Kia Seltos vs Volkswagen T-Cross vs Hyundai Creta: which one has the best infotainment system?

The subcompact crossover segment is one of the fastest-growing segments on the market today. Virtually each and every manufacturer has an offering that caters for the buyer looking for the comfort and convenience of an SUV with the ease-of-use of a compact hatchback.

The three models can be likened to their hatchback counterparts, the Ceed, Polo and i30 respectively. As such, they offer an attractive blend of convenience and manoeuvrability, combined with the raised driving position and suspension flexibility that one would typically find in a small SUV. 

With these models being aimed at the younger buyer and smaller families, technology and connectivity plays a large role in the selection process.

Related: Kia Seltos (2020): First Drive Impression

 

Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+

*R394 995 (2020)

*As new in 2022 R451 995 

Our rating: 3/5

The Kia Seltos is an attractive machine and we're rather fond of it. It may not have the best engine of the bunch but the tech is right up there with the contemporaries.

The Seltos uses a familiar 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, mounted in a piano black slab that runs from the gauge cluster across the dashboard. This places the screen in an easy to see position. The full-colour screen is flanked by 6 push buttons and two rotary knobs.The buttons control access to shortcut functions with an assignable favourite button. The two knobs handle power/volume control and tune/scroll functions. Further input comes in the way of a multifunction steering wheel with controls for volume, skip, mode and voice control. We would have liked a more tactile feel to the volume and track skip toggles and found them to be a little small in size, lacking the actuation of other systems.

 

 

This system features AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and accepts input from USB but lacks AUX input. It is also devoid of a CD/DVD player. The system is, however, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped, allowing for seamless tethering of supported smartphones. This also allows for the use of supported apps while driving such as Google Maps, a handy feature as the infotainment system in the Seltos does not come with navigation. Audi is sent to a 6-speaker sound system

Overall, the system is relatively user friendly and most functions and settings are located in logical areas of the menu system. The menu design is not the most exciting to look at but the clear typeface helps when looking for various function when on the move.

 

Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI Highline R-Line

*R393 100 (2020)

*As new in 2022, R478 100

Our rating: 4/5

The Volkswagen T-Cross exploded onto the scene at what seemed like the perfect time. The market was ripe for a subcompact offering bearing that famed VW badge. The T-Cross offers all the creature comforts of the Volkswagen Polo with the styling of a Tiguan and practicality to match.

As standard, the T-Cross Highline is fitted with the Composition Media 2 system with the Discover Navigation system and Active Info Display and optional extra that will cost you an additional R22 850. The Composition Media system features an 8-inch touchscreen interface mounted in a moulded binnacle that forms part of the dash design. This sleek look is complemented by the glass-like surround of the system interface.

 

 

The screen is flanked by 8 touch-sensitive areas for basic functions and shortcuts in addition to 2 rotary knobs for power/volume control and tuning. The touchscreen employs a proximity sensor that allows for the expansion of touch areas as one's finger approaches the screen, making it easier to control the system while on the go. Alternative control is via the multifunction steering wheel with familiar VW controls.

This unit will accept input from USB and Bluetooth but is devoid of an AUX port and CD player. App Connect allows you to tether your smartphone to the system for access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As will all new VWs (Excluding Polo Vivo), the T-Cross also comes with VW Connect and a VW Data plug that helps keep track of vehicle vitals and creates a virtual logbook.

 

Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive Limited Edition Auto

*R397 900 (2020)

As new in 2022, new model Executive Auto R479 900 

Our rating: 3/5

The Hyundai Creta is the oldest of the three cars compared here and was released to the South African public in 2017. While this may not seem like such a long time ago, three years is a rather long time for technology and infotainment. We're pleased to report that the Hyundai Creta was recently updated and as such it still rather relevant in 2020. We've chosen the Limited Edition for this comparison as it offers the most comprehensive infotainment system.

The Creta is fitted with a slightly smaller 7-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system that has been placed in the centre fascia with a design that integrates the unit perfectly - no afterthoughts here. The tactile interface is situated below the screen and features 4, simple shortcut buttons and two rotary knobs, one for volume and another for tuning. The multifunction steering wheel has a host of infotainment controls with easy to use, rocker switches for volume and track skipping.

 

 

The unit on the Limited Edition is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped and navigation is an optional extra and is handled with a loaded SD card that will cost an additional R2 100 - a small price to pay for onboard navigation should you not wish to use one of the apps on your smartphone. 

Navigating through the menu is simple enough and while we would have liked a higher resolution to the screen, the typeface is legible enough and the hierarchy simple enough to allow for easy navigation through the menus. The system will accept Bluetooth connectivity and well as USB inputs.