I like the simple to use, yet feature packed and removable navigation system that came standard on our SX4. The only problem for me is that it's nearly out of reach, perched as it is rather far away towards the base of the windshield. When I try to use it (after pulling over to the curb or into a parking lot), it was a stretch to put fingertip to touch screen. And this from someone who, at 5'-5", has the driver seat scooched up closer to the dash than most.
As the navi is portable, I would usually just disconnect it and chipmunk away at the screen, then put it back into its mount after I'd inputted my destination and motor away. Is it just me or was this thing designed for use by those with a Phelpsian wingspan?
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
adavis2493 says:
09:21 AM, 08/19/09
Wow. I forgot you guys had this car.
I actually prefer the portable navigations over the regular ones. Especially in cars like Volvo's. They navigations are connected to the cars, yet they do not change the radio interface, or anything like that. That's when I don't see the advantage of having one that pops out of the dash for about $2,000, over one you can move car to car for $600 max.
wobbly_ears says:
09:24 AM, 08/19/09
Valid complaint. Something my wife would certainly complain about if we got it.
Maybe Suzuki can redesign it so that the cubicle can be angled or pulled when needed. It doesn't seem all that difficult.
Maybe some aftermarket firms can design a retrofit. But then again, there may not be enough of a market for this considering how low the sales volume for SX4 is.
briancam says:
10:20 AM, 08/19/09
I've noticed this too - in some ways, an aftermarket mount would be better but the way that thing folds into the dash is really great.
altimadude00 says:
12:09 PM, 08/19/09
Speaking of forgetting cars...where's the Mazda 6?
ckk2 says:
12:44 PM, 08/19/09
it seems like a great design to me. pick it up use it with two hands. put it back in a great position to see while driving.
m_thrizzle says:
01:45 PM, 08/19/09
Funny how CA law allows this but I have a friend who got a ticket for having a GPS unit mounted in the same location with one of those weighted dash mounts. I told her to fight it, saying it didn't obstruct her outward view but the ticket was upheld. The new CA law says GPS units must be in the lower front corner of the windshield, although it is not explicitly stated whether all portable units must be there or just those that are mounted to the windshield. Anyways, it's a lame law, like most of the new CA laws.