Photo: YouTube screenshot
The customers huffed, and they puffed until Mazda finally relented. A retrofit program that starts in September has just been announced for the 2018 Mazda6 models... but there's a catch... or two.
There's no question about it: Toyota and Mazda were slow to adopt both connectivity systems, giving Honda and VW an edge. This announcement might seem like it signals the end of the Android and Apple drought, but that's not really the case.
Customers who own a Mazda6 can schedule a free retrofit starting in September. However, they need to have the Touring model and above, and it only applies to the 2018 model year. So basically, they are just fixing a few months worth of cars.
By comparison, a base VW Jetta or Honda HR-V costing under $20,000 gets both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for free. For the record, the Touring is the second trim level, requiring $25,700 plus delivery.
The most expensive version of the mid-sized car is the Signature, which comes with all the bells and whistles imaginable at $34,750 plus destination. In exchange for the money, customers are rewarded with Deep Chestnut Nappa or Parchment leather seating Japanese Sen wood accents, and gilded UltraSuede NU detailing, not to mention posh colors like you see in the photo gallery.
Mazda says the hardware retrofit will take about two hours to install. After that, most modern phones will be compatible and give access to your favorite apps right there on the screen. Also, a more powerful 2.1A USB charging port will be added. It's pretty apparent that older models aren't compatible since they don't have touchscreens. However, we know the CX-9 is also an Android-compatible Mazda.
The biggest update for the 2018 model year is the SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine. Compared to the free-breathing engine’s 187 ponies and 186 lb-ft, the turbocharged four-cylinder has 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet to offer on premium gasoline only.
Customers who own a Mazda6 can schedule a free retrofit starting in September. However, they need to have the Touring model and above, and it only applies to the 2018 model year. So basically, they are just fixing a few months worth of cars.
By comparison, a base VW Jetta or Honda HR-V costing under $20,000 gets both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for free. For the record, the Touring is the second trim level, requiring $25,700 plus delivery.
The most expensive version of the mid-sized car is the Signature, which comes with all the bells and whistles imaginable at $34,750 plus destination. In exchange for the money, customers are rewarded with Deep Chestnut Nappa or Parchment leather seating Japanese Sen wood accents, and gilded UltraSuede NU detailing, not to mention posh colors like you see in the photo gallery.
Mazda says the hardware retrofit will take about two hours to install. After that, most modern phones will be compatible and give access to your favorite apps right there on the screen. Also, a more powerful 2.1A USB charging port will be added. It's pretty apparent that older models aren't compatible since they don't have touchscreens. However, we know the CX-9 is also an Android-compatible Mazda.
The biggest update for the 2018 model year is the SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine. Compared to the free-breathing engine’s 187 ponies and 186 lb-ft, the turbocharged four-cylinder has 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet to offer on premium gasoline only.
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