Two days after Mazda Philippines announced that they’ve begun rolling out their Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit for their Mazda Connect infotainment system, enterprising individuals have begun selling similar kits online at comparable or even slightly cheaper costs.
Though owners may save a thousand bucks or two by going the “unofficial route,” Mazda Philippines cautions the public in the use and installation of these kits. With the Mazda Connect system now an integral part of most Mazdas from 2014 onward, they include menus and options that control various sensitive components. Given its importance, Mazda has been rolling out updates to keep it running smoothly, and to possibly patch potential issues along the way. This includes full compatibility with the new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kit.
“The official upgrade kit, which can be retrofitted to Mazda vehicles from model year 2014 onwards equipped with the Mazda Connect system doesn’t just include a new system module and high-capacity USB ports. This includes the required software update that allows the smartphone operating system to work with Mazda Connect,” explains Steven Tan, President of Bermaz Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the country. “The price of P 17,500 excluding VAT includes all the necessary updates and comes with a 1-year warranty. Purchasing the kit along without the required Mazda Connect OS update will not make it work. Furthermore, if the connectivity control unit gets busted, this can be a more expensive thing to fix.”
Not to mention, removing and re-installing the panels can be an arduous task.
While it’s certainly tempting to DIY the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kit, perhaps this is one of those projects that’s best left to the experts.
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