I am considering an upgrade to the head unit in my 2004 Fabia vRS. I got rid of the Symphony a long time ago and have had 2 aftermarket single DIN units since. I changed years ago as I wanted to be able to play MP3s on long trips. The first replacement head unit packed up eventually and I've had the current one for a few years. I did have an auto changer but I took that out recently as it has been redundant for a long time (might be for sale if anyone wants it). 

 

I think I might go for a Kenwood KDC-BT48DAB but I haven't decided. I want to have DAB and decent bluetooth/iphone connectivity and this unit seems to do all of that. I really don't care whether it can play CDs or not but this unit can. 

 

Anyway, I seem to remember 2 useful features of the original Symphony; GALA (auto volume adjustment according to vehicle speed, GALA being an acronym for an incredibly long German word) and auto dimming so that the display dimmed when the headlights are on. I found both of these features handy and they avoid having to play with the volume whilst driving (no steering wheel radio controls on my car). Auto dimming makes driving at night safer by reducing light in the cabin. 

 

Are there any aftermarket head units that have these features? I can't find any. Also, could I install steering column controls for the radio and what parts would I need?

 

 

I can't answer most of your questions, however, for functions and sound quality I would go for an Alpine head unit.