Skip advert
Advertisement

Clarion CZ201E head unit

New stereo promises to be a media mogul, accepting music from multiple sources

Clarion CZ201E

Price: £129

No matter what media you use to store your music, the Clarion CZ201E can help you play it – and we’ve been testing the head unit for the past few weeks.

The first thing that strikes you is the premium feel of this single-height stereo, despite the competitive price. It looks sleek and modern, with a simple dial on the left, a CD slot at the top and a display with blue LEDs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The front panel is detachable, too. We loaded a memory stick with a few music files, and slotted it into the front-mounted USB socket.

The unit gave us the choice of playing all the tracks, or particular folders – navigating through is simple with the dial, which mimics an Apple iPod control.

We connected an iPod, first using the 3.5mm auxiliary socket, then the USB port. The latter also charges the player, and we like the logical menus.

Our only criticisms are that there’s no pause switch (the only way to stop a song is to press the small ‘4’ button), and the fact that, despite claiming to be a digital guru, the Clarion doesn’t come with digital radio.

Verdict

Rating: ★★★★
What is it?
It's a fairly cheap single-height aftermarket head unit to play your digital music in the car
Problems?
Lack of play/pause button is annoying on the move, no digital radio.
Why buy?
Great value, easy to use, music can be relayed via USB, CD, MP3 and iPod.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,499
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025