Not so "Smartnav"!

[Argos69]

I bought a new Enterprise van, which comes complete with 3 years Smartnav and Stolen Vehicle Tracking.

This system uses a small stick-on dashboard screen, which connects to other boxes, hidden around the vehicle. If someone steals the screen, unlike, say, TomTom, they have just got a screen, no satnav!

The system has a Personal Assistant (yes, a real human :wave:!), just a button push away, which all sounds good. So, as I didn't have a choice in this purchase and 3 free years use, I reluctantly decided to park my TomTom in the drawer and use Smartnav. After a couple of weeks - my opinion is "what a load of total rubbish! ".

First, the stick-on bracket repeatedly fell off the dashboard. To their credit, Smartnav sent a new one, saying this often happens due to poor installation at the dealership.

But (!) the routes that it suggests are the most bizarre I've ever seen. Sometimes going half a mile into a housing estate, to turn around, return to the same junction then carry on the route! :brickwall:

My TomTom has never done that.

Then it tried to take me down a road blocked off 3 years ago, then guided me to a petrol station, I know closed 5 years ago! :censored:

I also find the screen interface "clunky" and outdated and wonder what Citroen were thinking, adopting this system. I only hope the Stolen Vehicle Tracking is better if ever needed :S

So, TomTom is back on the dashboard (the replacement Smartnav bracket came off easily ).....

Has anyone else had experience of the Smartnav system - good or bad?

[j90xxx]

No experience of Smartnav, but....
TomTom in my experience are excellent. Used, borrowed and bought others in the past but returned to TomTom. Have 2 (a One and an XL) for van and truck and can't remember either letting me down. Have had both 4 or 5 years, update once a month (free) and no problems. They are basic, reasonably priced models and I have used them everywhere from Inverness to Dover and Dublin to Ipswich with most points in between.
Tried a Garmin few years back to do Crewe to Swansea, I hadn't a clue where it wanted me to go, certainly not the way I would have gone!
Stick with your TomTom. :thumbsup:

[evdama]

The smartnav screen from my 2010 is still in the garage soemwhere -unused unactiavated.
The dealer didnt even bother fitting the one in my 2012 -its still bubble wrapped in the glovebox.
I object to having the cost added on the car price without the option,and THEN having to pay a subscription on top.

[pidgeonpost]

Satnav is something I need to take another look at. With a trip to France in the offing I tried the Google beta version on my android phone. Worked reasonably well in UK but total failure once I got across the channel - spent all its time trying to find a satellite whether in or out of the car.

[Argos69]

Yes, I'm sticking with my TomTom GoLive 1005.

Some people have a brilliant sense of direction. My Dad was such a person. However, this clearly isn't hereditary, as I'm hopeless. cratch:

I like to think my brain must be so wonderful in some areas, there isn't any room left for navigation! :whistle: So I reckon satnavs were created for people just like me.

I know satnavs will always divide opinion, but despite poor customer service, I still like my TomTom and despite good customer service, I won't touch the Smartnav again.... Yes, mine came with a bubblewrap bag too, as if in preparation for the unit's probable new life in the garage!

I have used the TomTom all over the UK and last year across France to Dijon. The only mild issue I had, was that I wanted to avoid Paris and the satnav wanted to take me that way. So, a short diversion using a road atlas tudy:, then the TomTom picked up the route again and was faultless.

The TomTom didn't come with a bubblewrap bag, and somehow I don't think it will ever need one.

[motocrossvic]

My Berlingo also came with Smartnav. I agree, the satnav is very very poor when compared to Tom Tom. So much so I never use the Smartnav. The Tomtom is always used. The Smartnav does also have the stolen vehicle loactor package with it but having said that my insurance was no cheaper with the Smartnav vehicle tracker added. I leave it running when not using the Tom Tom as it does warn of fixed speed cameras although when the free period runs out I won't be renewing the Smartnav for sure. They have a lot to learn from Tom Tom as a navigation aid.

[Bobster64]

Hi can anyone help! The plug that the smart nav plugs into, is it a power supply only? Was hoping to convert for my TomTom

[taxi]

My Berlingo also came with Smartnav. I agree, the satnav is very very poor when compared to Tom Tom. So much so I never use the Smartnav. The Tomtom is always used. The Smartnav does also have the stolen vehicle loactor package with it but having said that my insurance was no cheaper with the Smartnav vehicle tracker added. I leave it running when not using the Tom Tom as it does warn of fixed speed cameras although when the free period runs out I won't be renewing the Smartnav for sure. They have a lot to learn from Tom Tom as a navigation aid.

Unfortunately the TomTom LIVE SatNavs no longer use GOOGLE search and only provide you with the TomTom version - TomTom Places, which is nowhere near as good ( allegedly ). Current LIVE devices will lose the GOOGLE search also.

[evdama]

Hi can anyone help! The plug that the smart nav plugs into, is it a power supply only? Was hoping to convert for my TomTom

Not entirely sure -the vehicle tracker is tapped into the system electrics under the dash -there might be a data link to the display .
Can you operate the head unit without it being plugged in(like a regular satnav)

[Argos69]

Hi,
Just seen your post, as I've been away for a while. You may have already sorted but, just in case....
The supplied Smartnav plug is a dedicated one which connects to other Smartnav bits. However, it's a USB and is live all the time and if you buy a convertor from eBay, you can connect your TomTom to it, as I have. I also used a pillar mounted ProClip for a neat installation.

Basically, you need a USB convertor from whatever your TomTom cable has, to the mini USB on the Smartnav cable. Not sure of names/types, I just used pictures to match up. I then prised the plastic trim from the right side pillar and managed to hide the spare cable in there.

PRO's: Works fine & no need to use cigar lighter plug. With ProClip looks good!
CON's: On all the time. But I switch off my TomTom and just leave it "charging". It hasn't flattened the battery so far, even after a fortnight not using the van.

Good luck! alut: