I'm getting pretty tired of my Columbus, don't get me wrong it's generally fine and offers quite a lot of capability but the Sat Nav is woeful and it doesn't have DAB, so given I'm going to keep my car for a couple more years yet (it's a 10-reg), the unit is going to be very dated, very soon...

 

I have the latest maps/firmware (or near as dam it) so there's no real quick fix for the sat nav - it's just bad.

 

So I'm wondering if others have swapped and if so, what to?

 

i.e. show me yours....

 

I'm not going to spend £1000s but I will spend a decent amount to get a decent unit.

 

I'd like DAB, a decent sat nav, Bluetooth audio and preferably something that suits the car, from a reputable vendor.

 

I look forward to your thoughts.

Are you happy to lose the nav display in the instrument cluster?

 

Theres no after market unit that will display the nav instructions but you can still use the steering wheel controls.

 

Kenwood and Pioneer are a good place to start.

 

Have a look at this thread, it might be helpful: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/183941-kenwood-vag/

Thanks, I'll take a look and have a look at what Kenwood/Pioneer have to offer.

 

I'm not fussed about loosing the nav instructions on the maxidot...it's hardly a massive help...

You may also want to google for "Blaupunkt Philadelphia 835"

http://compare.eu/blaupunkt-philadelphia-835-a979102.html

Forgive my ignorance, but looking at the picture above is that not the same as the Columbus? If so, is it just a case of getting the right firmware / software (if possible) and making the unit work 'differently'? If so, are equivalent VAG models (VW, Audi) afflicted like the Skoda unit, and if not, then get the software for these units - i.e. programme it as a VW or something?

 

Of course I may be talking complete rubbish and loading alternative software isn't possible . . . but has anyone tried this?

You may also want to google for "Blaupunkt Philadelphia 835"

http://compare.eu/blaupunkt-philadelphia-835-a979102.html

Thanks for this, will take a look at Blaupunkt too!

Forgive my ignorance, but looking at the picture above is that not the same as the Columbus? If so, is it just a case of getting the right firmware / software (if possible) and making the unit work 'differently'? If so, are equivalent VAG models (VW, Audi) afflicted like the Skoda unit, and if not, then get the software for these units - i.e. programme it as a VW or something?

 

Of course I may be talking complete rubbish and loading alternative software isn't possible . . . but has anyone tried this?

 

3rd party stereo vendors are making some stereos with the same physical look and feel, to give the standard 'manufacture (OEM) fit' appearance but clearly the internals can be very different.  They may have extra features such as DAB and TV (granted you can get that from the Columbus with the right model/options) etc.

 

Sat Nav is a prime example - the Columbus is very poor IMO so another head unit may offer a much improved sat nav experience due to the way it's implemented...  I'm also interested in Android powered head units, as they offer much more flexibility but they aren't really mainstream as yet...

Have a look at Alpine and Pioneer. Both do CAN interfaces that integrate the Skoda (VAG) HEVAC & Parking notifications and can display some information in MFD too. They also both have current units that will support CarPlay/Mirror Link if that's of interest to you.

Cheers

Steve

Columbus is available with DAB. Sold new from www.cartrends.dk (send him an e-mail).

Columbus is available with DAB. Sold new from www.cartrends.dk (send him an e-mail).

I'd assumed, by OP's post that a Columbus unit even with DAB is the last thing he wants. Personally, I'd have to agree, as I haven't been impressed by it too on mine. When I was pricing up VRS estate a few months back, I certainly would have baulked at £1350 option price of Columbus unit and would have bought a better aftermarket option, probably one of the Alpine double din units with SatNav, DAB etc and Skoda integration. Still about £1200 fitted, but a lot better than Columbus.

Cheers

Steve

Have a look at Alpine and Pioneer. Both do CAN interfaces that integrate the Skoda (VAG) HEVAC & Parking notifications and can display some information in MFD too. They also both have current units that will support CarPlay/Mirror Link if that's of interest to you.

Cheers

Steve

 

I am a fan of Alpine but with the head unit and the options I want (DAB and full integration with the controls/climate and reverse parking), it comes up a little pricey!  I could buy a 2 seater sports car for that money and I very nearly did the other day... ;-)

 

I'm going to have a look at all the options though and see where I get to.

 

I'd love to see pics of head units folks have actually installed too!