Given the long, multi-year development cycles that cars have, an automaker would be challenged to keep up with the pace of the GPS market, where a new generation product is introduced about every six months. In fact, even though it went on sale this fall, the TomTom Go 720 that is the basis for this system could be considered two generations old, with a newer Go 730 taking its place and the impressive Go 2405 taking over as the latest flagship portable navigator. Both devices retail for $299. (See our GPS ratings and buying advice.)
The integrated, 4.3-inch TomTom unit routes audio through the car speakers, and it mutes the stereo system when issuing navigation guidance. Plus, it adds Bluetooth connectivity and audio input. It remains a portable, removable unit, and with an available mount and power cord, the TomTom device could be used in another car. However, it cannot be readily replaced in the vehicle with a newer TomTom device down the road. Due to the design, a replacement would likely include the double-DIN cradle, as well.
Subaru is not the first to explore this strategy. Toyota offered a 4Runner with similar integration, and Suzuki offers a flip-up Garmin in the SX4. We wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue, and our talks with major navigations providers suggest it will.
Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/11/subaru-offers-tomtom-navigation-on-2011-forester-impreza.html
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