Android Auto now available across Maruti range

All-new Marutis equipped with the Smartplay infotainment system will now offer Google’s Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink projection standards. The Ciaz was the first model to feature Maruti's infotainment system. It was then introduced on the S-Cross, Baleno, Ertiga and Vitara Brezza.

However, this original system – Suzuki Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (or SLDA1) – only offered Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. The Ignis launched earlier in 2017 debuted SLDA2, which brought with it Android Auto support, as well. So far, the Ignis and new Dzire have been the only Maruti models to offer Android Auto.

The good news is that existing cars with the older SLDA1 unit can now also be updated with Android Auto functionality. Maruti says the software update is a quick fix and will be done free of charge at Maruti service stations until March 31, 2018. The small, yet crucial update addresses one of our big grouses with Maruti’s infotainment system.

The SmartPlay system is standard fitment on the following models – the S-Cross (Zeta and Alpha trims), Ciaz (Alpha trim), Baleno (Alpha variant), Ignis (Alpha trim), Vitara Brezza (Z+ trim), Ertiga (Z+ variant) and the Dzire (Z+ trim).

If you would like to know how Maruti’s infotainment system compares with others; and which is better between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you can find out here.