Chevrolet Cruze Tesla Style head units – what you need to know
The centre console of the Chevrolet Cruze (2008–2014) is unusually tall and vertical – which is exactly why a 9.7-inch portrait-screen head unit suits it particularly well. Where the portrait format is a compromise on other cars, on the Cruze it is a natural solution: the screen fills the console's already vertical surface and does not protrude beyond the plane of the dashboard.
Let us clarify the name: „Tesla Style” refers to the format of the screen – the portrait, tablet-like display made popular by the Tesla Model S – not to the unit being for a Tesla. An aftermarket head unit cannot be fitted to a Tesla.
The unit suits all three Cruze body styles: the saloon, the five-door hatchback and the Station Wagon estate alike, because they were all given the same centre console. The factory MyLink system of the later model years is replaced, but the steering wheel buttons keep working thanks to the supplied CAN adapter, as do the factory speakers and – if fitted – the factory reversing camera.
The Android system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, runs Waze, Google Maps, Spotify and YouTube, and has Bluetooth hands-free calling, radio, USB and a reversing camera input.
The installation uses a wiring loom made for the factory connectors: no wires have to be cut and the operation is reversible. If you have a question about your own car, send us a photograph of the dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
Which model years and bodies does it suit?
The 2008-2014 Chevrolet Cruze: saloon, five-door hatchback and Station Wagon estate alike, because they were all given the same centre console.
Is this a unit for a Tesla?
No. „Tesla Style” is the name of the 9.7-inch portrait screen format. This head unit was made for the Chevrolet Cruze; an aftermarket head unit cannot be fitted to a Tesla.
Why does a portrait screen suit the Cruze in particular?
Because the Cruze's centre console is already tall and vertical. The portrait screen fills that surface, does not protrude beyond the plane of the dashboard, and in split view shows the navigation and the music at the same time.
What happens to the factory MyLink system?
The MyLink system of the later model years is replaced by the Android head unit. In return the car gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, online navigation and app support.
Which factory functions are retained?
The steering wheel buttons keep working with the supplied CAN adapter, the factory speakers are retained, and if there is a factory reversing camera it can be connected to the new head unit too.
