Citroen output from a new version of the C-Crosser with a robotized gearbox paddles, we took the opportunity to try it with the optional Rockford Fosgate stereo. The C-Crosser is developed based on the Mitsubishi Outlander, it has options of course the brand with 3 diamonds. Over 3000 km in Germany, we have tested and especially appreciate the system Rockford Fosgate!
A great signature and its true!
Our test version of the C-Crosser was the top model (finish Exclusive). Series, it normally has an HP Classic and a laser unit 6 CD changer. But our trial had received NaviDrive navigation system with backup camera and Bluetooth, as well as hi-fi Rockford Fosgate. This multimedia pack hi-fi is optional at Euro 3430. Citroen also offers the optional Rockford Fosgate package only for 950 Euros or pack NaviDrive with backup camera for only 2480 Euros. A tantalizing reading of the data sheet, a test was needed. Many car manufacturers use the big names in the hi-fi, but the systems are not always equal. So we were pretty eager to test this system signed by the legendary American brand Rockford Fosgate. On a journey of 3,000 miles between France and Germany, we could test a truly optimal system multimedia and hi-fi. A good hi-fi is one thing, but if the comfort of the car is not there, it will not benefit. So let's start there. And frankly, Citroen has done an outstanding job. Apart from the driving comfort (suspension, handling, braking, ...) are crossed in a great silence on the C-Crosser: relatively quiet engine, very little wind noise. Even at 200 km / h on German motorways, we meet in comfort and with considerable ease for an SUV. Outstanding in every respect, so it's good condition to enjoy a hi-fi car. Let us begin with the presentation of the system!
Benefits: a true subwoofer!
The source is a combined multimedia NaviDrive double DIN with a slightly specific. Given the keys on the front, the handset offers a picture of 6 inches, which is ample for a browser. This source includes a browser with Europe maps on a hard drive with 30 GB and TMC to navigate, taking into account the real-time traffic. POI icons management, storing favorite addresses, several calculation methods, the browser offers only conventional functions. Still quite rare on the original facility, the multimedia system has a touch screen, which is much more convenient than standard iDrive knob. 10 GB hard disk can be used to store MP3 music. Simply to put a CD in the drive to copy the hard drive.
 |
| The multimedia handset is ideally located in the center of the dashboard |
Apart from playing MP3 CDs, the drive source can also play DVD video, but stopped only. Too bad that the reading of compressed files like DivX is impossible. Of course, this station is equipped with an RDS tuner with automatic search and recording of favorite radio stations. Finally, this handset has Bluetooth with voice control for telephony in the car. In addition to the touchscreen, the essential functions of the source can be controlled from the steering wheel. This multimedia system also serves to give some info from the onboard computer (a real spy, he remembers your speed over the last 3 hours), but nothing essential. It also shows the settings of the air, but it is not essential because the buttons are graduated heating. Finally to finish the presentation of the multimedia source, the C-Crosser was equipped with a rearview camera implanted in the tailgate. In addition to project the vision on the screen, it materializes virtual lines to support security in the maneuvers, excellent initiatives because the gear is quite impressive!
 |
| The browser is fast, but it is silent on the latest technology guide |
Now to install the Rockford Fosgate, the element that interested us most in this essay. This system uses a U.S. 650 Watt amplifier to animate the entire facility. It is placed under the front seat. The front channels using a kit with two lanes separated by 16.5 cm woofers and tweeters in the door mirrors on the turntables. The rear channels have the same kit two separate channels, also installed in the doors. Bass is entrusted to a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer located in the left rear fender of the SUV. It is not a substitute for housing as seen too often, but a true sealed enclosure with a real subwoofer 25 cm. Very thin, the housing is built perfect and does not interfere at all use the safe. The subwoofer is protected by a dense grid, which loads the trunk without worry.
 |
| The tweeters are mounted on small plates decorated with the claw RF |
Unlike many cars, Rockford Fosgate has had the good sense not to put a center channel on their system. In most cases, they tend to hide the stereo effect, and when a system is well regulated, it is not essential. As you will see later, the Rockford Fosgate system is doing very well without center channel. Now to the test in 3000 km journey, we were able to appreciate the qualities and faults. And a listening perspective, frankly we were not disappointed!
Discover and use: using multimedia, but hi-fi super!
