No new SatNav maps (ever?) - UK at least

[JimH]

Just been advised (following my 2-year service) by my (somewhat embarrassed-sounding) UK dealer/service agent that "Lotus have advised that there is no update available or planned for the SatNav"!

I know most of us will be using our favourite navigation app via Apple Carplay/Android Auto already but why even bother developing an in-car system if it's not going to be supported?

 

[Nick Sticks]

I used it once when I first got the car but was disappointed with it after years of a Tom Tom device. I bought the Tom Tom app and use that via Android Auto. Sometimes use Google Maps just to see how that's doing.
But yes, why have it built in if they are not going to update it.

 

[Andy H]

Since the introduction of wireless carplay I've stopped using the manufacturer offerings. Waze does everything better and has real-time alerting. It's saved me several times with the Police alerts! I've heard that the latest carplay implementations can even project the map into the main dash and a HUD.

However, I thought all the software was from Geely so I would have expected updates to be available for Volvo drivers and therefore us also?

 

[Beachbum]

I used it once when I first got the car but was disappointed with it after years of a Tom Tom device. I bought the Tom Tom app and use that via Android Auto. Sometimes use Google Maps just to see how that's doing.
But yes, why have it built in if they are not going to update it.

I have heard of a number of people paying for TomTom. Is it that much better than Google Maps, or Waze? What are the benefits over them?

 

[Beachbum]

Since the introduction of wireless carplay I've stopped using the manufacturer offerings. Waze does everything better and has real-time alerting. It's saved me several times with the Police alerts! I've heard that the latest carplay implementations can even project the map into the main dash and a HUD.

However, I thought all the software was from Geely so I would have expected updates to be available for Volvo drivers and therefore us also?

I'd love to know if the new CarPlay does project it onto the Emira Dash, as that is something I really would see as a benefit of Apple over Android

 

[Andy H]

I'd love to know if the new CarPlay does project it onto the Emira Dash, as that is something I really would see as a benefit of Apple over Android

My understanding is that it needs the latest Carplay software to be on the car rather than the phone. I have a 2025 BMW M135 with the latest iDrive 9 pro dash and it still can't do it. I've heard it's available in some of the higher end iX models

 

[Beachbum]

My understanding is that it needs the latest Carplay software to be on the car rather than the phone. I have a 2025 BMW M135 with the latest iDrive 9 pro dash and it still can't do it. I've heard it's available in some of the higher end iX models

It also works on some cars that I have used Android Auto on, but unfortunately Lotus has not done this for the Emira and when asked, showed no indication they were interested in doing so

 

[Nick Sticks]

I have heard of a number of people paying for TomTom. Is it that much better than Google Maps, or Waze? What are the benefits over them?

We've been using TomTom's devices that you stick to the screen for ages in our old cars that don't have Android Auto etc. We use one device and put it in the car we are using. What's more my wife can use it. I like the way they present the maps and traffic information. Lane guidance at junctions is also very good. I like the route bar that is on the right hand side, this shows the route you are going in a vertical bar with any hold ups on it, petrol stations, speed cameras etc. The device would also show your average speed over the distance that such cameras are active, very handy. Sadly the app doesn't do the average speed thing.
My biggest plus is doing multiple stop/destination routes. For a big trip to say, the Le Mans Classic, I include a number of stops, sights or towns along the way there and back. We don't use motorways or toll roads and like to see a bit of the country.
Anyway, I plan all this on the TomTom website with all the stops and then save it as a route. The stops and routes are then in the app on your phone.
Yes you can do routes in Google Maps but you are limited to 10 stops including the start point.
The TomTom website lets you save the route as a GPX file which is handy and can be imported into various apps and devices.
Google lets you save their route as a link to share.
Both the TomTom app and Google Maps lets you download the maps to your phone but Waze doesn't (last time I tried it). I was out in the sticks with limited phone coverage when trying Waze and it took ages to download the map data for that area so I was driving blind for a while.
The TomTom app shows the current speed limit of the road you are on. I'm fairly sure Waze does that but Google didn't when I was trying it but maybe does now.
Waze shows all the the users on the map as nice icons, I liked that!
I generally do a lot of planning on Google Maps saving favourites etc because I can see various things using the satellite view but have the final route on the TomTom.
The TomTom app is only £20 a year.
You can get a week's trial as well to try it out.

 

[geoffbland]

Google Maps will show you the current speed limit - but only if you are following a route for some reason. You can just stick in "Home" or some random destination as a route regardless of where you are heading to get it the current speed limit to show.