Technical Bravo and SatNav

[barbarian]

I've noticed that there isn't a ConnectNav+ option on the new Bravo and when I pointed this out to a bloke at my local Fiat garage he said that Fiat hadn't bothered because of the availability of TomToms and the like.

However, when I looked at the Bravo options on the Italian Fiat website, behold, a SatNav+ option!

I know it's expensive, but I really do like my SatNav+ in my Stilo. Does anyone know whether it will be a UK option in the future? It also makes me wonder just what other options we're missing out on!

 

[Stu DemonD]

Funny thing is, I had the Connect Nav+ in both the Ulysse and the Stilo - whereas the Panda has no option for it [other countries get it though].

So instead I am now using a Garmin SatNav, and it walks all over the Connect units.

 

[Hellcat]

My tomtom has the addresses of all sorts of points of interest from petrol stations, hotels and bars across the whole of western europe. What more can you ask for?

 

[The Negotiator]

It not looking like a cheap add on stuck to your windscreen with a wire being routed to a huge 12v ancient-design cigarette lighter as TomToms do?

 

[Stu DemonD]

I don't use a wire with mine - has a 5 hour battery life :nerner:

 

[The Negotiator]

As does mine, but often it's not enough, that means you can only go somewhere for 5 hours without a lead. In which case you have to use a mains charger at home anyway. But you still have a blob stuck to the screen compared to a nice integrated unit with a dashboard reminder display linked in with your bluetooth phone, SOS, theft system and car audio.

Much better to use a TT but 1/10 as elegant.

 

[Hellcat]

Personally I feel the intergrated units distract too far from the normal field of vision. My tomtom I can position just above the dash meaning minimum distraction from the road ahead. If I felt that strongly about the device I'd have it hard-wired however I like the ability to swap between cars, and take it with me even if the car is staying at home.

 

[Stu DemonD]

I already have a bluetooth phone integrated with handsfree.

I have lived with 2 integrated units - have you? The Nav+ software wasn't that great, very limited, no POIs, very slow, etc.

As for mains charger at home, don't use one of them either - use USB lead from PC.

And how often do you go on 5 hour treks?

 

[The Negotiator]

It's not just about how often but it's about having it always fixed in your car, and your battery will not work for 5 hours within 6 months anyway All it takes is for a 2.5 hour journey there and back and immediately you have to take it in and charge it from USB which is annoying, it still also looks bad.

Again, I don't disagree that non-integrated units are better as sat nav units (for the reasons you have said) but they still look rubbish in a car, have to be removed when you get out and charged etc. It is a thing that car manufacturers should be improving with better charging sockets (12v cigarette chargers should have been phased out 10 years ago), modular replacable sat nav units (along with similar for other interior equipment like music player) which allows upgradability. It is not possible to design a sat nav system to work for the life time of a car but you could give it a go with good upgradability (like the maps you get for Fiats).

 

[The Negotiator]

Personally I feel the intergrated units distract too far from the normal field of vision. My tomtom I can position just above the dash meaning minimum distraction from the road ahead. If I felt that strongly about the device I'd have it hard-wired however I like the ability to swap between cars, and take it with me even if the car is staying at home.

A good sat nav unit is designed properly though and is backed up by a reminder display in the dashboard (a la the early Stilo system).

 

[Rich]

Well the Connect Nav+ master is in, and what do I have to say?

I'm not doing it, I like Blue&Me too much, and the Connect Nav+ design is still way too out of date (no bluetooth, requiring a separate phone number, no DVD maps, not to mention postcodes).

I'm not going through the hassle of it again, it just causes rattling trim, wiring issues - it's staying how it is .

 

[Hellcat]

So does that fit where the Stereo goes?

 

[BenWalker]

The Bravo is the first Fiat/Alfa to have the Blue&Me Nav option - I think it's £500

 

[Rich]

You don't notice a difference with Blue&Me Nav, except for a different header console. It all goes through the instrument cluster.

 

[yuri]

like this
Notice the fact you still have the display at your dials...

i don't like the fact you have to have a second SIM card for your phone...