The upper-priced variants of the Mahindra KUV 100 NXT, Renault Triber and Datsun Go + have sophisticated entertainment systems. We assess their features here and pick the best.
Renault set the ball rolling with pucker infotainment systems for small cars with its Kwid a few years ago. Since then a number of lower-priced vehicles have introduced similar infotainment systems.
Infotainment in the sub-R200 000 world
Here we compare the systems found in the just-launched Mahindra KUV100 NXT K6 #Dare, the newly-introduced Renault Triber and the recently –re-vamped Datsun Go+.
We chose these vehicles as they are all priced at below R200 000. They offer small SUV-orientated Cross-Over style accommodation in the case of the 5-sedater KUV 100, and 7-seater installations for the Triber and the Datsun Go+.
The Mahindra KUV #Dare now in K6 form
The introduction of a new Mahindra KUV 100 #Dare model drew us to a Mahindra dealership recently to take a closer look at this new version of the Indian company’s entry Cross Over vehicle. What interested us specifically as far as the K6 version of the #Dare is that it comes listed with an infotainment system. The new KUV 100 K6 #Dare petrol costs R195 999
The new #Dare model adds some sporty trim to the K6 petrol version of the KUV 100 NXT. It features striping, black-detailed alloy wheels and a contrasting dark-coloured roof. The #Dare models are actually configured at Mahindra’s new Gauteng Special Fitment Centre, which also creates the Karoo versions of the Mahindra Pik Up.
Unusual KUV 100 K6 #Dare pop-out infotainment screen.
The K6 #Dare we checked out had a very unusual infotainment installation. At first glance it appears to be merely a radio/CD combination. However, by pushing an activation button, an infotainment screen emerges from the radio/CD unit, then flips up to reveal a pucker, small-sized infotainment screen.
The colour infotainment screen features touch-screen icons for Radio, Disc, USB, SD, Bluetooth and Navigation. It also features phone pairing. The radio-CD-infotainment combination can also play DVDs. According to the sales person we spoke to, Navigation can be activated with the addition of a bespoke SD card. The more expensive KUV 100 K8 model comes with a larger 7-inch touchscreen with conventional installation that sees the screen displayed at all times, as it is console-mounted. We didn’t list the K8’s infotainment system here as it is priced at over R200 000. The KUV 100 Nxt K8 costs R209 999 for the petrol model and R234 999 for the diesel model. The K8’s infotainment system comes standard with a Navigation function.
As an aside, we wish Mahindra would come up a better naming system for the KUV 100 range. The model nomenclature is confusing and lengthy. The upper-level models deserve more identification that “K6” or “K8” designation.
Reanult Triber Prestige
Renault’s new Triber in top-level Prestige trim comes with a similar infotainment system as that fitted to the Kwid, This is the Renault Media Nav infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen. It is a very classy looking piece of kit.
This system comes with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. And built-in Navigation is standard. The Renault infotainment system features Voice command, as well as video playback, and it also includes a reverse camera. A Triber function here that is quite entertaining is the special “Eco” function which tracks your fuel-saving driving habits.
Datsun’s Go+ 1.2 Lux
The 1.2 Lux version of the Datsun Go + was refreshed late last year with a new 7-inch touchscreen. The screen offers pretty good functionality and reasonable colour quality, with icons arranged in a handy tile format for the main functions. Anyone familiar with a smart phone should be able to operate it easily
The Go + infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB auxiliary installations and Bluetooth.
And the winner is….
The winner in this infotainment shoot-out is the Renault Triber Prestige. Its system is the easiest to use and its looks are the most-eye-catching. It also has its own navigation system. Next-best is the system fitted to the Datsun Go+ 1.2 Lux, although its operation is a bit fiddly via small touch icons at the base of the screen. Third, but with a commendation for original thinking, is the Mahindra K6 #NXT system . It is innovative, but its smaller size and slightly less well-lit graphics are not as easy to use as those of the Renault and the Datsun.
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Keyword: Infotainment systems: Mahindra KUV 100 K6 vs Renault Triber vs Datsun Go +