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TomTom has announced a new range of entry-level sat-nav devices that bring with them a handful of new and improved route-finding features.

The TomTom Start 20 series currently consists of three models, the Start 20 UK & Ireland, Start 20 Europe and Start 25 Europe. The main benefit of all three is a bigger screen — 4.3” on the 20 models and 5” on the 25.

All models have an integrated foldaway mount that can be used on both a windscreen and dashboard and ‘QuickGPSfix’ technology that’s claimed to find a quicker satellite lock after switching on.

According to TomTom, two million kilometres of new roads have been added to the maps on the Start 20 series and the graphics for various roadside features have been given a makeover for improved clarity. Points of Interest (POI) have been beefed up too, and in addition to there being twice as many as before, they also include such pertinent information as opening times and telephone numbers, where appropriate.

The Start 20 series also uses TomTom’s IQ Routes technology to improve route finding. This collates data from other TomTom users to calculate more accurate journey times by taking into account average travel times based on actual journeys. Danish users also get to have their anonymised driving data passed to the police to help them deploy speed traps, too — though this latter feature is now apparently under review…

Also new is an Eco Routes feature for more fuel-efficient journeys, spoken street names and the option to choose a destination based on finding somewhere to park.

Sadly, TomTom has yet to incorporate any long vehicle-specific route-planning features into the Start 20 series, which means the pricey Truck range of satnav devices is the still only option for caravan and motorhome owners who want to stick with TomTom.

Prices start from £130 for the Start 20 UK & Ireland

[TomTom Start 20 series]