Hi All
After researching multiple threads regarding HU swaps on VAG cars, I decided to go ahead and upgrade the HU on my 2009 Laura TSi. I loved the SWING unit that came with the car, and it was nowhere close to showing its age.
However, having tried out RCD units with carplay in my friend's polo and rapid, I always wanted to go for the HU which looks as close to stock as possible, and have modern features like carplay / android auto to assist navigation, bluetooth etc. These features were missing out on the swing unit.
Few HUs in the Indian market that support CarPlay and AndroidAuto and available on amazon.in:
1.
Sony XAV AX5000
2.
Sony XAV AX3000
3.
Sony XAV AX1000 Probably the cheapest with a price of 14999
4.
Blaupunkt Monte Carlo and many others.
However, none of them gave me that understated feel of the Stock HUs like RCD units. Especially with green backlight LEDs to go along with the green lit dash. Therefore, it was decided to source the RCD330g / 340g to maintain the stock look and feel.
Most of the threads on the forum have done it on cars like polo, vento, superb. Recently came across
iTNerd's thread (Skoda Yeti: Replacing the RCD510 (Bolero) with RCD330G Plus (RVC, Carplay, Android Auto & more)) of how he has swapped the stock HU on his Yeti, to the RCD330g plus. His answers, kinda gave me the confidence to go ahead with the purchase, since there was no specific guide for the Laura's HU replacement.
Explored AliExpress for a while, given their impending 11.11 sale. Few sellers on that platform that I spoke to and who were very helpful
1.
AIDU Auto
2.
LEMON SHARK
Also, came across seller Mr. Shalinder from Classic car accesories, Ramesh Nagar Delhi. You can see his detailed youtube videos or contact him at 9818935777. Since Im in Bangalore, never got to meet him in person, and all my conversations were over the phone. Upon calling him, he will ask you about the car and which model of the stereo you are looking for. It is better to watch his youtube videos, to get clarity on what each model of RCD does/ features, before you make the call to him. Depending upon the car, he will also advise if you need to purchase facia trim to accomodate it to the dash, as well as if there is need for any extra cables.
His quote for RCD 340G plus with android auto and apple carplay was 15000 ₹. Since my car was in ambiente trim, with the base SWING HU, I was also advised about the need for a different Facia trim which would cost another 3000 ₹.
The costs on AliExpress were coming to almost 18-19k plus customs duty. Facia Trim was another 1500. Coupled with a long delivery process, and random custom charges, I decided to opt for Shalinder. In case you want the trim from AliExpress you can try this search on the website
Skoda octavia fascia
Net landed costs for the HU came to
1. RCD340G plus - 15000₹
2. Facia trim for Octavia 1z double DIN - 3000₹
3. Courier from Delhi to Bangalore - 1000₹
The product was shipped on the same evening of payment, and reached me in 12 hours.
Packaging
1. Stereo
Attachment 1819176
2. Fascia frame
Some issue was about to happen with this trim which i realised later once i went to fix the stereo.
Also, when I took out the original frame and held both side by side, could notice the quality difference between the two. The Original one was a bit heavier, and well built.