I've recently acquired a 2012 VRS TSI DSG wagon which I'm loving.  It has replaced a stolen mk7 Golf R and I have to say it's 80% of the golf in every area for 30% cost plus much better on space and comfort - simply awesome. 

 

My my first upgrade is going to be the audio.  My car is a bit of an odd spec in that it has maxi dot, front and rear parking sensors, multi function steering wheel and cruise control, but has the basic Bolero head unit with no DAB or Bluetooth. 

 

Im wanting to upgrade this and have read lots of stuff on here but am still unsure of which way to proceed and would welcome your advice and comments.  My must haves are Bluetooth phone calls and music playing from my iPhone.  I'm also very keen to ensure I retain parking sensor distance distance, maxi dot compatibility and multifunction steering wheel control.  Ideally I would also have Sat Nav with speed camera locations albeit I use my phone at the moment for this and really like Waze as it seems best in class for getting you round in heavy traffic. DAB would be a plus too.

 

At the most basic level I guess I could install a top of the range Parrot which I understand will give me hands free calls and music but obviously no sat nav.

 

Next option price wise seems to be aftermarket android products like these.  They seem great value for money and do everything but are they compatible with MFD/ MFDW/parking sensors?  They seem too cheap to be true...what am I missing? Are there loads of extra bits I would need to buy?

 

https://audiotechdirect.com/oem-style-units/skoda/

 

Then in the middle range I could exchange Bolero for Columbus.  The price goes up (circa £5-700 plus fitting) but being OEM kit then I guess these could be 'plug and play' so I could install myself, or are they?  Not sure I want to get into VCDS programming and ripping out trim to install speaker and Ariel wires? Any comments?

 

Then top of the range seems to be the kenwood kit like this 

 

http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/oem/skoda/DNX516DABS/?view=

 

I understand this is completely compatible with my car and has lots of extra features like apple car play and DVD players etc.  But is it really worth the £1000 plus fitting it would cost.  Views please.

 

And then there are the options I don't know I don't know about.  

 

I'm also interested in any recommendations for suppliers/installers in Birmingham.  I live in Moseley, South Brum.

 

many thanks

 

 

I bought one of those ridiculously cheap androids and although not perfect, I'm pleased with it. It integrates fully using canbus, displays ventilation, doors open etc. The downsides to my one is only 1GB of RAM so not the speediest of computers. It died on me once on a journey, but resetting it brought it back to life with no loss of data. Waze or even Google traffic work perfectly using my mobile's data plan.

Really easy to fit, literally plug and play!

 

If you are considering an Android, make sure you measure and get one the same shape as your existing Bolero, there are slightly different versions out there. If you get the wrong shape, you'll need to get a new trim surround to fit.

 

Edited 26 October, 20178 yr by Longship
Fitting comment

Thanks, that sounds like a pretty positive experience. Do you know if they will works with a iPhone?