Car Show King - 786.664.SHOW (7469)

With gas prices at an all-time high, most of us want to make sure we get to our destination in the quickest and most efficient way possible. Pioneer aims to enable you to do that and more with its third-generation AVIC-N3 navigation and entertainment system. Just like the previous systems, the AVIC-N3 is a single-DIN display unit with a separate hideaway brain. The DIN-mounted unit features a 6.5-inch motorized screen and single-disc CD/DVD/MP3 player with a detachable mini face. Pioneer’s well-known supertuner AM/FM receiver with 18 FM and six AM presets accompanies the 50 watt x 4 high-power Mosfet amplifier. A 3-band EQ, highpass crossover as well as loudness and source level adjustments allow you to tweak the audio. When adding amplifiers, front, rear and nonfader 2.2-volt RCA outputs are put to use. There’s also no shortage of video options, which include A/V inputs and outputs, rear and back-up camera options and dual-zone A/V. Pioneer’s proprietary IP-Bus connections further enhance the system’s versatility by allowing modules, such as TV, XM Radio, DSP and changer, to be connected in series and controlled from the in-dash display. For our test we used Pioneer’s CD-IB100 iPod interface and the GEX-P10XMT satellite interface with NavTraffic updates.

The basic features are pretty straightforward. The touchscreen works smoothly with very little lag time, but if you don’t want to use it, an optional remote control is available. Only while using the iPod did the touchscreen display not keep up with our effort to search the sound library. Small buttons and a joystick located on the front panel also allow you to control the unit. Both touchscreen and buttons require a steady hand to avoid choosing the wrong function. Sound sources, including radio, XM, CD and iPod, were crystal clear and these entertainment features could all be used while navigating. On occasion, however, the disc would have to be changed if new routes needed to be selected.

With address, freeway, POI and telephone number as search options, entering data for navigation was easy and concise. I recommend taking a once-over of the owner’s manual before any long trips. The system tracked well, always showing current location with voice prompts en route. More than once, the voice announcement began to give directions and suddenly returned to music without finishing. Other than that annoying glitch, once entered, a location would easily be found. Another impressive feature was that the display showed in green exactly which lanes you needed to be in for the next transition on the freeway. On-screen data, such as distance to location and next transition, also give you time to position yourself for route directions. Don’t forget NavTraffic, a handy feature that we’ve covered in previous issues.

As technology advances and we scramble to keep up with its pace, it’s nice to see new products that evolve at a steady rate. Pioneer’s AVIC-N3, while an excellent product that makes your learning curve smoother, may not be your top choice from the same manufacturer. Stay tuned next month when we review the double-DIN AVIC-Z1. The N3 does have a substantial MSRP, but that is offset by its almost endless versatility. The AVIC-N3 is a great piece of equipment that provides tremendous entertainment and navigation options in one package. If you’re looking for a recommendation, we can certainly supply that for the AVIC-N3.