New Navman Bests TomTom With Free Traffic Updates

Navman has released a new tough proof GPS unit that can tailor routes to suit larger vehicles, feed real time traffic updates and keep travellers safe and entertained through loads of features.

Wrapped in a vibration proof case that can withstand knocks and dust, Navman’s new My Escape GPS is specifically designed for people who drive larger vehicles, like campervans, 4WDs and trucks that weigh less than 9 tonnes. 

By entering the vehicle’s weight, height, width and length, it will calculate a route that takes tunnel heights, avenue width and tight corners into account, so that drivers don’t have to waste time driving en-route only to realise their vehicle wont fit.

“There are many extra things you have to think about when you drive a larger vehicle, such as if there are low tunnels,  corners that you may not make it around, narrow streets or roads with weight restrictions on your route,” said Wendy Hammond, Navman’s marketing director.  

“We’ve all seen YouTube videos of trucks stuck under bridges or cars towing caravans being stuck in a narrow street. While the audience may find it funny, I can assure you the drivers weren’t laughing at the time. Luckily, with the new large vehicle assist feature on the MY Escape, this need never happen to you.” 

Reversing in large vehicles can be tricky too, especially when towing a boat or trailer. There’s always the embarrassing risk that you’ll reverse into your own cargo, incurring peer ridicule and financial cost.

An advantage of the My Escape is that it takes AV inputs, so it can be combined with a Rear Reversing Camera Kit to display the action behind you. The reversing kit provides a 170 degree view of what’s behind you and does need to be purchased separately.

Even though the My Escape GPS comes in hard-core encasing, there’s nothing stopping it from being used as an everyday GPS. It has a 5″ resistive touchscreen, easy to use software and functions the same way as any other GPS. Also fused into the little box are a series of safety features, including driver alerts, fatigue warnings and a roadside assist feature that pinpoints your location so it’s easy for a breakdown crew to find you.

It also incorporates traffic alerts through its free lifetime Suna traffic subscription. With Suna technology, the My Escape receives updates every 2-3 minutes, feeding real time traffic information to drivers so they can get to their destinations via the quickest route available. TomTom also offer a similar service, but unlike Tomtom’s service Navman’s Suna traffic system is free for life.

Combined with 8,000 programmed points of interest, Google & True Local search, and 25 Lonely Planet Scenic routes pre-loaded, Navman’s My Escape has all the ingredients it needs to be a wanted driving companion.

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Of all its perks, the best is its mapping system. Out of the box the My Escape comes with a 2 year warranty, and an included 2 year subscription to mapping updates, so you’re routes are always up to date.

Available from October, Navman’s My Escape will retail from $599.