Ford will be introducing its third-generation SYNC3 communications and entertainment system to the South African market in 2016/2017.

Ford will be rolling out its SYNC3 infotainment system that will offer improved functionality and faster performance. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also be offered once SYNC3 is licensed in South Africa.

SYNC3 will be available in various Ford models before the end of 2016 including theMustang, Ranger, Everest and Fusion. The Ford Focus and Kuga will feature SYNC3 as of early 2017. The system will incorporate an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation will be rolled out during the course of 2017. SYNC1 will remain to be an entry-level offering for selected models.

“SYNC3 brings to life even more innovative new ways of staying connected on the move. Designed to complement modern smartphones, with an intuitive touch screen and an exciting array of new features, SYNC3 understands even more conversational speech commands, is significantly faster and offers a higher resolution interface that is simpler, and easier to read and use than the outgoing SYNC2 system,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing – Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.

SYNC3 features

The SYNC3 infotainment system offers increased processing power and more streamlined functionality. The number of steps to complete an action has been reduced, thereby improving the functionality and simplifying the user experience.

SYNC3 will operate much like a smartphone, where users are able to swipe and pinch-to-zoom. Apple CarPlay will allow iPhone users to send and receive text messages, play music, make phone calls and get traffic information, all via voice activation. SYNC3 is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free and iPhone users can access Siri via Bluetooth.

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For Android users, Android Auto will offer a number of Apps and services including Google Maps, Google Search and Google Play Music, all commanded using SYNC3 voice activation.

“Some of the licenses for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still being finalised for official release in the collective Middle East and Africa region, and therefore will be introduced as they become available in market,” says Delate. Over-the-air software updates will be required and can be done by downloading updatesusing Wi-Fi.

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SYNC3 will be offered as standard on certain derivatives, or as an option. Customers will also be pleased to know that navigation will be offered for the first time in 2017. Depending on the model derivative, navigation may be offered a standard or as an option and will be rolled out in phases in 2017. SYNC3 navigation will also offer 3 language options including English, Afrikaans and Zulu.

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