What Car? Q&A - What's a trip computer?

Q: I am looking to buy a car with satellite-navigation fitted. I am confused by a lot of ads that mention a ‘computer’ or ‘trip computer’. What do they mean by that? Does it mean that the car has satellite-navigation?
Anil Desai

A: A trip computer in a car has various functions, but none of them will direct you to your destination.

They can log distance travelled, provide instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and other variations around this theme.

You need to specifically look for adverts which mention satellite-navigation or sat-nav if you want to be told where to go.

Factory-fitted systems come in a variety shapes and sizes. Some will simply give you spoken instructions, others will have a basic black-and-white screen while others have colour screens with birds-eye views. Newer systems are DVD-based rather than using a CD, which allows them to carry more data and over a greater geographical area, and many include mainland Europe.

There is another option which will mean you don't have to find a car with sat-nav at all. Why not consider a portable stand-alone navigation unit. Companies such as Garmin, Navman and Tom Tom make them, and prices start at around £300. That way, when you decide the time has come to change your car, you can take the system with you.