Ordinarily, we always start by testing the multimedia system, but for once, we'll start with the hi-fi as it appealed to us. Let's be clear, this is obviously not a plant or facility audiophile thrust of competition, but for the original installation, it's rare that we take so much pleasure. From the first notes of music, we were amazed by the quality of the stamps and serious. We had already tested a system on a Rockford Mitsubishi compact, but we were curious to see how he would pull in a large cockpit. First, the power rating is quite sufficient. Listening is dynamic and attacks are straightforward, particularly in the bass. And there with a good hard rock or techno, what fun? It's a real serious, firm, clean, powerful, fast, escaping the box. Since we can not act on its level, the Rockford amp is really well-calibrated because you do not feel from the grave.
 |
| The Rockford Fosgate subwoofer is truly remarkable |
3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble) and balance / fader settings are the only sound available, but enough for listening to this facility is very well balanced. The sound is loud enough, the sound is well ahead, and the depth of scene is relatively good. Issue stamps, Rockford Fosgate HP fared very well: listening is realistic enough warm and alive. To be picky, treble and midrange were lacking a little finesse to be classified as pure hi-fi. The doors would benefit from better soundproof or more rigid and the woofers gain in performance. But overall for listening to music on a daily basis, the installation sounds really good. And we enjoy even more the engine of the C-Crosser HDI knows how to be discreet.
A somewhat outdated browser!
Now we come to the multimedia system, which by cons, we had a bit disappointed considering the price. Our test vehicle came out of the chains end of 2009, and the browser has a map of 2007. And at this price is unacceptable. Result, the highway between Frankfurt and Leipzig, the system asked us to come back on a road open to traffic. A glance at the GPS screen ah, we ride in the wilderness, he does not know this highway! The ergonomics of the GPS menu also lacks intuitive, its interface is a bit outdated compared to what is done today. Another criticism, this GPS is silent on all the modern features (monuments 3D Text-To-Speech, traffic alerts, ...). This does not preclude the GPS to calculate quickly and precisely guide the driver, but at this price, we expect the same functions as aftermarket handset equipped with better and cheaper. The GPS is quite effective, but it lacks modern features and recent mapping. For receiver functions, the system is fairly standard and does not pose particular concerns.
 |
| The hard drive can store MP3 music |
The hard disk can easily store music from MP3 CDs, but in 2010, at a time when we use all mobile devices, it is regrettable that this handset does not have an iPod control and USB port . Similarly, an audio / video would have been welcome to add a video source such as a digital tuner and relax during breaks while traveling. The Bluetooth feature works well, but the pairing is done by voice command, stationary vehicle. And frankly, it is tedious and even painful because you have to dictate specific orders on hand to record his telephone pair. Today, it is still, more practical system to pair a cell phone. Apart from this little setback, the function works very well: phone book, good communications, voice transmissions in the left speaker to the driver intends ... The voice command to take or make a call is very significant cons. Finally, the steering wheel controls for audio are placed on the steering wheel spokes, but phone orders are placed too low, not practical when you hold the wheel at 10:10.
 |
| In addition to the steering wheel, it has a voice command |
Radio and listening to a CD no problem. These two sources are efficient and offer good sound quality. Conclude this analysis with the rearview camera. This multimedia system still has a great quality, it turns on instantly when the engine starts. Thus, when we pass the reverse, the rearview camera is operational in a few seconds. It provides excellent quality of vision, including night and offers more highly accurate sound alerts. Image it projects, it presents safety lines to demarcate the car and obstacles. All cameras should do because it's really convenient.
 |
| The backup camera provides excellent vision |
In conclusion:
Whether it's hi-fi system or multimedia system, both are optional. Located at 950 Euros, the Rockford Fosgate system is an excellent deal. Given its integration, its true subwoofer, its sound quality, it can hardly be better value for money. For more demanding, we can improve performance at lower costs by better soundproofing the front doors and possibly replacing the tweeters with the new Power models. Anyway, overall, there is sure to have fun listening to the Rockford Fosgate system.
 |
| Rockford Fosgate system offers excellent value for money |
However, it is better to settle for the car hi-fi home and change it to a multimedia model then aftermarket. There are integration kits (spacer and cabling) for the C-Crosser. We will have a double DIN multimedia handset on the market at the top of the aftermarket, for a price considerably lower. Even taking the double DIN highest end of the market and adding options TNT and rearview camera, it remains below the price of NavDrive. This system is not truly NaviDrive bad, but it is outdated compared to what is done today. Most importantly, it is abnormal it is shipped with a mapping exceeded. And its lack of openness about the sources nomads, is still a great pity. The hard drive, camera back, the voice, are significant, but not enough to justify such a price. In contrast, we salute the effort Citroen to offer three choices, while many brands you require a multimedia system and hi-fi overall. There is a choice between option Rockford, option NaviDrive and the complete package a bit cheaper than both options together. Taking the option Rockford Fosgate and adding a good aftermarket entertainment system, will not exceed the price of the complete package, so this is the best solution. Finally, one thing is sure, the comfort of the C-Crosser (remarkable for an SUV) will enjoy the excellent Rockford Fosgate system!
 |
| From a driving point of view and comfort, the C-Crosser is very significant |
No comments:
Post a Comment