Pumpkin AA0437B VW car radio installed in a 2014 VW Scirocco

Pumpkin VW car radio installed in a 2014 VW Scirocco

Updated Android 11 version AA0710B

** USAGE SCENARIO **
For me it's mainly limited to radio, telephony, music via Spotify and navigation via Google Maps. For me, the vehicle integration via CAN bus was a particular selling point, as was the OEM look (if you remove the PUMPKIN sticker) and of course the price-performance compared to the “big manufacturers” in the car hi-fi sector. The whole thing is installed in a 2014 VW Scirocco facelift, which previously only had a standard RCD 310 without a large range of functions. I don't have a multifunction steering wheel.

** BACKGROUND **
There are many similar devices on the market. Some of them look identical except for the name on the front. This is because various Chinese manufacturers such as Klyde, HuiFei, Joyous, RoadMaster, etc. work based on a common reference design, and various Chinese sellers (Pumpkin, Eonon, Erisin, Xtrons, Joying, etc.) then adapt these devices accordingly to theirs Marketing names. According to the device info, mine is from “Shenzhen Klyde Electronics” (MTCE KLD V2.94e). The device architecture is roughly divided into an MCU (microcontroller), which regulates Android-unspecific things such as the DVD function, Bluetooth, sound control, radio tuner and the function of the buttons on the front. Android is then operated via the SoM (System on Module) processor board with the Rockchip SoC (System on Chip), RAM, flash memory, etc.

** INSTALLATION **
As I have already written several times here, the installation was simply plug and play for me. The middle panel in the dashboard of my vehicle is levered off using a plastic wedge. The radio is only attached underneath with 4 Torx screws. The adapter wiring harness fits onto the vehicle wiring harness without any further problems; all plugs only fit once. Basically, the conversion can be completed in 15 minutes if you don't have two left hands. Tip: Only remove the screen protector once the radio is completely installed. Since I stupidly transported the radio and tools in the same box, I immediately got a few scratches on the display... :-(

Depending on where you want to put the two USB cables, stripping them will take longer. In my case I put one in the glove compartment, the other goes to a converted VW USB port in the center console (this DIN fitting for the center console was once available from VW as an accessory instead of a CD changer, e.g. for the Golf V) . This USB port is used for me to use Android Auto (see below). Instead of the supplied microphone for the hands-free function, I use a FISCON microphone, which is installed in the OEM position in the VW ceiling light (a jack-RCA coupling for connection to the pumpkin is then also required). The installation in the ceiling light took the longest, but this was already done when the radio was installed before. Due to the side airbag issue, only a specialist should actually handle it.

** ERGONOMICS AND OPERATION **
I previously had a head unit from PUMPKIN (Rockchip RK3188 processor) with 1 GB RAM, quad core (4 x 1.6 GHz) and Malaysk Android 4.4.4 KitKat ROM (used since the beginning of 2017). I therefore have a direct comparison option between two model series. Compared to my previous radio, the difference with this radio (Rockchip PX5 processor) with 4 GB of RAM and octa-core (probably 8 x 1.5 GHz) is huge. The system runs much smoother and more stable, and overall appears smoother and more sophisticated than my previous model. If you leave the standard “Auto Sleep” function activated, the device will be ready for use again within 1-3 seconds after switching the ignition on again. It should be noted here that it does not switch off completely in this state, but rather goes into a kind of “hibernate” mode and draws more current than when it is completely switched off. However, you can also configure it so that it switches off immediately after switching off the ignition or completely after a waiting period of, for example, 30 minutes. However, in the event of a cold start, the radio takes significantly longer to boot. I have not measured the power consumption in “Auto Sleep” mode and cannot assess the risk of an empty battery. But I read somewhere else that someone had no problems after being away for two weeks.

Yes, the display does reflect a bit, but not so much that it bothers me. The display is also quite sensitive to fingerprints. I'm therefore considering having an upscreen Reflection Shield Matte (matte and anti-reflective with scratch protection and anti-fingerprint) custom-made.