Hyundai and Kia set to bring vehicle smartphone apps to Australian customers this year
Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut on the Palisade later this year, before being rolled out to electric models. Images: Hyundai Australia
Welcome news this week as both Hyundai and Kia have announced Australian customers will soon have access to smartphone apps with connected car services, allowing owners to connect to their respective vehicles and even remotely set functions for battery electric models. This functionality — or lack thereof —has been a sore point for many Australian buyers investing in the Korean brands’ latest models, with the feature available on Tesla, Volvo and Polestar models.
Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut alongside the 2023 Palisade in the second half of this year, before “gradually rolling out across the Hyundai model range”. Hyundai Australia hasn’t stated just when (or if) owners of current MY22 IONIQ 5 electric vehicles will be able to use the app with their vehicles.
According to Hyundai, The Hyundai Bluelink app lets users find their car, or search for a destination, parking space, service station or restaurant on their smartphone, and then send the location straight to the in-car navigation system.
In the event of an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, the vehicle will automatically call for help, with emergency assistance also available by pressing the SOS button 24/7, 365 days a year.
Bluelink also brings quick access to important data such as driving information records, as well as letting users keep an eye on key parts of their Hyundai including tyres, brakes, airbags and other safety and security features. Last Mile Navigation lets users continue the in-car route guidance on their smartphone after parking, all the way to their desired destination.
The Bluelink app will give Hyundai drivers access to vehicle controls and more.
EV specific features of Bluelink
EV models take this remote-control functionality even further, allowing users to schedule cabin heating and cooling. Scheduled charging can also be controlled remotely, to capture off-peak electricity rates and manage charging for battery life.
Kia’s app, dubbed Kia Connect, provides customer benefits in safety and security, control, connectivity, and LIVE services by using telematics to transfer real time data such as weather and traffic information, charging station information and more. Kia’s Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.
Kia Connect will debut in Australia on the MY23 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line models. Image: Kia Motors
Kia Connect to debut with the 2023 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line
The Kia Connect smartphone app will also allow users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts. An End Destination Guidance feature helps customers navigate to their destination on foot once their all-new Niro is parked using Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology. Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it is being driven by another user, providing added peace of mind.
Kia Connect will debut on the new Niro HEV and EV in GT-Line trims when the vehicle debuts in Australia next month. Functionality will include:
A screenshot from our first experience with Volvo’s smartphone app
Remote engine start
Remote climate control
Remote door lock/unlock
Remote seat heating/ventilation control
Check vehicle status
Valet Parking mode
Kia Connect Live Services
Emergency call (Safety and Security)
Vehicle Tracking (Safety and Security)
Stolen Vehicle Ignition Control (Safety and Security)
Send Destination 2 Car (from Smartphone)
Local Search
Voice Control (eg.Temperature/Weather info/Handsfree call)
Integrate personal calendar and show calendar events
EV Charging Station locations
Many manufacturers claim advancements in connectivity and voice recognition systems, but we still find that Google is the leader in this field, and Polestar’s full integration of Google’s Android Automotive system is the best in the business. It makes us wonder why OEMs continue to invest in in-house systems.
While Tesla’s app connectivity is still the benchmark in terms of the user interface and experience, offering full remote control of the vehicle’s charging, climate, lights, storage compartments and “summon” driving on some models, other brands are cottoning on pretty quickly. Volvo and Polestar now offer connected smartphone apps, as do BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz in some markets.