As in-car infotainment systems continue to progress in terms of functionality, resolution and technology, they have begun to integrate more and more with our smart devices and as such, the way that they function is of vital importance for the average new car buyer. The Corolla Cross has been a resounding sales success locally, with the Durban-built crossover finding thousands of homes locally. How does its infotainment system compare with the left-field Peugeot 2008 and updated Hyundai Creta, though?
Related: Toyota Corolla Cross vs Volkswagen Taigo vs Hyundai Creta: Here's our winner
Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross features an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, however, a 10.5-inch system with enhanced resolution and functionality is currently offered on European-spec Corolla Cross models, which might be introduced locally at some point. The system appears outdated in terms of resolution and layout, but the ability to control it through the multifunction steering wheel or by buttons located on either side of the screen makes it easy to navigate.
The Cross models also get the Toyota Connect integration within the system too, which means a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, the ability to keep a virtual logbook, access to your vehicle's live location, access to roadside assistance, a battery health monitor and the ability to book a service from your vehicle itself.
Peugeot 2008 (GT models)
The 2008 comes with a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as part of the i-Cockpit suite in Peugeot's current offerings. It's complemented by a 3D driver display that allows for customizable layouts, which include infotainment and navigation.
The system is controlled via a rotary knob for volume control as well as a touch-pad area that is situated above the toggle switch panel in the centre fascia. These provide shortcuts to apps, navigation and settings. A multifunction steering wheel houses further audio controls for basic functions such as volume, track/station skip and voice command. The system will accept inputs from USB (type A and C), Bluetooth and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled. There is also a drop-down smartphone cradle that allows for your phone to be placed in a convenient spot on the fascia, which is a security concern locally, but is a smart solution nonetheless.
Hyundai Creta
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the latest Hyundai Creta is both clean and clear, with easy-to-use controls. As with the Corolla Corss, the screen in the Hyundai is flanked by six buttons for shortcuts and two rotary knobs for adjusting volume and tuning stations. The volume control is placed on the furthest corner from the driver but we've become accustomed to the LHD layout. A multifunction steering wheel provides additional audio controls.
The system will accept inputs from USB and Bluetooth and is AM/FM enabled. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly with the infotainment system allowing for the omission of a standard navigation system. Voice control is also included for those that prefer to speak their instructions.
Verdict
Having used all three of these systems extensively in the past, we can state with confidence that the Toyota system lags behind the set-ups in both the Hyundai and Peugeot, however, we have found the elegance in the simplicity of the Hyundai system, which is both intuitive and easy to use, granting it the victory in this comparison.
