Bringing Back the Retro: Pioneer’s SXT-C10PS Head Unit
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards a revival of classic car designs, with many manufacturers and enthusiasts alike embracing the nostalgic aesthetic of bygone eras. This nostalgia has also extended to car audio accessories, with a renewed interest in retro-inspired head units. The classic car market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by nostalgia and investment opportunities. As a result, there has been an increased demand for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, leading many vehicle owners to seek out alternative solutions. Pioneer, a well-established brand in the automotive electronics industry, has responded to this trend by releasing its latest creation – the SXT-C10PS head unit. The SXT-C10PS is a single-DIN head unit that pays homage to the classic car audio designs of the 1990s. Its sleek and retro-inspired design features a faux tape deck slot, complete with a fake cassette deck button, which conceals the modern-day tech such as Bluetooth, USB 2.0, and AUX capabilities.
“The classic car market continues to grow, driven by nostalgia and investment opportunities. With an annual growth rate of approximately 7.5 per cent annually, the number of historic vehicles has reached new heights. As restoration trends rise and original OEM parts become harder to source, vehicle owners turn to familiar brands for solutions.”
Girish Janday, Marketing Manager at Pioneer Europe NV, highlights the opportunity for Pioneer to cater to a diverse range of customers in the growing retro market. “We see an opportunity to tap into this market and provide a unique solution for classic car owners who want to restore their vehicles to their former glory,” he states. The SXT-C10PS head unit is available for pre-order in Europe, priced at €399 ($AUD700). While there has been no confirmation if it will be released in Australia, Pioneer has not ruled out the possibility of expanding its product range to the local market. For those who do not want to wait for the SXT-C10PS to arrive, there are alternative options available. Blaupunkt, another German company, has been producing a range of retro-inspired head units that cater to the ’90s vibe. Their products feature the same equipment as the SXT-C10PS, including a micro-SD card slot to preload your tunes and a faux cassette deck slot to conceal the ports.
| Product | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Blaupunkt Retro Head Unit | $150-$859 |
| Becker Custom Order Head Unit | $595 |
| Porsche 911 Retro Head Unit | $2603 |
For those who want to experience the thrill of driving with a retro-inspired head unit, there are several options available. While the SXT-C10PS is a premium product, priced at €399 ($AUD700), there are more affordable alternatives available. “Give me easily identifiable knobs and buttons any day. I find touchscreens distracting and therefore dangerous and fiddly to use, particularly on bumpy roads.”
Many car enthusiasts have expressed a preference for physical buttons and knobs over touchscreens, citing concerns about safety and usability. “I want to sit in a cockpit. Not a computer simulation. Interior car design got lazy. I want to feel a sense of something special while sitting in the car. Touchscreens are dull and distracting,” wrote one Drive reader. Key Features of the SXT-C10PS Head Unit
- Single-DIN design
- Faux tape deck slot with fake cassette deck button
- Bluetooth, USB 2.0, and AUX capabilities
- DAB+ digital radio
- Micro-SD card slot for preloading tunes
“I want to feel a sense of something special while sitting in the car. Touchscreens are dull and distracting.”
The SXT-C10PS head unit is a unique solution for classic car owners who want to restore their vehicles to their former glory. Its retro-inspired design and modern-day features make it an attractive option for those who want to experience the thrill of driving with a classic car audio system. In conclusion, the SXT-C10PS head unit is a great example of how a classic car audio system can be reimagined for the modern era. Its unique design and features make it an attractive option for classic car owners who want to restore their vehicles to their former glory. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of classic cars, the SXT-C10PS head unit is definitely worth considering.
