Zapping Autonews The car concepts of the year 2022 in video
The Toyota bZ4X, a 100% electric family SUV, the first of its kind for the Japanese manufacturer, incorporates the brand’s latest multimedia system. Standard on the entry-level “Pure”, it measures 8 inches diagonally. From the second level of “Origin” equipment, it occupies the entire surface of its tablet, with a size of 12.3 inches. Fully tactile, it can also replicate the content of your smartphone, either by cable, in particular with Android Auto, or wirelessly, with Apple CarPlay.
Integration
Toyota bZ4X (2022)Credit Photo – Autonews
With a recessed dashboard, the screen, not particularly high but sufficient for comfortable reading, is highlighted. Like a tablet with very straight angles and a glass treatment covering the display and its glossy black borders, the integration is intended to be harmonious. Only three flat buttons for the volume encroach discreetly at the bottom of the lower border, glued to the air conditioning block (which retains dedicated controls whose main adjustment functions are physical triggers). The 8-inch version presents less well, with wide disproportionate side stripes, accentuating the impression of a small display, with a rotary volume knob in its lower left corner protruding from this smooth surface. This plays on the modernity of the general atmosphere, due to the central place of the system in the cabin. The large version is not available as an option, it is better to favor at least the intermediate finish to take advantage of it.
The 7-inch instrument screen behind the steering wheel, in the high position, displays all sorts of information like a relatively conventional on-board computer, including navigation direction indications.
Utilisation
Toyota bZ4X (2022)Credit Photo – Autonews
On its large display surface, where each menu is displayed large, with a reduced number of function commands and pushed back to the angles concerning navigation, readability is optimal. The sleek graphics and the soft, light colors also contribute to this. The main quick access functions are grouped together on a thin strip on the left, over the entire height of the slab, with icons corresponding to navigation, radio/music, telephone, vehicle information, connected applications and settings .
The sub-menus unfold from the left of the screen, with details appearing on the remaining two-thirds to the right. No latency is to be deplored, whether for scrolling through functions or for browsing the GPS map. The display follows without dead time. The voice command button remains displayed superimposed in the lower left corner, regardless of the menu you are in. However, his understanding of oral requests might be improved.
Nothing complicated to get started, the organization is simple and rather logical to quickly find the desired parameters. No particular fantasy but a pleasant interface without surprises. We would simply have appreciated the presence of some additional features related to charging, such as a trip planner, absent here.
The notes
Toyota bZ4X (2022)Credit Photo – Autonews
Fluidity
9/10: The simple graphics undoubtedly help with a quick display, but you really have to ask a lot to fault the fluidity of this system.
Organisation des menus
10/10: A single logic, from left to right, from the most general to the most specific and without too many functions for an intuitive system to get started with.
Readability/Graphics
9/10: Spaced lines, clear and space-saving icons, everything looks easy. The design of the card is modern and refined, although it does not seek photographic realism, far from any fantasy or variety of colors.
Control
8/10: Its operation does not create the need for remote physical controls and the screen is self-sufficient, but the voice command might have been a little more efficient.
With
Toyota bZ4X (2022)Credit Photo – Autonews
Provided you choose its wide version, 12.3″, this “Toyota Smart Connect” system no longer looks like a purely functional add-on as was the case in most recent Toyotas.
More elegant and benefiting from a beautiful clarity in use, there is nothing original in its form or its graphics nor particularly innovative but does its job effectively.
Its association with this first 100% electric vehicle in the range would have deserved the addition of dedicated functions such as a journey planner avoiding the need for an additional application.
to summarize
Integration in the first 100% electric SUV from Toyota, use by the driver and notes from the editorial staff of Autonews: discover the multimedia system of the Toyota bZ4X from our journalist-tester.
