Update - Maruti has officially announced that all its products equipped with the Smartplay infotainment system will now support Android Auto. Until now, only the newer launches like the Ignis, Dzire, and S-Cross facelift featured Android Auto. Older models offered only Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link support. Also, customers owning Maruti Suzuki Cars with the previous generation Smartplay infotainment system can visit their nearest Maruti Suzuki workshop to get the software update, which enables Android Auto on their systems. The software update is free of cost and will be available until 31st March 2018.
July 5, 2017 -
According to Team-BHP, Maruti Suzuki has issued a software update for its Smartplay infotainment system, which introduces Android Auto to older models that have the Smartplay system equipped.
While the new Dzire and Ignis had Android Auto from launch, Smartplay-equipped variants of the Maruti Ciaz, Maruti Ertiga, Maruti S-Cross, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Maruti Baleno only had Apple CarPlay in newer versions.
At 2.5 GB, the update can be installed at your nearest Maruti service centre, if you have any one of the cars listed above with the SmartPlay system. Also new is the navigation software with updated maps.
Given that a majority of the smartphone market accounts for Android-powered phones, it is a welcome move by Maruti to equip Android Auto for older systems. It syncs your Android device to the system via a USB connection and displays a simplified vanilla UI on the 7-inch touchscreen system with Google Maps, Play Music, Contacts and Google Now Widgets.
Also Read: Maruti Vitara Brezza price post-GST slashed by up to INR 2,148
Maruti is the only manufacturer to make Android Auto as a free upgrade for old SmartPlay systems. It remains to be seen if Hyundai will offer a similar update for the older units of the Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Verna and Hyundai i20.
[Source: Team-BHP]
