Sat-nav mini test
We test the new seven-inch sat-nav from Mio. Can it compete with our current favourite, the TomTom Via Live 120?
The latest addition to the Mio Navman range of great-value sat-navs is the Panoramic. It’s the company’s biggest device yet, with a seven-inch widescreen display, and tops the line-up.
The Panoramic has the same mapping info as TomTom navs, and there are 3D junction views, as well as data for 44 European countries. We put it head-to-head with our current favourite sat-nav: the TomTom Via 120 Live UK.
As we set up the devices, we rated how easy the mounts were to use. Then we booted the navs up and assessed the menus, before using them on a 25-mile test route. We noted the detail and threw in a deliberate wrong turn to time how long each took to re-route us. Build quality was also a factor in our test.
The Mio’s unique selling point is its vast widescreen. This allows you to open menus to show your estimated arrival time, speed and remaining distance to the right and still see most of the map. It’s simple to use, but we felt the size counted against it. The smaller TomTom was less distracting, and its extra features sealed the win.
The newcomer: Mio Navman Panoramic
Price: £149.99
Contact: 0871 277 0139, eu.mio.com
Rating: ★★★
The first thing you notice is the Navman’s size – not only the screen but also the mount – and we found the suction cup holder difficult to use. Although the sat-nav slides on with a reassuring click, it’s difficult to adjust. It wobbles, too. But while the display is colourful, the touchscreen isn’t as responsive or bright as the TomTom’s and it feels basic. Luckily, the price reflects this. The menus are simple and logical, and the buttons large. But we’d prefer live traffic to European maps.
The best buy: TomTom Via Live 120 UK
Price: £179.99
Contact: 0845 161 0009, www.tomtom.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Our current favourite has UK maps and is smaller than the Panoramic, with a 4.3-inch screen, but a five-inch European version is available for £199.99. The 120’s mount is integrated into the back of the device and is far superior to the Navman arm. The maps are a bit more detailed than on the Mio, too, and the TomTom was slightly faster to identify our wrong turn. It rerouted us in five seconds; the Panoramic took six seconds. While the smaller screen means you have to be more precise when pressing buttons, we had no problems entering an address. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and live traffic information confirm why it’s still our favourite.
