Review: Navigon 8110

With the 2110 MAX recently showcasing the benefits of the new MobileNavigator 7 software, Navigon’s new flagship PND was high on our must-see list. With a larger than average display and features to rival the best on the market, the 8110 looks a winner. But does it stand up on use?

On first impressions the 8110 seems pretty large/heavy, but with a 4.8” screen, seamlessly integrated buttons and a brush steel metal finish, it does look the business. We were surprised to see Navigon still using an SD card to store its main software, which made initial loading times slightly slower, but once operational it performs quickly.

The front screen icons have been coated in the same finish as the casing, and Navigon has thrown in a couple of multimedia options, an MP3 player and picture viewer. Considering the large screen size, it’s a shame it couldn’t have stretched to a video player as well, to make this the perfect in-car entertainment device.

The software is as impressive as ever. Navigon’s familiar menu system, which expands and retracts additional options at a press of a button, works well in operation. Destinations can be entered via the map, via Outlook imported contacts, choosing from POI or by entering addresses using the new Smart-Speller feature. The latter helps speed the input process, but it doesn’t provide a qwerty keyboard option, and entering a full postcode prevents you from refining your search further with a street or house number.

You still can’t add custom POI (POI symbols are rendered well on the maps), but you will find a Bluetooth handsfree option, standard route planners/simulators and a new Voice Command system that lets you speak your destination. It could be quicker, but worked well from a driving position, especially after running through an audio training assistant option which improved its accuracy.

Before setting off on a journey you can utilise Navigon’s LogBook function – which records trip-specific info such as mileage – then export this to Excel, making it useful for company car drivers.

When it came to navigation, the initial routes were calculated quickly and the GPS receiver had no issues keeping track of our location or re-calculating routes. As well as the standard 2D/3D maps, which are adorned with useful driving aids, shortcuts to your MP3 player/Bluetooth phone and an accurate roadside speed symbol, you’ll find a 3D Panorama view designed to give you a better perspective of your surroundings. When testing we still preferred the traditional map views, but having a large 4.8” screen certainly made for a great viewing experience regardless – even in bright conditions.
The extra width of the screen also helped when using the Lane Assistant Pro feature, which activates when approaching complex junctions by flagging up a large icon pointing you to the correct lane. Unlike the 2110 Max (reviewed last issue), the feature was usable when navigating even some of the most hellish motorway roundabout junctions.

Voice directions were loud and can be piped through your car’s speaker, but more importantly they now feature text-to-speech support. Road names were pronounced clearly, and kicked in when going over roundabouts or alongside Navigon’s Reality View Pro, which gives a real-time graphical representation of motorway junctions/exits. We have to say the latter is an excellent enhancement to an already useful feature.

Also, the text-to-speech is used sparingly when going over the speed limit or approaching safety cameras (a flashing symbol is used on the map to warn of cameras). Finally, the 8110 is equipped with a TMC PRO subscription, with the antenna housed in the cigarette lighter (reducing cabling). The TMC seemed pretty quick at picking up traffic hotspots, and visual warnings are shown on the map, with additional info available at the touch of a button.

Overall, the 8110 was a pleasure to use. A little pricey, but with its huge range of features and two years’ free map updates, it’s a good investment.

Map coverage: Europe
Price: £380
Web: www.navigon.com

Performance: 9
Design: 9
Features: 9
Value: 8

Overall verdict: 9

Review originally published in Smartphone & PDA Essentials magazine. Words by Brett James.

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