Sony Bluetooth in-car stereo skids into view

Svelte new audio system does hands-free-calling and doubles as dashboard phone book.

Sony has just dragged the cloth off its latest in-car accessory, the sinister-looking MEX-BT5000 stereo. Although far from drab, this hasn't simply been designed to add a splash of style to your dash. No, its primary goal is to grab your attention with its Bluetooth talents.

It comes with a super sensitive onboard microphone, meaning you can make hands-free calls with top audio quality. You can even store up to 50 phone book contacts on the device. Plus, it lets you stream tunes from Bluetooth handsets with MP3 playback, so your mobile tunes thump out of your car's speakers.

It's slated to hit shops in April, but the price is yet to be confirmed.