Mio Navman 575

The Mio Navman 575 promises 'superior navigation', and with its 4.7-inch screen, traffic info and IQ Routes function, it should help you get wherever you need to be with the greatest of ease.

Apart from the larger and easier-to-read screen, the Mio Navman 575 is exactly the same as the Mio Navman 475, which is in turn identical to the Mio Navman 470, but with and a traffic-info service as standard rather than an optional extra. Confused? Basically 575 = 470 + big screen + traffic info. I therefore recommend you look at the Mio Navman 470 test as a main point of reference, and here I'll just outline what's different in the Navman 575.


Hardware: classic stuff

The Navman 575 has a more modern and stylish design than the Navman 470, although it's still not a patch on the higher-end Spirit Flat. It's relatively well finished too in spite of its hard and unflattering plastic casing.

This GPS is comparable in size and weight to similar models on the market at 14 mm thick, 132 mm wide and 160 g. In comparison, Garmin's latest models (nüvi 1390T, for example) are around 16 mm thick, 122 mm wide and weigh 162 g; whereas the TomTom XL Live is slightly larger at 27 mm thick in the middle, 123 mm wide and 185 g.

The basic technology is the same as the Navman 470, with a 2 GB internal memory storing maps of Europe. This model, however, also has a microSD card slot for adding additional maps that won't fit onto the device's internal memory. Extra maps can be either bought or rented. Another common point with the 470 is that the Navman 575 has neither Bluetooth nor an FM transmitter.

Handling: the interface and screen could be better

See the Mio Navman 470 test.

Route guidance: simple and effective with IQ Routes

Unlike the Mio Navman 470, the Navman 575 has a TMC aerial for receiving traffic information. The system works well for main roads but lacks detail and speed compared with services like TomTom's HD Traffic. The advantage of TMC though, is that it's free. It works perfectly well so long as you don't need detailed information, and that's fine if your main aim is just to avoid a huge jam on a main road. However, for smaller roads or for more detailed information (like almost-real-time waiting times and tailback distances), then don't expect miracles.

Other functions: what other functions?

See the Mio Navman 470 test.