Navman iCN550 satnav system

Get from A to B without getting stuck in traffic, but it'll cost you.

Put down your A-Z and turn off the traffic news: Navman's latest satnav device can display live traffic data on its 3.5-inch touchscreen - but you'd better start saving if you want it.

To be kept up to date with the length of your local tailback, you have to shell out £150 on the separate TM550 Traffic Module, on top of the iCN550's £560. Then you simply attach it to the main device, and live traffic data is transferred from your local FM radio station and displayed on the map as icons.

Unlike TomTom's PLUS service, there's no need to pay any extra subscriptions once you have this unit.

However, although the TM550 is easy to use, and acquiring satellites takes a below-average two to three minutes, the cabling that's required to get the traffic feature working makes your dash look like an accident in a spaghetti factory.

Overall, this is a decent device, with clear 3D maps and voice directions as well as a handy, dedicated button for locating the nearest petrol stations and car parks. But while the traffic-alert feature is undeniably a good idea, it makes the overall cost far too high.

advertisement