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The launch of DAB+ in Hauts-de-France marks the first stage of a modernisation process over three years, where France's CSA aims to have DAB+ coverage for 70% across the country by 2020.

Standard kit does include leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, LED interior lighting, WiFi hotspot, DAB+ radio, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control.

The possibility of using the DAB + radio is excellent, for a standard that in the consumer sector has had little success, probably supplanted by streaming services that however offer different results.

The VQ Susie-Q DAB+/FM/internet stereo radio aims to modernise radios, bringing in the latest ways to connect it to your devices, including Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone and tablet. The Pure Siesta Home is an ultra-compact DAB+/FM alarm clock radio with a built-in CD player and Bluetooth for wirelessly streaming audio from your smartphone and other devices. Panasonic is the most popular mini hi-fi brand, and the SC-HC302 has a sleek and convenient all-in-one design. It too has Bluetooth for connecting up your smartphone and other devices, plus a CD player, DAB+/FM radio, and remote control.

Standard kit on the Style includes air-con, Bluetooth, DAB radio, 16-inch alloy wheels and automatic emergency braking. Upgrading to Zetec gets you cruise control, heated windscreen and a touchscreen media system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Even if your car came with a digital radio, it might even be worth upgrading to one that supports DAB+ for even better digital quality and more stations. The SPH-DA130DAB from Pioneer plays DAB/DAB+ digital radio, and audio/video content from USB devices.

For the first time, regional private radio programs will be broadcast via DAB+ in Bremen, Germany from 27 June.

In addition to its RDS tuner, this Sony handset has a DAB tuner for digital radio.

The number of radio stations to be received via digital terrestrial radio rises to 33. Next year the coverage will be extended to nearby Bremerhaven.

The launch of DAB+ in Lille is a critical step in the “nodes and arcs” strategy of the CSA and its radio working group Chairman, Nicolas Curien. Very simply, if radio is to remain relevant in the 21 century, it needs to innovate. DAB+ addresses the situation of limited FM spectrum by offering listeners new features and services.