The 'Cassette Deck' on Pioneer’s New Retro Head Unit is, in fact, a USB port.

      Pioneer

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      The bold '80s and '90s aesthetic has been praised so much that I’m starting to grow tired of it. I have no issue with the dedicated Radwood fans, but I believe we've had enough synthwave sunset visuals to fill a generation. Nonetheless, there is an element from that time that remains timeless: Straight-lined, straightforward, minimally digital button-focused interfaces. For instance, Pioneer’s new SXT-C10PS head unit is so sleek and elegant that it resembles an OEM choice in vintage cars. I hope designers of new vehicles find some inspiration from it as well.

      The SXT-C10PS (reportedly standing for "Sound Excellent Tradition-Pioneer Style," according to a German car audio website linked below) was introduced this month. It appears Pioneer is targeting the European market from the outset, which could complicate importing and installing it in a U.S. vehicle, but it's doable. I found release information on the British site Digital Radio Choice, which shared insights from Pioneer Europe NV’s Marketing Manager, Girish Janday:

      “Our research indicates that owners prefer to keep their vehicle dashboards looking original, steering clear of modern screens that alter the classic appearance. Pioneer’s answer is the new SXT-C10PS, fusing 1980s retro design with a modern twist by integrating features like Bluetooth and DAB+ Digital Radio. The design also includes a front-facing USB cleverly concealed under a panel reminiscent of a cassette deck, allowing USB music playback and smartphone charging. The compatible Pioneer Smart Sync App lets users adjust the Advanced Audio Features right from the driver’s seat, enhancing the sound from older, often poorly positioned speakers.”

      There are some differences between American and European radio systems—like HD radio versus DAB—and variations in frequencies. However, Bluetooth is universal, and all standard vehicles operate on 12-volt electronics, so theoretically, you could have one of these shipped to you and use it to play music via your phone or a USB drive.

      I apologize for the low-resolution image; this small thumbnail is the only picture I could find of the head unit with the “cassette” cover open, revealing the USB and 3.5mm inputs. Pioneer

      The output specifications are 4x50W maximum and 4x22W DIN sinus (approximately 22W RMS by American standards). For additional details, you can check the preorder listing at carhifi-store-buende.de, which is the only site where I swiftly located a purchase link. It's priced at €399 (around $460 as per today’s exchange rate) before taxes and shipping.

      While the company is generating buzz now, the product is scheduled to launch in October. I believe that should provide enough time for Pioneer to arrange U.S. distribution—but with how import regulations are evolving, who can say for sure?

      My excitement decreased a bit when I realized I could nearly purchase a set of tires for that price, but I still absolutely adore the design. It’s not merely nostalgic; it’s refreshingly retro without being over-the-top. It genuinely looks like it belongs in a BMW E36 or Mercedes 190E. And yes, you can customize the backlight color to match your original equipment interior.

      Having just tested new versions of classic cars that left me feeling underwhelmed for similar reasons—specifically the Toyota 4Runner and BMW M5—what might those vehicles have in common? They both have as much screen space as a sports bar. The new Pioneer SXT-C10PS is marketed as retro, which it is, but it’s also simply an attractive human-machine interface, and I wish more car manufacturers would return to creating similar designs from the factory.

      Want to express your thoughts on how car interiors looked 20 years ago? Reach out to the author at [email protected]