Exeo - IPOD

[wardy]

Hi,

Despite the snow I test drove the Exeo ST SE at the weekend, very impressed and now sits top of the list.

I currently have a 2003 Leon Cupra, and the Exeo does seem a natural progression for someone now with kids. I'm sure I can cope with the 40ish less horses.

Has anyone used the ipod integration and is it any good?

Also another comments about moving from the LC to a Exeo. . . .

Cheers Steve

 

[Shaun_E]

I was told that it doesn't show the track names on the screen - only the "CD number" (of which you can have 6) and the track number. This is because it connects to the CD changer input - this is one of the downsides of the Exeo being an older generation car.
For this reason I didn't bother specifying it, instead keeping the standard USB port. I bought a cheap 16GB USB stick and copied a load of MP3s to that and I just leave it in the car - music selection is obviously a bit random.
If anyone knows better than this I will be having a conversation with the dealer!

 

[wardy]

Thanks . . .

So with MP3 it shows, track names?
With MP3s, How easy is it to navigate through tracks, artists, playlists etc?

 

[Cbeal]

I have also opted for the USB memory stick. It's not that good in terms of navication, it plays them alphabetically so you need to remember how you named them. I have 6 directoried (labeled disk1 to disk6) and next time I bring it in to the house, I'll label the track numbers as part of the name as well.

I have just swapped my 01 Leon Cupra, for a 143 ST SE. I't very comfy and great for longer journeys. I've only done ~1100 miles so far but it's beginning to losen up and feels quicker now than it did when new.

 

[wardy]

Anyone fitted an after market head unit to an Exeo?
I'll also take a look at the A4 forums . . . . any pointers where best to look?

Cheers

 

[Shaun_E]

No it doesn't show track names on the USB stick either. It's easy to move between tracks using the steering wheel controls but obviously you can't see the track titles - unless you have a great memory it's a bit rubbish.
I have 6 "CDs" on the USB stick grouping albums by genre and then the tracks are labelled with the track number at the begining so they play in the correct album order.
Bizarrely it does show track names on MP3 CDs but you can only get a maximum of 6 albums on a CD.
To be honest this is my biggest disappointment with the Exeo - essential kit for me was cruise control, bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The iPod thing nearly broke the deal but the rest of the car was such good value that I decided I would live with it. I have a Griffin Autopilot (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/autopilot) for longer journeys when I want to select things on the iPod.
I would consider an aftermarket unit but, to me, it would need to be touchscreen and have satnav to make it worth the change.

 

[Cbeal]

There's a few threads on here about fitting and MFD3 VW satnav/touchscreen unit. I must admit that might be a tempting route to go now

 

[wardy]

yeah my requirements were similar . . . . Bluetooth Hansfree, Ipod Conenctivity (or MP3s you can navigate) and cruise controls were top priority and have broken deals on previous cars. I've always like the A4 and as said it's top value for money.

It would have been nice to have everything as standard, but I think I'll have to go down the double DIN HU way with Sat Nav, Bluetooth and IPOD connectivity.

It just starts raising loads more questions going the after market route. . . . . .
- Is the bluetooth hansfree on the Exeo part of the stereo? If you remove the standard stereo does this also disable the standard Bluetooth.
- Can you use the factory fit phone mic with an aftermarket unit
- Does it look good
. . . . .

Just one more thing to think about . . . . but suppose I'd better buy the car first!!
I'll be looking at some more at the weekend, see if we can find an ex demo or how much I can get off a new one!!

Cheers

 

[Cbeal]

My local dealer has an ex demo ST like the one I bought for £17999.

 

[OFC]

Thanks guys - very useful information. I was thinking of getting the iPod connection, but won't bother with it now. I'll have to live with the USB stick and label the tracks accordingly.