Smart Nav
 

After reading the Mazda SmartNav post on the web reviews thread I thought I'd ask this.

How do those people who have ordered the £2,000 Mada nav package feel about this new availability of a dealer fitted SmartNav solution for £650 quid.

Probaly don't get the nice big map screen and DVD, sounds like it will fit into the second stereo module slot, but it will intergrate with the sound system.

Also you get auto rerouting around accidents and traffic blackspots, live trafficmaster reports, and on top of this the speedsafe, speed camera notification service.

I myself am very tempted by this system as will other who were considering a third party solution.

However if I had ordered the factory nav I would proabably be very annoyed now.

Personally speaking I woulds prefer to not be dependant on a third party as you are with SmartNav. Each system has its merits but the DVD nav solution wins out.

I don't like the idea of having to be put through to a telephone operator to verbally give your destination. As with so many services in life, how long do you have to spend on hold????

As with the trafficmaster side of things, I've used it before in hire cars and it was terrible. It warned me of traffic jams that didnt exist and also helpfully informed me of slow moving traffic once I had been stuck in it for 10 minutes!

I'm pretty happy that I've gone with the built-in NAV, although the price is way over the top for what it is.

As for the extra features of the smartnav .. not sure what they are, but I'm sure I could get a trafficmaster or equivalent to add to the car if I really need one.

SatNav definateley wins out - but for the money that Mazda are asking they can whistle.

If it was 800-1000 I may be tempted, but not at that price.

I will stick with the Copilot on the iPAQ. - It can be moved between cars as well.;)

the smartnav system sounds very good, especially the ability to alert you to traffic congestion and reroute round it.

It is certainly very competative compared to aftermarket sat nav (e.g. PDA + GPS)

But has anyone ever used it ?

Sorry to ask this, but can anyone point me at a link to the smartnav?

This tells you all about it: http://www.gps-systems.co.uk/smartnav.htm

IMHO the Mazda stanav is far better but the price is way too expensive!

OK - just checked out smartnav and am even more happy with my choice. I'll stick with the inbuilt satnav plus my computer for working out exact co-ordinates for my destimation.

The thought of relying on someone at the end of the phone to get my destination right is really scary.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product...y.php?id=38285

An interesting comparison. You may have to register (for free) to see it.