Auto maker rivalries were once focused primarily on driving performance metrics such as horsepower and torque, but those rivalries have now evolved to include the technology arms race inside the cabin.
Features that were historically available only on segment leaders such as Bluetooth connectivity, large centre console displays and GPS navigation have now become the minimum stakes in many cases for auto makers to even compete.
That said, not all infotainment systems are created equally and ease of use is often even more important than actual specifications. Consumer Reports recently conducted a survey of 58,000 vehicle owners to determine the infotainment systems that deliver the highest satisfaction. Surprisingly, it was not only luxury brands that topped the list of Consumer Reports' Excellent Eight infotainment systems which featured models from Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hyundai, and Kia.
While a few extra horsepower is unlikely to make a material difference in the day to day lives of most drivers, a well-designed and functional infotainment system can mean the difference between loving and hating your ride. As such, this week we've featured our favourite new car deals that made it on to Consumer Reports' list of top infotainment systems:
2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
The 2016 Genesis Sedan features an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with NavTraffic, 4.5 gigabyte hard drive and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard equipment. According to the Consumer Reports survey, the luxury sedan’s touchscreen and controller knob is straightforward and easy to use. Cash purchase, finance and lease customers can take advantage of a $3,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 Genesis Sedan. Financing for 60 months is available at 0.99 per cent and leasing for up to 48 months is available at zero per cent.
2016 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Technology
- MSRP: $53,600
- Manufacturer incentive: $3,000
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,500
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,135
- Cash purchase price before tax: $51,235
- Finance for 60 months at 0.99 per cent interest for $989 per month including tax (includes a $3,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at zero per cent interest for $696 per month including tax (includes a $3,000 incentive, assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2016 BMW 3 Series
Standard multimedia enhancements on the 2016 3 Series include: HD radio, 9-speaker audio system with 205-watt amplifier and an iDrive infotainment system with 6.5-inch screen (8.8-inch screen also available). Cash purchase, finance and lease customers can take advantage of a $2,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 3 Series (as compared to $1,500 in June). Financing for up to 72 months is available at 0.9 per cent and leasing for 48 months is available at 1.9 per cent.
2016 BMW 328i Sport Line xDrive
- MSRP: $48,350
- Manufacturer incentive: $2,000
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,000
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,285
- Cash purchase price before tax: $47,635
- Finance for 60 months at 0.9 per cent interest for $918 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 1.9 per cent interest for $660 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive, assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2016 Kia Optima
Standard multimedia enhancements on the 2016 Optima EX Tech include an 8-inch multimedia interface with navigation, satellite radio capabilities and Harmon Kardon premium 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer and 12-channel external amplifier. Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $2,500 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 Optima EX Tech (as compared to $1,000 in July), while finance and lease customers can take advantage of a $1,000 rebate (as compared to zero in July). Financing for up to 60 months is available at zero per cent while leasing for up to 48 months is available at 1.9 per cent.
2016 Kia Optima EX Tech
- MSRP: $31,995
- Manufacturer incentive: $2,500
- Estimated dealer discount: $750
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,700
- Cash purchase price before tax: $30,445
- Finance for 60 months at zero per cent interest for $602 per month including tax (includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 1.9 per cent interest for $476 per month including tax (includes a $1,000 manufacturer incentive, assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2017 Audi A6
Standard equipment on the 2017 A6 include a multimedia touch interface which allows the driver to interact with the vehicle’s information system using their fingertip as a writing utensil, GPS navigation with 3D imaging and 10 gigabytes of memory, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow the driver to control smartphone applications via the vehicle’s infotainment system. Cash purchase, finance and lease customers can take advantage of a $2,000 manufacturer incentive on the 2017 A6. Financing for up to 60 months is available at 2.9 per cent while leasing for 48 months is available at 3.9 per cent.
2017 Audi A6 2.0 TFSI Quattro Technik Tiptronic
- MSRP: $65,950
- Manufacturer incentive: $2,000
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,500
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,235
- Cash purchase price before tax: $64,685
- Finance for 60 months at 2.9 per cent interest for $1,310 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 3.9 per cent interest for $1,040 per month including tax (includes a $2,000 manufacturer incentive and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
Andrew Tai is CEO of Unhaggle.
Pricing and calculations are based on Ontario customers and subject to availability of inventory. Please note that while the information above is accurate at the time of publication, pricing, incentives, and discounts may vary and are subject to change or discontinuation at any time. Dealer discounts are estimates and may be given at the discretion of individual dealers. Consult your local dealership for details.