Review: Garmin Nuvi 310 Deluxe satellite navigation

We’ve been pretty impressed by Garmin’s latest range of in-car GPS systems.

The top-end Nuvi 660 scored highly for its straightforward interface, clear mapping and range of well integrated features.

The Nuvi 310 Deluxe model has a low price tag but, save for the smaller screen, exhibits many of the same advantages. Mapping and navigation is extremely clear and straightforward and despite the small display, controls are still large enough to make the device easy to use on the move. Indeed, it’s probably the most effective we’ve seen yet for navigating without audible directions.

The information bar at the top of the screen is very easy to follow, more often than not it apes the exact text you’ll see on road signs as you’re driving, so confirmation of your position or upcoming directions are only a half-glance away.

As mentioned, much of the functionality found on the 660 is still here, including the in-trip computer, detailed itinerary display and customisable maps. You’ll also find a full travel kit including an mp3 player, range of converters and world times and sample versions of the language and travel guides available from the Garmin site.

In addition to standard navigation you get safety camera alerts and a traffic kit with lifetime subscription bundled in, which really underlines the fact that the 310 Deluxe offers high-end features at a very reasonable price. Full UK and Ireland maps come preinstalled and European maps are provided on DVD, which can be utilised through the SD card slot on the top.

When you throw in hands-free calling via integrated Bluetooth and an impressive eight-hour battery life, you have a navigational aide that ticks nearly all of the boxes in terms of the advances we’ve seen in this field.

Usually smaller form factor GPS can suffer from fiddly controls, reduced map clarity and rather basic functionality, but Garmin has managed to avoid all of these pitfalls with the 310 Deluxe, making for an extremely powerful and user-friendly GPS that’s also portable, stylish and very nice to use.