It is no surprise that I am a strong believer of Android Auto – it encompasses everything you could possibly ask for in an infotainment system, including voice command, navigation, and music streaming.
There's no need to fawn over the Proton X70's voice command, which we have to add, doesn't come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. With Android Auto, you use voice control to read/reply WhatsApp messages and enter a destination to Google Maps or Waze, as well as selecting your playlist on Spotify using a simple, fast, safe for driving controls.
For the longest time, Android Auto has been exclusive to top-tier marques, such as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Not many sub-RM100k cars offered this feature, until now.
Kia Picanto 1.2
RM 49,888 (Monthly repayment - RM 516*)
Kicking the list off is the Kia Picanto, perhaps the cheapest car to come with Android Auto.
Priced from RM 49,888, the Kia Picanto is an A-segment hatchback features a 7-inch floating-type touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Apart from that, the little Picanto also gets 6 airbags, stability control, and projector headlights.
Kia Malaysia also offers the Picanto GT-Line for those seeking for something a bit more stylish.
Nissan Almera Black Series
RM 69,888 (Monthly repayment - RM 732*)
Surprise surprise.
The Nissan Almera Black Series is equipped with a 6.75-inch touchscreen head unit with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Priced from RM 69,888, the Almera Black Series is the second cheapest new car that comes with Android Auto.
Beyond the head unit, there's really nothing else going on for the Almera, and the all-new model is just around the corner.
Volkswagen Polo
RM 74,990 (Monthly repayment: RM 776*)
The Volkswagen Polo is Volkswagen Malaysia's cheapest model to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, via its 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit.
It may be an ageing model in Volkswagen Malaysia's line-up, but the Polo still has a lot going for it, including automatic air-conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, and cruise control.
Kia Rio
RM 79,888 (Monthly repayment - RM 827*)
The YB generation Kia Rio made in Malaysian debut back in 2017, albeit with a tiny 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Kia Rio was updated in late-2018, and it now comes with an improved 7.0-inch touchscreen head unit with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The update also brought along a new 6-speed automatic transmission (replaces the old 4-speed unit), cruise control, auto dimming rear view monitor, and blind spot monitor. At the same time, the Rio's wheels got downsized from 17-inches to 16-inches and the sunroof got omitted.
Toyota Avanza 1.5 S+
RM 87,888 (Monthly repayment - RM 910*)
Here's another surprise entry to our list - the Toyota Avanza 1.5 S+.
The Vellfire-like face Toyota Avanza made its local debut back in May 2019, with the 1.5 S+ variant gaining a 6.75-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
Apart from the head unit, the Avanza 1.5 S+ also gets blind spot monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a built-in front digital video recorder (DVR).
* Calculation is made based on 10 percent downpayment and 2.7 percent interest rate