For years the Swiss multimedia specialist ZENEC (http://www.zenec.com/) has been working closely with diverse motorhome manufacturers, and therefore possesses the corresponding experience in the camper navigation area. According to the German specialist magazine Car & HiFi in issue 4/2020, this gathered know-how is also evident in ZENEC’s latest vehicle-specific multimedia and navigation system, the Z-E3766, which has been specifically developed for the Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper and Peugeot. The Car & HiFi journalists headline their comprehensive test report with the announcement “Best Camper Sat Nav”, and go on to rate the Z-E3766 in combination with the navigation package Z-EMAPP66-MH7, available separately, as “Best Product” in the “Absolute Top Class”.
PERFECT VEHICLE INTEGRATION, EASE OF USE
The testers were impressed by the optimal technical and visual integration of the Z-E3766 in the Fiat Ducato. It is therefore not only “exactly tailored to the dash of the Fiat Ducato”, but can also “be directly interfaced with and controlled via the original steering wheel remote control system”.
Ease of use also gets big praise. All menus are clearly structured and intuitive to use. The large capacitive 9″/22.9 cm touchscreen of real glass responds “promptly to every finger touch” say the tech journalists. “In spite of the immense range of functions, it is therefore easy to operate the Z-E3766 – even while driving.”
THE BEST CAMPER SAT NAV
The Z-E3766 scored with the testers particularly on account of its navigation software
Z-EMAPP66-MH7 specially designed for camping vehicles. Map data of 47 European countries, over 6.5 million Premium Points of Interest, plus 7 years free map updates form a solid basis. In addition there are features that according to Car & HiFi “are perfectly tailored to the requirements of motorhomers”, such as the large Camping POI database with details on approx. 20,000 camping and motorhome stopover sites.
The testers value as being especially practical the option of adjusting the vehicle profile (motorhome under 3.5 t, 3.5 – 7 t, over 7.5 t) and precise vehicle parameters (weight, length, height and so on). “These parameters are then taken into account during route selection”, explain the well-respected testers “for example in order to avoid unpleasant encounters with bridges or underpasses.”
VERSATILE INFOTAINER
As regards entertainment and communication, the Z-E3766 proved thoroughly convincing: DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth system for telephony and music streaming, plus two USB inputs offer “best infotainment for motorhomers” say Car & HiFi. In particular it is in the area of digital radio reception that the Z-E3766 cuts a good figure. “The ZENEC device even boasts an NXP double tuner”, say the journalists “that performs absolutely as it should in the practical test. It offers crystal clear reception, without having to worry about anything.”
But the Z-E3766 can do even more: it supports both Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay, thereby working “perfectly with the smartphone.”
CLEVER DETAILS FOR THE MOTORHOME
That the new ZENEC is specifically built for use in the motorhome is shown by many detailed solutions. For instance, it has three inputs for rear and front-view cameras: “All three support adjustable gridlines”, explain the tech journalists, “one input even having an audio channel (for the cam microphone)”.
The Z-E3766 has an integrated streaming module for transmitting music to external Bluetooth speakers or headphones. “This is very practical if, for example, you want to listen to music or radio outside in the sun.” The audio functions may also be controlled with a free app from the smartphone: “Thus the radio can also be controlled from outside the living area, without having to move forward.”
SUMMARY
“The Z-E3766, in combination with the software Z-EMAP66-MH7, is at present probably the best infotainment system for the Fiat Ducato tailored to the requirements of campers”, is the final verdict of the testers on the Best Product from ZENEC. “A worthwhile investment for discerning motorhomers!”