Check out the way Mazda "integrated" the nav system in the Mazda 6! OMG!!!!

Ed

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...op&galleryID=5

 

Disgusting.

I don't know about the rest of you, but half the fun of having the navigation system is being able to look at the big shiny screen (and having my passengers do the same). Why would you want to hide it away? I have the same problem with the implementation of the navi in the G35. If you've got a great feature like an 8" screen, you might as well take advantage of it and use it for all functions, such as radio, climate control, etc.

 

They're following the same logical design path used by Volvo. Put the screen as close to the drivers line of site as possible and hide the screen so it's not a distraction when not in use. It IS the way to design a navigation system.

 

I couldn't disagree more. How often is the navigation system actually in use? I venture that it's less than 5% of the time spent driving. In the meantime, you've got a large, expensive screen hiding behind the dashboard doing nothing? It's a complete waste. The TL imprelementation makes far more sense as (1) the navi system appears to be an integrated part of the dash, as opposed to an afterthought and (2) the screen is utilized for the radio and other functions when not in use as a navi system.

 

Same as Infinity .. it does clean up the dash for non-Nav equipped, or when it isn't on, but then again I always have mine on ....

I disagree w/ Barry .. pop-up on the right of driver is still on the right of the driver .. the Nav on the Chrysler Pacifica is more in the line of sight for the driver ..

Driver's Console in the speedo

Chrysler Pacifica

 

I use the Navi in my car for navigation, not to impress the neighbors or passengers. It's a car, not a rolling entertainment center. I can't tell you the number of times I found myself not paying attention to the road while playing with the Navi or AC in my TL-S and MDX. I don't have that problem with the Volvo. Safety should be more important than aesthetics.

 

how is the design of a navi system a problem if it's your own fault for not paying attention to the road? also, i don't understand your safety issue. you said you don't pay attention when you're using the navi in the tl or mdx... does it matter what car you are in? if you were in the volvo and the navi screen was open, wouldn't it be the same situation?

 

If they cut those vents big enough you could use it as a dog house.

 

Looking at the picture it looks like a six speed but they don't offer it.

 

Looking at the Navi screen forces you to take your eyes off the road. In the TL and MDX, even if your not using it for navigation, you still have to take your eyes off the road to use the AC control. If the screen's located at eye level, you can use the Navi without taking your eyes off the road. In the Volvo, it's elevates out of the center of the dash so it's right in your site path. It's also controlled by a joystick that doesn't require you to take your hands off the wheel. Based on what you're saying, to be safe in an Acura, I should pull off the road to adjust the AC so that it's not "my fault for not paying attention to the road." This is one of the reasons some manufacturers require the car be parked when making detailed Navi entries.

 

I really dislike red interior lighting. It always comes across as Pontiac-tacky, regardless of whether it's a BMW or a Mazda you're sitting in.

 

looks like the is300 navigation system. fugly.

 

Good old voice commands

 

I wish I could hide my navigation screen like the G35, one it attracts less attention in a locked car, and second, it keeps the screen away from direct sunlight while the car is parked. LCD screens facing sunlight on a contant basis can cause discoloration and deterioration

 

Move to "Cars & Bikes" tomorrow.

 

The RX8 NAVI is very similar.

 

Every thing the TL can do can be activated by voice command, you don't have to look at anything...........................ever

 

"Climate control automatic" "Temperature 72 degrees" "Rear Defrost" "Radio select XM1" "CD play disc 3 track 9"



BTW. TL's navi is good but they nailed it with the RL's navi.

 

I actually like this design. 1 it portects the screen when not in use from direct sun light. It is alos higher up in the drivers LOS. Cleans up dash when not in use.

I do wish Volvo had voise command though. I don't understand Barry saying volvos is safer then others as it has a joy stick on the wheel there fore you don't have to take your hands off. the TL you have voice commands for everything.

 

Infiniti G35's design is much more horrendous than this imo. Looks so flimsy.

 

I like it. The navigation is just as much a distraction as talking on a cell phone while your driving.

 

The Volvos Navigation is in the safest spot, without question. Its in your line of sight as much as possible without obstructing the view. Its also slanted down just a tad so there is no glare or direct sunlight damage. Then it neatly tucks away in its home, ingeniously sliding into the dash. Doesn't the glare cause any problems in the TL. I don't see how it couldn't as its tilted upward?

Plus the Volvo does have a remote control for the passenger to assist in imputting info.

