iPhone 3G and the Audi A3

[UK-Dave]

There has been some discussion about whether the new iPhone 3G works with Audi cars. I have just taken delivery of a new (2009) Audi A3 SE Sportback 2.0 TDI with the the phone preparation and cradle for the iPhone included in the specification. The cradle itself is specfic to the phone model you use but is interchangeable. It isn't cheap though!

The whole system works extremely well. The iPhone links to the car via Bluetooth and your phone book is transferred to the car's in-built memory. The phonebook is summarised on the digital display and the controls on the multi-function steering wheel give direct access to the phone functions so you can scroll through your address book with ease. The speech control system works really well and you can store a name tag by voice recognition easily to any (or all) of the entries in your phone book. It is then a breeze to be totally hands free and most importantly safe!

The quality of reception is very good, the aerial system is very effective and importantly keeps all the radiation outside of the cabin. The cradle also charges the iPhone in situ and will switch to a trickle charge automatically. Sound quality is very good through the Audi Concert sound system (an optional extra) with full control through the CD/radio controls or via the multi-function steering wheel. The CD/radio fades out for incoming calls and you can choose to accept or reject in the usual way.

Obtaining all the information you need beforehand is not as easy - there is a good and full range of information in the manuals (as there should be). Not all the functions on the iPhone will work across Bluetooth. You can't. for example, listen to podcasts or music with the current software implementation.

Hope this is helpful if you are wondering whether to buy an on-board phone system. It is worth it!