Box Content

The box itself needs a mention here as it looks like a tin of Quality Streets - when you first lay your hands on it. Its circular design matches the contours of the device itself and is the best packaged GPS device we have ever seen. Inside the box you get a User manual, Suction pad mount, Mains charger, In-car charger cable, TMC antenna, USB cable and a DVD with maps of Europe.

Specs

• Operating System: Windows CE 5.0
• Software: Travel Pilot Lucca
• Map coverage: UK & Ireland + Maps of Western Europe
• Map Provider: Tele Atlas
• Installation: Pre-installed on 1 GB internal flash memory (UK + Ireland)
• Additional storage: SD Card (256-4GB)
• Dimensions: (Ø x D) 109 x 20 mm
• Weight: 195g
• Battery: Estimated at 3hours with full charge
• Display Size: 3.5 inches

Design

Unlike other GPS devices which opt for the tried and tested square format, Blaupunkt have gone in the opposite direction with a circular design.

We have to say we were sceptical at first if this would look any good, but if truth be told it’s not bad and its constructions is solid.

The design does pose one question though which is, does this have any benefits for navigation or is it purely a clever piece of marketing?

Well we asked them this very question to Blaupunkt and in reply they said there are no hidden navigation advantages. The circular nature has been targeted to harmonise with the round components of the Mini, Audi TT, Fiat 500 and Citroen cars.

Its circular exterior is well constructed like we said and it features a 3.5” (320 x 240) display which is housed in the center, with a nice blue neon button at the front for powering on the device.

Its car cradle is a touch on the large size but it still looks fine and did not fall off during our driving tests.

The interface also continues the circular theme with all the icons on-display being circular in nature, but we did feel that the menus were a touch dark and low-res, compared to the quality of the exterior.

Its screen was also slightly recessed, which helps with blocking out the bright outdoor conditions, but it also meant the lower menu buttons were harder to press.

Features

All the standard route simulations and planners are there for pre-navigation, but its destination input screen was a bit cramped and its operation a touch long winded for our liking. The annoying beep noise that accompanies each button press will also be deactivated quickly.

There is also no Qwerty keyboard option with the above and we did have to use the tips of our fingers to enter destinations properly.

Delving into the settings options we found a handy anti-theft function, so when this is activated it will require you to punch in a 4 digit pin code before you can utilise the device. Useful for protecting your home address from thieves.

You won't find a Bluetooth hands free option either, but you do get a couple of basic multimedia options thrown in to keep you entertained whilst you are stationary.

Of course having a TMC receiver and a safety camera database does help - both of which we will discuss below.

Driving Tests

During tests we found the Lucca to be a strong performer, with our location being locked onto within a reasonable time frame (indoors) and outside it could acquire and maintain satellites without any problems.

Its initial route calculations were also quick, plus our attempts to outfox the unit by taking an alternative path did not phase the device either. If we were being picky we would have preferred more efficient routes at times.

The detail of the Maps was not as graphical as some of its competitors we have seenm but it did display street names clearly and the screen was well utilised on the whole, with some helpful on-screen directional aids.

You don't get full text-to-speech support for speaking road names, but it did pronounce major A roads such as ‘turn left onto the A5127’.

But we felt that its internal speaker had trouble coping with increased volume when the voice directions were spoken.

As mentioned earlier you get a supplied safety camera database, which we felt worked a treat. It gives you an advanced warning of approaching cameras and on the top half of the screen it informs you of the distance to the camera.

With the TMC receiver it took around 4 minutes to get initial reports - which could have been quicker – but it was a useful option when it got going. If the device detects any traffic problems on your route it will inform you verbally, with an option to list and view the traffic hotspots to plan accordingly.