connections and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Kwid is without steering wheel controls, it does offer a one-touch voice control button. The only other tactile interface is a singular rotary knob for volume and power.
The system is connected to a reverse camera which will be rather beneficial to drivers with less experience. Sadly, this system is let down by the audio quality through the standard two-speaker audio system that starts breaking up much sooner than expected.
Datsun Go
Our rating: 2.5/5
The latest Datsun Go is a rather radical departure from its predecessor, especially in the technology stakes. Where the first Datsun Go featured a rudimentary radio system (if at all), the new one is fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is rather impressive.
This full-colour system boasts with its colours right off the bat with a colourful but stylish home screen, arranged in a tile format for quick access to primary functions. The icon style will appeal to younger buyers and older users may find the style a little too friendly. Despite this, the menu hierarchy is simple and intuitive enough for all users, operating in a familiar smartphone fashion.
The Datsun Go system accepts connections from USB, AUX and Bluetooth and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped for seamless smartphone tethering.
Its primary downfall is the lack of tactile interfaces with the only input method accepted being the touchscreen and touch-pad area below the screen. This requires that the driver divert their attention to successfully locate the area on the screen assigned to the function they wish to carry out, be it volume control or track skipping. It's for this reason that the Datsun finishes last in this comparison.
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