New Seat sat nav leads the way

Seat is making a new, state-of-the-art Multimedia Navigation System available across the bulk of its model range. It features cutting edge technology, improved functionality... and an identical price tag to the outgoing device.

The firm’s hi-tech, DVD-based technology, which also includes a massive 30GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD), costs £1,595 RRP – exactly the same as the previous CD-based system.

The new touch-screen Siemens device, with mapping data from respected industry name Navteq, is available to order now as an option on all Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Altea Freetrack 4 and Toledo models.

Featuring an ultra-clear, large, 6.5-inch full colour screen ideally placed in the centre console (rather than stuck, distractingly, in the centre of the windscreen) the Multimedia Navigation System also doubles as a smart CD/DVD player capable of handling numerous audio file formats including CD-A, MP3, WAV and WMA (Windows Media Audio). On top of that, it can read from most mainstream media types such as CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW etc.

The device can also play DVD video – when the car’s stationary, of course – as well as DVD-based audio and MP3 files.

Clearly, the primary job of a system like this is to help you get from A to B, without unintentionally visiting C, D or, heaven forbid, Z. The SEAT solution delivers a top notch service with a single DVD, containing mapping data for the whole of Western Europe, nimbly guiding you through unfamiliar territory.

Using only 10GB of memory the entire mapping information can even be stored on the car’s Hard Disk Drive, freeing up the DVD/CD player to pump out your favourite tunes instead.

Route calculation now takes place far more quickly, typically within three to five seconds, and recalculation when new parameters are entered can require as little as one second of solid state ‘thinking’ time.

Dynamic route guidance, featuring constantly updated information from Trafficmaster’s 7,000-plus roadside cameras and sensors delivered via the RDS-TMC radio channel, even lets the system warn of delays ahead and offer a re-routing facility while on the move.

The unit also includes a Bluetooth Communications Pack meaning it takes just moments to ‘pair’ a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or other device with the car, operated via steering wheel controls or voice commands, for full and legal hands-free telephony.

A generic AUX-in connection lets you plug and play iPod or other mobile music devices, while the new system also brings with it an upgraded dash featuring a multi-function display in the instrument binnacle to relay navigation instructions visually.

SEAT Head of Aftersales Gary Wells said of the new option: ‘There are so many clear advantages to this technology.

‘The Hard Disk Drive brings with it amazing storage capacity meaning scores of files, music or otherwise, can be stored and accessed.

‘It’s easily the most flexible, user-friendly and clear system we have ever offered and the price makes it one of the most competitive factory-fit devices around.’