Infotainment
Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?
MINI
Clubman
Navigation Plus pack £1,300 option Key features: Nav, traffic info, CarPlay
A 6.5-inch screen with sat-nav is standard on the Clubman, but our car was fitted with the larger 8.8-inch unit as part of £1,300 Navigation Plus pack. This option also adds some connected services, including traffic and weather info, wireless phone charging and a concierge service. It even has integration with Amazon’s Alexa service.
Apple CarPlay comes in the pack as well, but there’s no Android Auto offered at all. At least wireless phone charging is included, and MINI’s own interface and nav are very good. The rotary control dial is easy to use and the menus are quick to flick through, while the sat-nav is easy to read. In addition the traffic info that comes with this upgrade pack is nearly as good as a smartphone-based system. However, it’s hard to ignore the £1,300 price tag on this option, which will be even more costly for company car buyers.
FOR AND AGAINST
Navigation is standard, easy to use, clear menus
Standard 6.5-inch screen is small, Nav Plus is an expensive upgrade
Mazda 3
Mazda Multimedia System Standard Key features: Sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB
THE Mazda 3 features an 8.8-inch infotainment system as standard, with sat-nav and smartphone connectivity for both Android and Apple phones.
The screen is sharp and the modern graphics look much more upmarket than the systems in other Mazda models. It’s still intuitive and easy to use, too. There’s a rotary control like the MINI’s, which is better for use while driving than the touchscreens found in many rival cars. The Clubman still offers touch control as well, although the Mazda doesn’t.
There’s a digital instrument panel as standard, plus slick-looking traditional gauges on either side. While it’s not as customisable as other displays of this type, there’s no digital dash available on the MINI, so the Mazda is a winner for infotainment, especially with its standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It works well here, even without a touchscreen.
FOR AND AGAINST
Standard sat-nav, sharp screen, excellent interface
Digital dash doesn’t show maps, no wireless charging