I'm tired of the old Symphony headunit in my Mk1 Fabia Vrs - sound quality is terrible and it's lacking any useful features.

I'm looking to go double-din and upgrade to something with DAB & Bluetooth. I'm finding that the only aftermarket units that fit the bill look pretty awful fitted though, so I'm considering something from the VAG headunit lineup. The RNS315 looks promising and its only £270 secondhand on ebay.

Firstly - am I an idiot? Is the sound quality going to be any better on the RNS315?

Second - How easy will it be to retrofit? I know the surrounds are different the (symphony edges are square and the RNS315 is rounded), but I assume I can get a facia plate to convert? Otherwise, I'm assuming it's pretty much plug and play? Only interested in the Radio / CD / Bluetooth features so I don't mind if the sat nav isn't compatible.

Comments, suggestions, advice welcome...

 

Existing Symphony stereo:

 

RNS315


 

Sadly, its not going to work, you'll need to cut the existing dash to fit because the front of the new headunit is much larger than even a standard double din unit.

The newer headunit uses canbus signalling from a quadlock connector for its power controls and speaker connections, the MK1 Fabia uses K line diagnostics and conventional ignition switching for power via an ISO connector. The MK1 Fabia has no canbus at all, so the headunit will always have power, resulting in a flat battery.

Ah, shame it won't work.
Cheers for a decisive answer tho!

 

T

You can install decent aftermarket head units which will give you the features etc.  I have a bluetooth enabled Alpine in mine which was both good value for money, but also performs well.  

Possible upgrade all the 8 speakers on the VRS (food for thought)..??