Review: TomTom Go Live 820 Top Gear edition

Top Gear fans would understandably get excited at the thought of a navigation device that purports to be a limited edition model packed with features from the motoring show; but I have to admit that although the TomTom Go Live 820 Top Gear Limited Edition itself is great, I felt a little cheated on the Top Gear front.

As far as satnavs go, the TomTom 820 is the ultimate travel companion. The maps are accurate, it's easy to use, and it has a host of nifty features. I was particularly fascinated by the Go Live service, of which you get 12 months free, which monitors traffic on routes via HD Traffic; suggests alternatives in the case of route 'incidents' to get to point B as fast as possible, while encountering the least traffic; and provides a five-day destination weather forecast. All of this is dependent on a WiFi signal, however, which was not always available.

The TomTom got a bit confused at times. During one trip, it warned me of an incident that would delay my destination arrival time by four minutes. Although it did suggest an alternative route to circumvent the incident and make up those four minutes, I decided to continue on the original route, only to find that there actually was no incident. This, however, was the only time it picked up an incident, so if it ever saved me from sitting in traffic for an hour longer than needed, I would be most grateful.

Before departing, the TomTom 820 gives a handy breakdown of route information, including expected arrival time, weather at destination, incidents on route and how long these incidents would delay arrival time, as well as how many fixed cameras are on the route.

The TomTom shows exactly where along the route these incidents are, and allows the user to avoid those sections altogether, calculating an alternative. It is for this reason that I might drive with the satnav on permanently, and not just when I need it. Why sit in traffic if you don't have to and if a gadget can direct you around it?

Another nifty feature is the local Google search, which allows users to search for places and locations via WiFi. This is particularly useful if you don't know the address of that hidden-away restaurant your aunt told you to try, but remember the name.

Users can choose to have the TomTom select, for example, the fastest route every time, or they can opt to choose a route type each time they enter a destination. Route types include fastest route, shortest route, eco route, as well as options to avoid highways or to take bicycle and walking routes.

alert the driver that there is parking at the destination (perhaps only a concern for UK drivers?), using a piercing tone that nearly caused me to crash into a barrier more than once. It's something you just don't get used to, especially if you have been driving in silence, on a long stretch of road, and are suddenly rudely jolted back to awareness.

As with most TomToms, the 820 allows you to add both fixed and mobile cameras as you see them. Users can also join Map Share, a service that allows them to share map changes with other users.

The TomTom Go Live 820 doubles up as a hands-free kit, allowing users to connect their phones via Bluetooth. What's more, the device can be voice-controlled, which lets users speak their destination, rather than type it in. While this worked well, I often had to repeat myself and would probably only use it while driving. I found it much easier to type in destinations. The fact that the touch-screen was responsive and accurate helped.

A lot can be done in voice control mode, however. Using simple voice commands, users can switch between 2D and 3D map views, add favourites, avoid roadblocks, adjust volume and screen brightness, make phone calls, change their route, access weather and traffic information, and travel to or via certain places, such as the nearest hospital, police station or dentist.

The car charger and USB computer cable are integrated, which can also be used to charge other devices, such as cellphones. The satnav can also be customised according to the user's preferences by changing the voice, language, map view and car icon. The user can customise safety settings, which include warning the driver when he or she is driving over the speed limit, when driving near schools, and when to take breaks. It will even tell you which side of the road you should be driving on.

The major selling point of this limited edition TomTom is its Top Gear features; problem is, they're not very impressive.

The only Top Gear voice included is that of Jeremy Clarkson, who does not make up Top Gear alone. It just doesn't seem complete without the wackiness of Richard Hammond or the dry humour of James May. You also have the option of selecting The Stig to guide you, but he doesn't say anything. This means that any TomTom has Stig mode - you just need to turn off the voice prompts.

Even following directions from Clarkson is disappointing. You'd expect the arrogance and flamboyance of the man with the signature “And on that bombshell” line, but you get none of it. He only tells you when to turn, and I got one cheeky comment, but I can't even remember what it was.

When selecting Clarkson's voice, he tells you that seeing as you are relying on him to direct you, you had better not let him down. He also tells you to get ready to pay tolls to use roads your taxes have already paid for when choosing toll routes, but that's it. No, “And on that bombshell, you have reached your destination”. Rather, it's: “You have reached your destination, with the aid of 32 satellites and me. Well done”. Gee, thanks. I even deliberately took wrong turns, and not once did he scold me for it. Very disappointing.

The “unique” Top Gear points of interest are racetracks, such as Kyalami and Zwartkops.

Other “features” include Top Gear car symbols to choose from, of which there are only five, and Top Gear start-up and shut-off images. But that's it.

The TomTom Go Live 820 Top Gear Limited Edition seems a bit gimmicky. The only thing that really sets it apart from the regular 820 is Clarkson's voice, and even that is boring.

The device itself, however, is great, and I found the Live features particularly useful.

Buy it if you're a die-hard Top Gear fan and because proceeds will go to the BBC Children in Need fund, go with the regular 820 if you're not.

Although TomTom is no longer manufacturing these devices, a limited number will be available in SA.