VW approved RNS-510 Kenwood alternative with Bluetooth £995 fitted!

[Emeye]

Thought I might share this as even though it's still a lot of money, it seems a great option compared to a RNS-510.

While I was in my local VW dealer earlier, picking my GTi up after having a new Cambelt and a service, I noticed a really smart Kenwood Multimedia Nav unit on display.

It was a DNX520VBT and is shaped the same as the OEM headunits.

Check it out here: http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/vw/DNX520VBT/

Specs here: http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/vw/dnx520vbt_spec/

It was £942.13 inc VAT for the unit, £995 inc fully fitted - if you wanted the iPod/iPhone cable this was £35 extra.

The guys were really helpful, gave me the leaflet and a print out about it and we had a good chat - they reckon it's better than the RNS-510 - the built in Garmin satnav Bluetooth and iPhone/USB connectivity with full control being the major benefits. It even works with the steering wheel controls!

Having played with my mate's RNS-510 I can confirm this Kenwood is probably just as good if not better.

There are a couple of things though - as far as I can tell the iPhone/iPod connector has to go in the front USB and aux sockets, which doesn't look great, and there was no mention of integration with the Computer display on the dashboard.

[Emeye]

Anyone got one of these yet?

[edd666999]

I posted this and got the reply that it looks gash haah

[coullstar]

Looks ok and the Garmin Sat nav is supposed to be good.  Would you have to update your canbus gateway fitting this as with the RNS 510 etc?

[Andy]

like the look of it my self but not keen on the idea of the ipod cable in the front of the unit so am going for the ALPINE VERSION

[Lyons]

Unless thats an incorrect link, I wouldnt say a flip out model is the exact equivalent.  The Kenwood model uses the shape of the hole the RNS/RCD fills and looks OEM.

I must say I think the Kenwood is avery smart unit, with all the kit built in.

Double the price of an RNS though, and the MDI, bluetooth etc could be bought and it would still be cheaper!

[Andy]

sorry a incorrect link here
 http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-ines900r.html

[Gene Hunt]

I posted this and got the reply that it looks gash haah

.......i think the Kenwood one looks good,i would have one.

[coullstar]

Is the VW satnav any good?  I thought it was only a 4 digit postcode finder.  It may look good but if it doesnt work great no point in fitting it.