Navman C60 GPS unit

Navman's C series of GPS units is a budget line targeted at cost-conscious consumers. The C60 is essentially based on an older GPS model from the company with updated maps and a different coloured case.

The Navman C60 has a very similar design to the older S range, but with an all-black case and a subtle chequered pattern surrounding the display. This attempt at a splash of style doesn't really add to the overall look, though, and the plastic body feels hollow when tapped. Thankfully, the included window mount is small and easy to clip on and off.

The only physical control on the Navman C60 is a sliding power switch, and we found it too easy to accidentally reset the unit — the off and reset notches in the slider are close together, so you can inadvertently slide the switch to reset when attempting to turn the unit off. For other functions you use the responsive 4.3in touch screen, which is bright and clear but has poor viewing angles and can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.

The Navman C60 uses the same straightforward menu system as the afore-mentioned S range, but there is less colour than the latest MY series units. Menu boxes are clearly labelled, though, and most operations are easily accessed via the main menu screen. Tapping different icons lets you navigate to your saved home location, a specific address, a point of interest (POI), a saved favourite destination or a recent destination.

Unlike the MY series GPS units, the Navman C60 uses a multi-screen method to search for addresses. You can search via city/area, postcode, street address or intersection. The on-screen QWERTY keyboard is large and uses the full width of the screen, and there is an option to change it to an ABC layout if you wish. When searching for a specific address the C60 filters suburbs by state, reducing the list of results to a manageable number.

The Navman C60 uses SmartST 2009 navigation software with the latest Navteq maps. The map screen is clear and readable but lacks the polish and bright colours of newer versions. Tapping on the information box in the top right corner displays useful route information, while an icon in the bottom right corner can display battery life, GPS reception and a mute button. Rerouting times are fast and the C60 takes less than 30 seconds to gain a GPS fix in most instances.

Navigational performance is adequate but the Navteq maps once again struggle with school zone warnings — these are overzealous and often appear on roads that aren't even school zones. This eventually caused us to turn school zone warnings off completely. The C60 maps also have a tendency to miss a number of 'no right turns', and didn't warn of some red light cameras that we passed. Thankfully, the speed cameras, railway crossings and accident black spots all worked without any issues.

As the C60 is a budget GPS unit, there are no advanced features like Bluetooth hands-free connectivity or live traffic updates (though the latter is available as an optional extra for $149) but advanced lane guidance is a handy inclusion. Though this only works on freeways, motorways and highways, it’s very useful and directs you into the correct lane when turning off a major exit. The usual routing options (avoid or warn of tolls, unsurfaced roads and ferry routes) are supported, and users can also set a preference for using motorways. Navman includes a user-configured preset speed warning alert and there is also a tripmeter which acts as a digital log book.

Battery life is rated at up to two hours, which is well below average. We found the C60 barely lasted an hour and a half before requiring a recharge. There is no AC adapter included in the package, so you'll have to charge the C60 in the car.

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