Hyundai Now Offers Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto Adapter With Alcazar, but Hikes Prices

Hyundai has announced that it will offer a wired-to-wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay adapter with select variants of the Alcazar. The adapter will be available with 12 variants across the Prestige, Platinum and Signature trims of the new Alcazar, which was launched in India in late 2024. The prices of all these variants have increased by ₹3,800. There are no changes to the prices of variants that are not eligible to come with this adapter.

These variants include both 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options, as well as 6-seater and 7-seater options. Prices now start at ₹17,21,700 for the Prestige 1.5 Turbo Petrol with seven seats, and go up to ₹21,58,700 for the Signature AT 1.5 Diesel with six seats.

When contacted by Acko Drive, multiple Hyundai dealerships across India stated that they do not yet have this adapter in stock, but some did report selling third-party solutions as customers are interested in this functionality. Similar adapters are available in retail, starting at around ₹2,800. They plug into a car’s USB port and allow for wireless smartphone connectivity over Bluetooth, interfacing with an existing infotainment system that supports wired CarPlay and/or Android Auto.

Hyundai will not be selling this adapter as an aftermarket upgrade option for existing Alcazar owners, or offering it with other models for now. The lack of wireless smartphone integration capabilities has been an ongoing complaint for buyers. Most notably, high-end variants of the 2024 Creta as well as the Verna, which have the company’s 10.25-inch BlueLink infotainment system, do not support wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, although lower-end variants with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen option do. The company also declined to confirm any plans or timelines for updating its hardware.

Both Apple’s CarPlay for iPhones and Google’s Android Auto allow users to operate various features of their smartphones through a car’s infotainment system. Hands-free control and easily glanceable information make it safer and more convenient to use navigation, music playback, and communication apps while driving.