2017 Honda City and the Digipad 2.0: An Upgrade in Question?
As of my last update in August 2023, there has been no official confirmation from Honda regarding an upgrade of the 2017 Honda City to the Digipad 2.0 infotainment system. Typically, software and hardware upgrades for older models are limited, and such updates are usually reserved for newer models or specific trims. If you are looking for the latest information, it is best to check with an official Honda dealership or the Honda website for any announcements regarding upgrades or retrofits for older vehicles.
Customer Feedback and Petitions
There is a petition online for the 2022 Honda CRM 18297 petition to upgrade the Digipad 1.0 to Digipad 2.0. Many car owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the Digipad 1.0, citing its limitations and bugs. It's a shame that even small cars like the new Hyundai Santro have Android Auto support on their entertainment systems, while the Honda City still does not.
Honda seems not to care about customer feedback. It is even more surprising that lower-priced models like the Amaze and Jazz come with the newer Digipad 2.0 with Android Auto, while the 2017 Honda City customers have to make do with the primitive Digipad 1.0. As per customer feedback, the Digipad 1.0 that is offered with the Honda City has bugs and issues. This has led to the increasing sales of the Ciaz, which seems to be outperforming the City in terms of market share.
Alternatives to Digipad 1.0
Given the limitations of the Digipad 1.0, many owners have opted to find alternatives. One of the best options I installed was a 10.2-inch Android 8.0 system for my Honda City. The one I ordered on AliExpress for 250 was for the March-2017 model. This installation has been a great upgrade for the car.
I sold the Digipad 1.0 on OLX for 8000 Rupees along with the iGo maps. The new player is really good and supports the rearview camera. It has the latest Android, so I can install all the apps, including YouTube, to watch videos for my kids while traveling. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay over WiFi. It has a booting time of 5 seconds, which is a significant improvement over the Digipad’s 18 seconds.
With Honda not planning to update the Digipad, it makes sense to accept the reality and look for other options. Many owners have found that custom infotainment upgrades can greatly enhance their driving experience and provide more functionality than the standard Digipad 1.0.
While the 2017 facelifted model is unlikely to get the DigiPad 2.0, owners can look forward to this upgrade with the next generation Honda City, anticipated towards the end of 2019 after 30–36 months from the current model release. However, for those needing an immediate upgrade, custom solutions can provide a compelling alternative.