In-car multimedia systems are becoming ever more capable, and the IntelliLink device fitted to our Vauxhall Mokka Techline is a good example of this.

As well as satellite navigation, FM/AM radio, DAB radio, CD player and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use, it also has both an auxillary audio socket and a USB port to plug an MP3 player in.

Its seven-inch screen is situated high on the dashboard and is ideally located to look at without the driver having to take their eyes off the road for longer than a split second.

The sat-nav is easy to programme and follow, but seems to have an uncanny ability to chime in just as something I really want to hear is about to be broadcast.

For example, I was listening to a film review podcast after connecting my iPod to the system and just as the presenter said “and if there’s only one thing you need to know about this film, it’s…”, the sat-nav chimed in to tell me to turn left in 300 yards.

This wasn’t the first time it has interrupted at an inconvenient time and I’m sure it won’t be the last, but this is just about bad luck rather than any fault with the technology.

Maybe it’d be nice to have a system that automatically pauses an MP3 player while the instruction is being given before resuming again.

One niggle, however, with the sat-nav system concerns its traffic alerts. It’s handy to use this function as it lists the location of congestion by proximity so you can make a diversion to avoid the problems, but it doesn’t seem to automatically update.

This means I’ve had to come out of the list before selecting it again to refresh the information.

Much more impressive is the iPod integration. Once plugged into the USB port, it’s easy to navigate the music and podcasts through a rotary dial.

On the road, the Mokka, which has now passed 5,000 miles, has continued to perform well. Its comfortable ride makes it a good companion on all journeys, while average fuel economy has increased from 53mpg to 57mpg.