The RNSE is a self-contained double-DIN size unit. It has a folding 6.5-inch TFT screen to the upper left of its fascia with eight function buttons across the bottom. Next to this is a button to lower the screen, behind which is a CD/DVD slot (used mainly for the map data DVD) and two SD card slots. These allow the passengers to enjoy listening to MP3 music, although the RNSE will also play normal audio CDs.

As well as the rotary power button in the lower right, which also controls the volume, there are four larger buttons and another, larger rotary knob that allow the user to select options on the screen.

Satellite Navigation

Using DVD disc's to store map data means whole continents are available from at once; for instance, uk, Western and Eastern European map DVDs are available with navigation to street level.

It is possible to save destinations into the unit's memory, with preferred routes and stopovers also selectable. When selecting a route, often multiple choices will be offered to the driver dependent on their preferences (such as the shortest or fastest route, with preference to motorways or freeways etc).

A female voice provides instructions. While the voice is not customisable, a large database of words are provided, including names of many major cities and towns. This helps when navigating along major routes. The voice can also read out any road numbers by pronouncing each letter and number individually. The voice is customised for each destination market too, so for instance in the UK, the commands are spoken in an English accent.

Special places of interest (often referred to as POIs) are also stored on the map DVD, which are not only available as searchable destinations but appear on the map as icons. Audi dealerships also appear, with the Audi logo appearing on the map.

The TFT display changes during navigation too. At intersections/junctions, the display splits to show a detailed view of the road layout on the left, with an arrow directing you through it. On freeways/motorways, exits are shown (with the relevant exit number and a countdown in minutes until you arrive to it) with a very useful lane display to help you leave the road if required. The view also has a zoom feature; you can view the map at a resolution of 82 yards or several miles which shows most of the continent you're in.

Updates are provided by NAVTEQ via new DVDs, and sometimes these incorporate software changes (although software updates can also be provided on CD too). These are normally released every twelve months or so.

Audio

Since the CD/DVD slot is, in day-to-day practise at least, almost exclusively used by the map DVD, two SD card slots are available to play MP3s. Audi recommends that cards up to 256MB should be used, but cards up to 4GB work well (but note that only standard SD cards are supported and not the physically-identical SDHC card type). The cards only need formatting to Windows FAT or FAT32 format using a suitable PC reader to transfer them, while the MP3 filenames (and any folders) must not exceed 64 characters in length. There is also a 512 file/folder limit on each card (ie the total number of files added to the total number of folders must not exceed 512 or the card will not be recognised as containing any files).

Playlists in M3U format are also supported, and if not using the navigation screens, the playlist is shown with all the tracks in the display. When navigating, two Back and Next style buttons in the upper right of the fascia allow passengers to skip through tracks.

Of course, radio is available with both AM and FM bands supported.  With RDS (Radio Data System) standard too, all the usual benefits such as programme type selection and traffic information (TP) are also provided.

Whats included?

• Navigation unit

·         DVD Navigation disk (2009) 

·         GPS Antenna

·         4 Removal keys

·         12 Months Warranty

£1,532.61 £1,173.98