Apply Carplay & Android Auto For Mazda Now Available
Apply Carplay & Android Auto For Mazda Now Available
Posted on November 29, 2018
Mazda were admittedly slow off the mark in adopting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Once they did, they did it completely. Designing all new cars with the feature and even developing a retrofit kit for older models. That kit is now available and doesn’t cost as much as you might think.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an infotainment feature from Apple and Google that allows you to play music directly from your phone or mobile device. Once paired, the two devices can stream media from one to the other to play over your car audio system.
Most automakers were very quick to integrate it into their cars once the technologies gained a following. Mazda took their time and introduced it this year in the Mazda6 and are introducing it across the range as we speak. Now you can have the features retrofitted to your Mazda if you missed it.
If your car was manufactured after 2014 and has Mazda Connect, you should be able to have the retrofit. Mazda Canada says cars included in the retrofit offer include:
- 2014-2018 Mazda3
- 2016-2018 Mazda6
- 2016-2019 Mazda CX-3
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-9
- 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5
- 2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
It isn’t free though. The kit costs around $200-250 and includes both the software and hardware to add the new feature. The price changes according to rebates and car model so check with Mazda of Hamilton when booking. Mazda are currently offering a rebate on the retrofit until February 2019. The cost will then increase to $445.
The retrofit takes around two hours and requires us to add a USB charger hub and update the system software. Once complete, you will be able to pair your phone with Mazda Connect and enjoy all the benefits of the latest infotainment in your older car.