When it comes to sat navs, Garmin has dominated the market for many years.
The company’s best devices offer solid audio and visual instructions, as well as useful features such as built-in WiFi or Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
For the last couple of months, I’ve been using the DriveSmart 76 as I’ve an older motor which has no built-in navigation system unlike many more modern vehicles.
It’s a far better option than using a smartphone because of its size and the fact that you don’t have to worry about your handset losing coverage at an inopportune moment.
DriveSmart 76 has an easy-to-see backlit 7in HD touchscreen display, excellent voice assisted navigation, Alexa integration and preloaded traveller content to help guide the way.
The screen has 1,024 x 600 pixel resolution and offers great detail.
Setting it up is simple, as is the installation. An attachment goes into the back of the unit which clips onto a suction pad that quickly and easily fixes onto your car’s windscreen.
Neat features include built-in WiFi, live traffic information, lane assist, alerts for dangerous bends, reminders to watch your speed if you’re driving too fast for the applicable speed limit — and detailed maps of all of Europe which are free to download.
The use of street names and landmarks makes the voice guidance easy to follow.
The instructions are delivered with plenty of time to act too.
And bright and clear maps with 3D buildings help to clarify any complicated instructions if you have a chance to glance at them.
There is 32GB of internal storage and a built-in mono speaker which is quiet enough but can be useful occasionally (when my Bluetooth connection to the car speakers fails, for example).
You get the most from DriveSmart 76 by pairing with the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone which gives you access to live traffic updates, notifications and hands-free calling.
The updates and notifications appear in a split screen view on the right hand side.
The satnav has its own voice control too. Say ‘Okay, Garmin’ and you can ask DriveSmart 76 to find an address or location, ask for route information, route, place a call or change volume. You don’t need to touch the device at all and you can summons Alexa using your voice too which is handy for streaming music.
One of the things I didn’t like is that when you are searching for a location, you can only choose from the list of options by
The unit is bundled with a USB charging cable that can connect to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet (with the included d12v charger to USB adapter) or any other USB port in your vehicle.
You’ll need to keep it connected as the battery only lasts an hour.
Verdict
Drivesmart 76 is a fantastic piece of kit packed full of useful features.
The sat nav is simple to use, finds great routes and delivers effective voice and visual guidance and after a few months of using it on every trip I’d not go back to a smartphone again.
Pricing
Garmin DriveSmart 76 costs €249 from Currys,
