Opinions on built in sat nav

[steve101]

I have read a few comments on the CX5 sat nav, mostly negative, but not why. So I thought I would ask, 'what in your opinion is wrong/right with the CX5 sat nav.'

I have owned quite a few cars with sat nav, starting with the Nissan Primera Estate back in 2002. I find that the CX5 fares favourably with most but the biggest bugbear for me of built in sat navs is the cost of upgrades once out of warranty. As for using it day to day, it's like any tool; so much depends on how it's used. It works and the major plus point has to be the information displayed on the screen heads up display.

[BigAl]

Good-

• It has a 2D, north always up display option (personal preference)
• It has a fairly straightforward interface
• It has 3 years free updates included as standard now

Bad-

• Slow to react and find routes
• Hard to enter destinations if you don't have a postcode
• The "live" add-on subscription is a waste of money and hard to use as you need a mobile phone generating a wi-fi hotspot to use it
• The current MZD connect is not as good as the TomTom based system in the first CX5's
• It's no-where near as reactive or current as phone based systems like Waze (obviously) which can be used on current models if you have Android Auto fitted

I'm sure theres more, but can't think of them offhand as I rarely use it now...
Alan

[steve101]

I generally use TomTom, especially for journeys where I need to select a precise route. The accompanying TomTom Mydrive is excellent for saving locations which are then transferred automatically to the TomTom, as well as chosen routes. We have used it for driving to Spain a few times and it has been flawless. I only use the Mazda sat nav for short journeys where I have a rough idea of the route anyway.

I would agree with Al's bad list 2-5 but have not found 1 to be so.

[JTA]

I see that apparently genuine Mazda navigation SD cards are available on Ebay for around £25. If one of these is purchased and installed in a car with an expired map update subscription, will this reset the subscription for another 3 years of free map updates?

[Mary Hinge]

     

[JTA]

I see that apparently genuine Mazda navigation SD cards are available on Ebay for around £25. If one of these is purchased and installed in a car with an expired map update subscription, will this reset the subscription for another 3 years of free map updates?

To answer my own question, apparently the 3 year free map update subscription is tied to the vehicles VIN. Therefore, replacing the SD card won't reset the 3 year free update period.

[p38cyq]

I am very pleased with it, only remark : screen size could be bigger.

[Ant]

It works and the major plus point has to be the information displayed on the screen heads up display.

Hi

Can I ask about this please? I have a Mazda 6 Tourer (had a CX-5 with no HUD previously) with the head up display (HUD) that shows on a small screen that rises out of the top of the dash when you start the car. This displays Nav information which I find really helpful but you have to enable it each time you start the car. So, I go into the MZD connect menu and tell the HUD to show Nav directions but then if I stop during the journey I have to re-enable Nav directions in the HUD each time. I think newer CX-5s have the HUD that displays directly onto the windscreen so might be different but does anyone know if it’s possible to have the flip up type HUD show Nav directions permanently?

Thanks

[Dave]

Its OK but I prefer the Tom Tom version in my first CX.

Plus points, I like being able to scroll around the map to adjust the entered destination, this is an excellent feature.
Display is not too intrusive
The heads up feature is very good
I like the fact it shows approaching side roads on the top bar.

Bad points, the traffic updates are not accurate enough, my primary reason for using it.
If you use the apple play map you lose the heads up prompts.