
The base model of the New Santana does not come with and requires an aftermarket installation. Below are specific details about the New Santana: 1. Powertrain: The New Santana is equipped with EA211 series engines available in 1.4L and 1.6L displacements. The 1.4L engine delivers a maximum power of 66kW, while the 1.6L engine produces 81kW, both featuring a lighter all-aluminum construction. 2. Exterior Design: The overall design is relatively simple, without exaggerated lines. The waistline running from the front to the rear gives the car a dynamic appearance. The chrome trim below the windows is understated yet aligns with Chinese consumers' aesthetic preferences, adding a touch of sophistication.

I bought the base model of the new Santana, and it indeed didn't come with functionality from the factory. To keep costs down, the base version only retains the most basic radio and USB port. However, I found a solution using an FM transmitter, which can be bought on Taobao for around 30-40 RMB. Just plug it into the cigarette lighter, and it can convert your phone's music into a radio frequency for playback. If you want to enable call functionality, you'll need to replace the center console screen. At an auto parts market, you can install an Android screen with Bluetooth for about 800 RMB. I recommend carefully comparing the configuration sheets before buying a car, as many domestic cars in this price range come with Bluetooth as standard.

As someone who frequently deals with various car models, I'm well aware that the base trim of the new Santana (Trendline version) doesn't come with a module from the factory. The manufacturer clearly states in the specifications that the base trim only includes a radio and AUX/USB ports. Actually, third-party solutions are quite mature now. I recommend getting an in-car Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter or USB port to enable wireless connectivity. However, do note that there will be some audio quality loss, especially noticeable radio static during phone calls. The Bluetooth connection in higher trim models is much more stable, but they cost over ten thousand yuan more.

According to Volkswagen's official configuration list, the base version of the new Santana indeed does not come with a system. This is quite common for entry-level models of joint-venture cars in this price range, just like the base version of Jetta VA3. You might want to try connecting your phone directly with an AUX cable, which offers more stable sound quality than Bluetooth, though it's less convenient due to the wired connection. If your budget allows, spending around a thousand to install a central control screen with Bluetooth would be a good choice, as the newer models now support CarPlay functionality. Recently, there have been cases of people unlocking hidden features via the OBD interface, but ordinary car owners should avoid attempting this as it can easily lead to malfunctions.

Having worked in car repairs for ten years, I've seen many base-model Santanas with such simplified wiring systems that they don't even have a reserved antenna interface. There are only two solutions to add Bluetooth functionality: either replace the entire multimedia head unit (costing approximately 700-1200 RMB) or install an external Bluetooth module (around 200 RMB). Personally, I recommend the second option as it doesn't tamper with the original car wiring and won't affect the warranty. Special attention must be paid to disconnecting the battery's negative terminal during installation—last week, a customer burned a fuse while attempting a DIY installation. Honestly, using a phone mount with earphones for daily driving is more convenient and eliminates concerns about distracted driving.

After researching the full range of configurations of the new Santana, it's clear that the function is indeed omitted in the base model. This detail can be clearly seen in the parameter comparison on Autohome. In fact, many car owners overlook an alternative solution: using a Type-C to AUX cable to connect their phones for music playback, which costs less than 20 yuan. If you frequently need to make or receive calls, it's recommended to directly purchase a car Bluetooth headset. The latest bone conduction headphones are a good option, allowing you to hear both navigation prompts and ambient sounds. Additionally, it's worth noting that retrofitting the central control screen may affect the vehicle's residual value, as buyers are likely to negotiate a lower price when selling.


