Review: Garmin Nuvi 670 satellite navigation

Not just a satellite navigation product, the Nuvi 670 has more functions than Inspector Gadget.

It can work as a hands-free device for a mobile phone, and can be used to view pictures and read audio books, and even has a radio transmitter so you can listen to its MP3 player via the car stereo for extra volume.

The device is loaded with maps of North America and most of Europe, although we were disappointed to see that this did not stretch to the Greek Islands, something we only realised after enjoying a holiday there.

Maps are shown in either 2D or 3D, and the device automatically switches to night mode at dusk. Instead of a map, it can show turn-by-turn instructions listing the roads you need to take, but on the motorway a glance might be needed as its lane instructions can become complicated.

The built-in mobile phone hands-free feature lets the user concentrate on the road. It will talk to any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone using its own built-in microphone and speaker. Our calls were loud and clear through the Nuvi 670’s speaker and other parties were able to hear us easily. To pick up a call all you have to do is tap the device.

The Nuvi 670 also comes with the features that we've come to expect from a GPS device, such as displaying the speed travelled. The traffic alerts were handy, offering detours when needed, although they did not work on the motorway.

The device itself is slim, and the 4.3in screen makes it easy to read maps or view photos. There is a decent amount of space between icons, meaning you won’t be pressing the wrong functions by mistake. The menus are similar to those on most other sat-nav devices and, once set up, it did not take long for the Nuvi 670 to locate the nearest satellites, find our location and plot a route. Places can be searched for via a postcode or street name, or using a point of interest.

Vista compatible: Yes