The upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun SUV will come with the new Play infotainment system when they launch in India this year.
- Play infotainment system jointly developed by Visteon and VW Brazil
- Features a 10.1-inch screen as well as built-in apps
- Gets a split-screen setup with connected car features
Volkswagen Play infotainment system: What is it?
The VW Play infotainment system made its debut on the Volkswagen Nivus four-door SUV coupe last year. Developed jointly by Volkswagen Brazil and automotive component maker Visteon, it features a 10.1-inch touchscreen that has a 1540×720 pixels resolution. The system also gets a split-screen setup and doubles as a rear-view camera monitor.
The Play system features a variety of downloadable applications globally, and for India, it will have built-in ones like Gaana.com, among others. It will also have user-defined profiles, offering a long list of personalisation options.
Live-streaming of music and audio podcasts via SIM-based internet access (likely to be an eSIM), along with in-car Wi-Fi, are also expected on the Play system in India. It will have a “Valet mode” where owners can block all details via a passcode before giving the vehicle to the valet. Connected vehicle tech and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available as well.
While this system has been developed for Volkswagen SUVs, the Skoda Kushaq that was unveiled in India had a similar setup, which confirms that both SUVs from the Volkswagen Group are expected to come with this infotainment system.
Emergence of in-car connectivity services
Beyond the touchscreen, in-car connectivity services have increasingly becoming a must-have feature. Affordable data rates and widespread smartphone proliferation means that car connectivity features are easy to provide and no longer reserved for higher-end automobiles and while these features may not be widely used, they are indeed at the top of buyers’ shortlists. Taigun and Kushaq rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos already offer such services and see a good response to the sale of variants that are equipped with it. Thus it’s only natual that the VW Group would also bring in these connectivity features to give their brand new cars a fighting chance.
Volkswagen India 2.0 SUVs: What we know so far?
Under the India 2.0 game plan, two new SUVs will be introduced in India, with the first one being the Skoda Kushaq followed by the Volkswagen Taigun. The SUVs have already been revealed in their production form and will come with either a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol or a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Key rivals to the Kushaq and the Taigun include the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks, to name a few.
Also see:
India-bound 2021 Skoda Kodiaq facelift revealed
Volkswagen Taigun interior render revealed
New Skoda Octavia production begins ahead of India launch
Volkswagen Taigun image gallery