However, since specifying a destination often requires you to select an option from a list of addresses presented on screen, it makes more sense to select a destination on screen before setting off and use voice control only for making simple adjustments while driving. Like the Garmin nüvi 2599 LMT-D, it refused to recognise some addresses. This makes it a sensible proposition while driving and, we found it reasonably useful, even in the presence of road noise and the radio turned on, albeit quietly. However, this annoyance is somewhat offset by the voice recognition which can be initiated by speaking a phrase, in this case “Hello TomTom”. This is where the screen really struggles as resistive screens don’t lend themselves to swiping gestures and we often found ourselves hitting the wrong menu option. The menu system gives you many options, but you need to scroll through these with your finger because they are not all displayed on a single screen. TomTom make a big thing of this, since other units take you first to a main menu. On turning it on, we were taken directly to a map showing the car’s current position with an indication of nearby traffic conditions. The Go 50 itself is well built and the mounting bracket offers a good amount of adjustment and a firm grip on your windscreen. In the box you get a USB cable and cigarette lighter adaptor for in-car charging. Also available is warnings of safety cameras, both mobile and fixed but free updates are only available for three months so you’d have to take out a subscription when that period expires if you want to keep the database up to date.

Live traffic is available for free for life as are updates to the mapping data, for 39 European countries. It’s set apart from cheaper units by its ability to communicate with either an Android phone or an iPhone via Bluetooth in order to receive up-to-the-minute data on road conditions, and isn’t limited to its built-in database of points of interest.

Are map updates free with tomtom