NEWS: New nüvi Garmin Sat Nav Range Launched

Sat Nav genuis' Garmin have launched a new nüvi range of sat navs in the UK, in collaboration with INRIX, the world’s largest traffic intelligence network. The nüvi line-up of sat navs comes in Essential, Advanced and Premium devices, providing turn-by-turn navigation to fit a wide range of PND budgets.  It's hard to believe the range could get any better (we have the old nüvi and it's fab, as tested here on an Alpos road trip), but there are many new features that look superb.

For the first time, the range incorporates INRIX’s Traffic intelligence to allow drivers to avoid congestion with the fastest subscription-free traffic information available 'Digital Traffic.'
Garmin say: "Our latest range from Garmin makes it easier than ever to follow directions and avoid congestion with the fastest subscription free traffic information available."
The simple and budget-friendly Essential Series is the perfect starting point for any journey with accurate turn-by-turn directions, spoken street names and Lane Assist with junction views.
The new Advanced Series offers additional features to guide drivers, such as the new Garmin Real Directions™, Active Lane Guidance and real-time digital traffic and voice control.
And the new top of the line nüvi Premium Series combines the best in-car navigation available from Garmin. With its elegant styling and ultra-slim profile, the nüvi 3597LMT and 3798LMTD reflects a refined aesthetic that suits the interior of any vehicle. In addition to features available for the Advanced Series, it has a five-inch multi-touch glass screen in real metal housing as well as a powered magnetic mount that automatically snaps in once the user holds the device close. This premium navigator also includes lifetime map updates, Garmin’s unique Digital Traffic service, 3D buildings and terrain and voice command.
The Advanced and Premium range receive Garmin Real Directions™ that guide drivers like a friend would by telling them to turn at recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights. To make sure drivers get in the correct lane, the new Active Lane Guidance features voice prompts as well as a visual lane animation.
The new INRIX digital traffic offers fast, accurate and subscription free information that sits alongside a new real-time traffic function that now provides information on traffic incidents by *voice; users can then speak a response to select a route to avoid the traffic on nüvi models with the voice control feature. Furthermore, the nüvi models feature an all-new design and larger screens that range from 4.3 to 7 inches to display driving-related information at a glance.
The new top of the line 3597LMT and 3798LMTD comes with a new powered magnetic mount, making it convenient to attach the device and keep it charged.
"The new Garmin UK range of nüvi sat navs are amongst the best we have ever produced - the new gold standard of navigation due to their ease of use, reliability and wealth of features. Alongside our industry leading free Lifetime Maps offering and the latest advancements, such as Real Directions and free lifetime traffic services, we are now proud to introduce the latest market leading innovations for a lifetime of navigation," said Dawn Ramsay, UK General Manager. "Our new line-up significantly improves the driving experience. Larger screens provide driving-related information at a glance and our new Digital Traffic offering provide the best value to customers than ever before."

The new nüvi series features include: 

* Garmin Real Directions™– using recognisable landmarks, buildings, traffic lights and junctions to give directions. For example, the new feature tells drivers to “turn right after the Starbucks®” or “turn left at the traffic light.”
* Active Lane Guidance: The new Active Lane Guidance feature uses a combination of voice prompts and visual cues to prepare users to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. 

* More Information at a Glance: Garmin’s nüvi models feature an all-new design and larger screens that range from 4.3 to 7 inches, displaying more driving-related information at a glance, including a new 'Up Ahead' function providing easy access to points of interest nearby, like nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations, hospitals and stores.

* Bluetooth: With built-in *Bluetooth wireless technology, you can sync with your compatible mobile phone for hands-free phone calling and even access your phone book and call history via the sat nav – no need to look at, touch or even find your phone.
* Smartphone link: Selected Advance and premium models with Bluetooth are compatible with Garmin Smartphone Link, an Android and ISO app that provides live services to the PND. So, you can send locations and addresses to a paired device so that by the time you switch on your Garmin sat nav the destination will already be preloaded for your journey. 

* Garmin Express: Simply download the free software to receive free lifetime software updates.
* Lifetime Maps: The very latest maps are available to download with no subscription or update fees.

See more images and information here and at Garmin.