 

Except it you have the windows down, people are talking in the car, you're on the phone, the stereo's on, etc.

 

Infiniti's design isn't flimsy at all. Its actually very sturdy because there are no motors (just springs). I like it hidden better because, I hardly use the Nav. I'm too busy looking out for cops

Does anyone know how long these DVD readers last on the Navs. Whenever I start my car, I can hear mine whirring away...I'm thinking they go through so much use that the longevity is decreased. I bet these new cars with all these electronics just won't have the longevity of the older, more basic cars.

 

I never roll my windows down (seattle rain), i don't let people ride in my car (they dont care about it as much as I do), I've never had a map / hvac need so urgent it couldn't wait for the end of a call, and stereo mutes when you make a voice command anyway.

Joking aside, Its a matter of preference. Having the screen up higher may be better line of sight, but I don't think "safer." Anytime your eyes aren't on the road, its an unsafe condition, regardless of how close to line of site the screen is. Peripheral vision is just about as worthless as not looking at all when it comes to driving. (hiding the screen is not 'safer' either; people who are going to get into accidents because they watch the screen too much are going to get into accidents eventually anyway, screen or not. If its not nav, its a cell phone, or a notepad, or a freaking magazine.)

To the glare question, I haven't really noticed a problem with glare. only if I have the sunroof open and the sun is at the perfect angle from behind does it hit it just well enough to make it practically unreadable. I almost never encounter that, so I don't really consider glare a problem.

 

Cool Sammamish! I will be out rowing on the lake in about 2 hours!

 

some specs i read up on:

- All Wheel Drive (i'm pretty sure)
- 280hp and 260+ lb/ft tq
- TURBOcharged
- No Price Confirmed

for more pics http://www.plekkie.net/anton/ahura/mazda6mps.htm

 

I had two initial intentions for getting the NAVI package: (1) it is better for resale, and (2) it serves as a good form of entertainment for guests. I agree that having the screen at eye sight is better for safety, but if you're driving with your spouse (like I do when we travel and likely need NAVI), it would be nice for her to see the screen and where it is we're headed. She also has the opportunity to update/make changes to the touch screen, as it is within her reach. If I need it when I'm alone, I've got voice commands so I don't have to take my eyes of the road.

In the end, it's all personal preference. I personally like seeing the big screen, whether I'm using navigation or not.

 

I still have my Schwinn from '72

 

Is that a GM model?

 

Barry, do you ever use your voice commands? If the stereo is on it automatically mutes when you activate voice. If you're already on the phone (and you don't have Bluetooth that plays through the sound system that mutes with voice) what the hell are you doing trying to manually set navigation commands at the same time. Shouldn't you leave at least a small portion of your attention span to actually driving the car..............any car?
I've never had any problem with voice commands with the windows down at anything under highway speeds, when I never have the windows down anyhow.
The screen is a matte finish and greatly reduces glare. That's never been an issue for me.

 

having the Nav hide when not in use is the best thing there is. Not only is it a cleaner look, it also protects the screen from sun and other projectiles in the car.

The way it pops up in the G35 is too cool. It reminds me of TVs that pop out of cabinets

 

Different companies, different ways of doing things.
I like the Chrysler Pacifica, with the NAV under the speedometer. Very different and your eyes are right there.
Nav=trust the Japanese. We buy tons of Japanese electronics. Not anyone elses....
Acura makes great NAV.

 

where are the controls for the navi? i doubt it's voice activated. i'd probably have a hard time using it since i lean back when i drive. i would have to lean forward everytime i have to make changes






Edit by MOD rets: Move to Cars & Bikes forum

 

They're all touch screen with different screens for different functions, but yes they are also voice activated if you choose to go that way.

 

Sounds like the Infiniti M45 .

 

Navi placement aside, future Mazda 6 owners should just be glad that their cars are coming equipped with Navi's as an option!

I personally like my Navi on display at all times. Just personal preference. I'll put it on the A/C menu or the category select menu, especially at night, just to enjoy the cool bluish hues radiating from the screen. Enhances the driving experience IMO.

I would love to see a buttonless/knobless interior on my dream car. Nothing but integrated screens and voice commands!

 

IMHO, Chrysler wasn't very smart in placing the nav under the speedometer.
1. They will have to move it if they ever want to have one with a bigger screen. I love the fact they practically doubled the size of the TL's navi screen from '03 to '04.

2. By keeping the nav tucked away in the instrument cluster, they are preventing the passenger from being able to help search and make adjustments while you are driving.

Just my .