Hyundai is betting big on connectivity features being a differentiator in India. As has already been announced, the upcoming Hyundai Venue compact SUV will be the first model to feature its Blue Link connectivity technology. Of the 33 features included in the Blue Link system, 10 of them are exclusive to India.
Earlier today, Hyundai detailed all the features that come under the Blue Link technology umbrella. Hyundai broadly classifies the features under safety, security, remote, vehicle relationship management, location-based services, alert services and artificial intelligence. Read on to know what to expect.
Safety
Safety features on Hyundai Blue Link include Auto Crash Notification (similar to Ford’s Emergency Assistance System) that will automatically notify emergency services in the case of a collision. Furthermore, a button on the Hyundai’s internal rear-view mirror can also be pressed to trigger an SOS message, summon road-side assistance or send a panic notification to registered family members or friends.
| Hyundai Blue Link connectivity features | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Auto Crash Notification | In case of an accident, a call will be placed to the Blue Link call centre to assist occupants with contacting emergency services. |
| SOS/Emergency Assistance | Blue Link Call centre will assist occupants with contacting and getting help from emergency services in case of an accident. |
| Road Side Assistance | In case of a breakdown, the call centre will contact road side assistance services. |
| Panic Notification | Blue Link app will send SMSes to the registered contacts in case of an emergency. |
Security
Hyundai’s Blue Link technology will also allow for remote monitoring of the vehicle’s security. Upon a Vehicle Burglar Alarm being activated, the owner will receive a notificiation that the vehicle has been stolen. The system also allows for live tracking of the vehicle, providing location information that will undoubtedly aid its quick retrieval. The owner also has the option of requesting the Hyundai call centre to immobilise the vehicle entirely.
| Hyundai Blue Link security features | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Stolen Vehicle Tracking | Blue Link Call centre can assist the police/owner to track a stolen vehicle. |
| Stolen Vehicle Notification | Owner will get a notification on the activation of the vehicle's alarm. |
| Stolen Vehicle Immobilisation | Call centre can remotely immobilise the vehicle in case of theft. |
Remote
Via the Hyundai Blue Link mobile phone app, users can remotely lock/unlock their cars, turn the horn or headlight flasher (helpful to locate your car in a dark parking lot) or check vehicle status. The app will also have a Find My Car feature that will lead you to your car when needed and owners can also provide Blue Link feature access to another user. Interestingly, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol powered and dual-clutch transmission-equipped Venue models will also give owners the option to remotely switch their car on and also start the climate control system – a smart way to pre-cool (or pre-warm) your car in India’s extreme weather conditions.
| Hyundai Blue Link remote features | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Remote Engine Start/Stop | Remotely start the car via the Blue Link smartphone app. (DCT model only) |
| Remote Climate Control | Remotely set desired temperature for the climate control system via the smartphone app. (DCT model only) |
| Remote Door Lock/Unlock | Lock/Unlock vehicle via the smartphone app. |
| Remote Horn Honk and Light | Activate the horn and blinkers of the car remotely via the app. |
| Remote Vehicle Status | Provide real-time information on various parameters including AC, engine, doors etc. |
| Find My Car | Locate car via the app. |
| Share My Car | Car owner can share Blue Link services with family or friends to use. |
Vehicle Relationship Management
Even in terms of vehicle status reports, Blue Link goes a few steps up on Hyundai India’s current Auto Link technology. Aside from providing info on driving behaviour and a monthly vehicle health report, Blue Link will also provide diagnostic options for the car. The owner will be automatically informed in case of a malfunction in the mechanicals; and there’s also the option to run a manual diagnosis to check the function of other components. Furthermore, Blue Link will also prompt messages when it’s time to replace consumables, such as engine oil.
| Hyundai BlueLink Vehicle Relationship Management features | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Auto DTC Check | Real-time notification if malfunction in components such as engine, gearbox etc. |
| Manual DTC Check | The owner can run diagnostics to check for any malfunctions in systems such as the airbags etc. |
| Monthly Health Report | The owner can check monthly driving statistics and real-time vehicle health information. |
| Maintenance Alert | Provide real-time alert for oil change etc based on odometer. |
| Driving Information/ Behavior | Provide daily trip information along with driving behavior for each trip. |
Location-based Services
Hyundai says it has partnered with a global mapping firm for real-time traffic updates and live car tracking. It will also be possible to feed a destination to the car directly from your phone or remotely from a call centre; and owners will be able to share their car location through the infotainment system as well.
| Hyundai Blue Link LBS features | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Push Map to car from App | Remotely set destination on in-car navigation system via the phone app. |
| Push Maps by Call Centre | Set destination on the car's navigation system via a call to the call centre. Push Blue Link button on rear-view mirror to place call. |
| Live POI Search | Periodic updates on driver's selected 'Point of Interest'. |
| Live Traffic Information | Real-time traffic updates along with alternative route suggestions. |
| Share The Destination | Share final destination of trip with friends and family. |
| Live Car Tracking | Real-time tracking of the vehicle via the phone app. |
| Destination Set in Link with Schedule | Sync calendar events with Blue Link app with automatic navigation prompt to select destination on the phone. |
| Live Car Location Sharing | Share vehicle location with friends and/or family. |
Alert Services
Users can track their Venue at all times via GPS and can set up the system to receive alerts when the car exceeds a certain speed, leaves a preset geo-fenced area or even when it's kept idling for long. These features are sure to be of interest for owners looking to keep a close watch on their chauffeurs or even children’s use of the car.
| Hyundai Blue Link alert services | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Geo-Fence Alert | Sends an alert to owner if vehicle is taken outside of a predetermined boundary. |
| Speed Alert | Sends an alert to owner if the vehicle exceeds a pre-set speed limit. |
| Time Fencing Alert | Alerts the owner if the vehicle is driven outside of pre-determined hours. |
| Valet Alert | Provides an alert if valet exceeds any parameters set in the system. |
| Idle Alert | Provides alert if vehicle is idling for longer than a fixed period of time. |
Artificial Intelligence-based voice commands
What promises to make Blue Link that crucial bit more user-friendly is an AI-based voice recognition software that Hyundai claims will understand Indian accents.
| Hyundai Blue Link AI | |
|---|---|
| Features | Description |
| Voice Recognition - Indian English | Voice recognition feature to control infotainment functions. |
The Venue will come with a factory-fit embedded Vodafone Idea SIM card for connectivity. Hyundai has said that the Blue Link services will be free of charge for the first three years of ownership. The carmaker has also announced that it will install simulations of the Blue Link app at dealerships across the country so as to allow prospective customers to experience the technology first hand. And as disclosed earlier, Blue Link will be rolled out on other Hyundai models in the near future.
The Hyundai Venue will launch in India in mid-May 2019 with the compact SUV set to rival the likes of the popular Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300. Expect Hyundai Venue prices to be in the Rs 8-12 lakh (estimated ex-showroom) bracket.
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