SYNC4

SYNC has long been known to be one of the simplest automotive systems ever used. Yet it's packed with features like navigation, voice control, wireless phone connectivity, digital radio and a range of apps for media, weather forecasts and more.

There are also additional services like Amazon In-Car delivery, which allows you to drop packages in the trunk of your parked vehicle, Waze navigation and Alexa voice control. Finally, FordPass is the automaker's smartphone app for remotely controlling certain vehicle functions.

Sync 4 is Ford's latest infotainment system. There are two versions: Sync 4 will work on cars with full-size touchscreens, while Sync 4A is the system installed in the upcoming Mustang Mach-E, with its large touchscreen placed in portrait mode.

It's a heavily modified version of Sync, but it stays true to the original philosophy of being simple and easy to read at a glance. The screen on the Mach-E (or the F-150, for example) is also topped with a physical dial that allows you to change the volume quickly and without looking.

One of the key features of Sync 4 is over-the-air software updates. While Sync 3 requires a Wi-Fi connection or USB stick to update, Sync 4 uses the car's own Internet connection. Ford said earlier this year that with the Mach-E, software updates will take only a few minutes, compared with more than 20 minutes for some rivals.

Now that every new Ford vehicle has the FordPass Connect option with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, cloud connectivity is standard in SYNC 4. Navigation is fully connected and linked to the Internet with maps that are frequently refreshed with the latest available traffic and work information. An improvement that ensures customers get the most up-to-date information for their routes. Ford has also equipped SYNC 4 with optional navigation with the ability to share parking space availability and prices.

With a little practice and use, your Ford can also become your best companion for customization, since Sync4 is capable of learning. Using your old actions, the system can recognize them and set them up for you.

Your favourite restaurant has a Tartar special every Wednesday? Sync4 can remind you. It can also tell you to call your partner when you get off work, or know exactly which radio station you prefer!