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Pronav Hgv: The All Important Test

part of our review of the Pronav Hgv on Thursday 9th July 2009

Posing as a 44 tonne articulated lorry carrying explosive goods, we took the ProNav HGV out for a trial. We put the system through the same trials as a regular system but have identified several areas where lenience would need to be given.

Here are the results.

Appearance

The system scores well on screen size, build quality, looks and button sizes. It would have been better to have used a 5 inch screen as opposed to a 4.3 inch one purely as the target market is HGV drivers with huge windscreens. Also, the power button is delicately small. A wider button would have suited this particular model.

Appearance score: 72%

Packaging

The ProNav HGV scores well for packaging, which takes into account the box itself, the contents and the quality of the contents. It lost points for not supplying a mains charger which could be handy when staying overnight in a motel/hotel. A protective case would have also been a positive addition.

It was great to see a real printed manual rather than a CD version.

Packaging score: 74%

PC Software

No software is supplied although a USB cable is provided for charging and syncing the system to a PC. Updates from ProNav and Navteq can be uploaded via the USB link.

Support & Updates

Telephone support is offered as is a special offer at the moment for limited map updates. A trial period for speed camera locations is also offered. Future map updates and speed camera locations are charged for though.

Support score: 60%

The System

The ProNav scores highly here. The system is quick to turn on and easy to use. The screens are clear and the system offers a host of additional features.

There's no night mode as such and whilst the backlight level can be adjusted, it's not the same as an inverse map colour scheme. There's no FM transmitter although there is Bluetooth for mobile phone syncing. A traffic TMC post is offered but no traffic antenna is supplied.

UPDATE: We have been told there is a night mode which is accessed by tapping the screen when in Drive Mode.

System score: 83%

The Road Test

The road test provide a great surprise. We expected the system to route the same as the other systems, taking winding back roads. Instead, it factored in the restrictions specified and routed sensibly.

The POI file is a little muddled but it is fairly comprehensive. The truck specific POI destinations are clear and concise.

On the topic of POI routing, the ProNav found Castell Coch and provided directions to the gates - a task some of the mainstream systems cannot achieve.

Routing accuracy is really good. One leg we were faster than the estimated time (travelling faster than a HGV) and on another leg we were slowed by roadworks and arrived later than expected. Overall though, the ProNav estimated a total journey of 45 minutes for 23.2 miles. It took 44 minutes over 23.5 miles! That's amazing accuracy.

Road Test score: 94%

Overall

Overall, the system is very good. It has surpassed our expectations and seems to work really well. Whilst biased towards trucks, it has mass appeal to any vehicle larger than a car.

It lacks an integrated feel as the navigation software sits more as an application on the system alongside various media features. It would be great to see this integrated further.

In conclusion, the ProNav HGV seems to be a very reliable and accurate routing system. It helps tailor routes that are suitable for larger vehicles avoiding many hazards and restrictions. We're very pleased with the quality of the routing on this machine.

Overall score: 82%

Additional Pronav Hgv Review Pages

• Appearance
• Explanation of the Screen
• Packaging Photographs
• Product Photographs
• Quick Summary
• Specifications
• Unique Features For Large Vehicles
• Windscreen Mount