Summer Survival Guide - Part 2 - Sat-nav systems rated

Satellite-navigation systems are great for helping you out on holiday.

By far the most important element of any modern system is clarity. Look for clear, decisive instructions, easy-to-read displays and simple touch-screen displays.

That way, you can spend more time concentrating on the road and less on navigating.

Every one of our recommended buys scores particularly highly in this respect, so all you need decide is how many of their additional features you need.

Read on to find out our pick of the bunch.

TomTom One Europe
Price £200
For Value, ease of use and effectiveness
Against Fewer features than some rivals

Rating

TomTom’s market domination is easily explained: its range is immense, and each model is remarkably capable.

The One Europe is affordable, but fairly basic. However, it’s simple to operate, with a clear 9cm touch-screen display and superbly clear voice instructions.

As the name implies, it comes with European mapping, and supports TomTom PLUS services, such as real-time traffic and weather information, although only at extra cost.

The similar One XL is available with a larger 11cm widescreen display for £280.

TomTom Go 910
Price £350
For Huge feature count, extensive mapping, terrific performance
Against The cheaper 710 (£300) is almost as good

Rating

If you want satellite-navigation with everything included, look no further.

The TomTom Go 910 has enough memory to store maps for Europe and North America.

It can also store MP3 music files, but if you prefer to use an iPod, the 910 also works with an optional iPod cable (£17) so you an view iPod information on its 10cm display.

With built-in Bluetooth, it can also double up as a hands-free car kit for suitable phones.

What’s more, it features Text-to-Speech, meaning it can announce street and place names, and even read out your text messages.

Garmin Nuvi 670
Price £500
For Immensely flexible and capable
Against Expensive

Rating

While expensive, the Garmin is the most comprehensive alternative to the TomTom Go 910.

Based on a bright 11cm (4.3in) display, it includes mapping for Europe, Bluetooth technology for hands-free mobile phone use, and TMC traffic announcements to help you around hold-ups.

A built-in travel kit also includes MP3 playback, JPEG picture viewer and even a currency converter.

Usefully, there's a wireless FM transmitter, too, so you can hear navigation prompts, music or audio books through your car’ speakers without conventional wiring - great if you share one nav system between several cars.

Mio C520t
Price £300
For Stylish and capable; includes most features
Against TomTom’s Go 910 is better value

Rating

The Mio's sleek styling and 11cm screen lend it an air of sophistication that’s largely deserved.

European mapping for 22 countries is pre-installed, and the Mio supports Traffic Message Channel (TMC) information, meaning it can pick routes around hold-ups.

Address searching is simple, while the voice instructions are clear, if a little long-winded.

That’s all backed up by Bluetooth wireless support for hands-free calling (with a suitable phone) and a useful function that allows you to split the picture into two portions, with an information bar on the right-hand-side.

Road Angel Navigator 6000
Price £200
For Combines speed detection and navigation
Against You can get more sophisticated navigation for this money

Rating

The Navigator 6000 has an immediate and obvious appeal.

It combines decent, if not class-leading, satellite-navigation (in the UK) with Road Angel’s acclaimed visual, spoken and audible alerts for speed cameras, accident black spots, congestion charging zones and more.

However, you only get six months of warnings before you’re obliged to pay £4 a month (with a minimum 12 months’ contract) to keep those alerts up to date.

High-mileage drivers will doubtless consider that to be money well spent, though.

Those who drive regularly in Europe will also be interested that a similar service is available for seven major European countries.

However, as before, there is a charge - £25 for six months' subscription.