Navigon enter satnav market with 5100 and 7100 models

Two new models with plenty of new features

16 March 2007 22:29 GMT / By Stuart Miles

NAVIGON has become yet another satnav maker hoping to shake up the GPS receiver market in the UK following a launch of two new models at CeBIT 2007 in Germany.

The new Navigon 5100 and 7100 will hit store shelves in April in Europe and North American later this summer and, according to the company, "present a bold challenge to established navigation brand players".

The Navigon 7100 is housed in a sleek piano black shell and comes in at less than an inch thick. It features a 4.3-inch 16:9 widescreen display, offers Traffic alerts out of the box for free and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone.

Trying to offer something different to everyone else the software features "Lane Assistance" which will recommend the optimal lane the driver should be in well ahead of any turning while "Reality View" promises to provide a virtual reality of a complex intersection complete with road geometry, actual road sign text, and 3D images.

The company has also turned to restaurant guide publishers Zagat so you know where to eat when you are out.

The Navigon 5100 is more compact device with a 3.5-inch screen and a chrome shell. It can be viewed in portrait or landscape modes and offers the same features as the 7100.

No word as yet on pricing.

We will keep you posted.