Hyundai Porter 2 OEM Options Review: Cruise Control & Bluetooth

Enhance Your Hyundai Porter 2 with Factory Options

The Hyundai Porter 2 is a workhorse, often chosen for its utility. However, for drivers who spend significant time on the road or need to stay connected, the base trim's lack of features like cruise control and Bluetooth audio can be a major drawback. This review details a common upgrade: retrofitting genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) options to enhance comfort, safety, and convenience. This particular upgrade was performed using genuine Hyundai Mobis parts in South Korea.

Why Add Cruise Control and Bluetooth to Your Porter 2?

For many Porter 2 owners, long-distance driving is a reality. Cruise control is invaluable on highways and in areas with consistent speed limits, reducing driver fatigue by allowing the vehicle to maintain a set speed without constant pedal input. This not only makes driving more comfortable but can also contribute to better fuel efficiency by minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Furthermore, using a mobile phone while driving is both illegal and dangerous. Integrating Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling via a steering wheel remote transforms the driving experience. It allows for safe management of music, radio, and phone calls directly from the steering wheel, keeping your hands where they belong and your attention on the road.

Before this upgrade, the Porter 2 in question featured a basic steering wheel without cruise control buttons and a simple single-DIN audio unit. The absence of a microphone also indicated no hands-free capability. The goal was to bring the vehicle up to a more modern standard of convenience and safety using factory-approved components.

Seamless Integration of OEM Cruise Control and Bluetooth Audio

The process begins with sourcing the correct genuine Hyundai Mobis parts specific to the vehicle's VIN. The installation involves carefully removing the existing steering wheel and audio system. The original steering wheel is replaced with one featuring integrated buttons for both hands-free calling on the left and cruise control on the right. This symmetrical addition not only adds functionality but also enhances the interior's aesthetic appeal.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove the original steering wheel and audio unit.
2. Install the new OEM steering wheel with integrated cruise control and Bluetooth buttons.
3. Replace the single-DIN audio system with a double-DIN unit featuring Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Install the Bluetooth microphone in its designated factory location, typically on the headliner.
5. Connect and test all new components to ensure full functionality.

Once installed, the cruise control system functions identically to factory-equipped vehicles. The instrument cluster will display a 'CRUISE' indicator. Engaging the system is as simple as pressing the SET- button while at the desired speed. The system will then maintain that speed, allowing you to relax your foot from the accelerator. Speed adjustments are made with RES+ and SET-, and the system can be temporarily disengaged by pressing the brake pedal or the CANCEL button. Full deactivation is achieved by pressing the cruise control button again until the indicator light turns off.

The audio system upgrade involves replacing the basic single-DIN radio with a double-DIN unit that includes Bluetooth. This requires removing the dashboard's upper section for access. After an initial pairing, your smartphone will automatically connect via Bluetooth whenever you enter the vehicle, enabling seamless music streaming and hands-free calls. The Bluetooth microphone is discreetly installed on the headliner, ensuring clear audio quality for calls.

The cost for this type of OEM retrofit in South Korea can vary, but typically ranges from approximately ₩400,000 to ₩700,000 (roughly $300-$530 USD, depending on exchange rates and specific parts). The installation itself usually takes between 2 to 4 hours.