Infotainment

Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?

Honda e

Honda Connect Nav Standard Key features: Five-screen set-up

The e’s infotainment is one of its greatest features. Alongside those two screens for the mirrors there’s an 8.8-inch driver’s display coupled with a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens. You can display a different range of info on either screen and, while the resolution and response to inputs are good – much better than any previous honda system – the left screen is quite far away, so it’s nice that you can switch the two displays’ layouts to make them easier to use.

There’s sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio and some good connected services, as well as honda’s voice-activated Personal Assistant. This is okay, but just a little clunkier than it should be.

There’s a gallery mode to the set-up that allows you to display, full-width, different pictures or scenes, too. It’s a nice touch that complements the tech-heavy set-up, and the features here work nicely.

For and against

Lots of screen area and features, connectivity and tech

Menus could be easier to use, layout means switching of displays necessary

MINI Electric

Navigation Plus Pack Standard Key features: Larger screen, CarPlay

LeveL 3 trim features a larger, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, replacing the smaller 6.5-inch unit in lower-spec models (our Level 2 car used this; the bigger system looks and works in a similar way). It’s a good upgrade, but the MINI isn’t as tech-heavy as the honda.

The main unit responds well and is quick to process inputs. The graphics are as good as the honda’s and you get sat-nav with Apple CarPlay as standard, but no Android Auto capability. Wireless charging is standard, though, just like on the e, and there are some useful connected services here as well.

The MINI features a digital dash panel in front of the driver, but it’s not as versatile as the honda’s. It can’t display the nav map, for example.

Fundamentally, the tech is sound and works well; it’s just not as advanced-feeling as the honda’s.

For and against

Larger screen standard here, quick to respond, some useful connected tech

Digital dash could be more advanced, tech feels so-so compared with Honda