Do not purchase a Garmin from the US unless you are assured it comes with the European base map (i.e. topgraphic features etc.). The US versions do not have this, and I understand it's rather difficult to get the European version in the US.
The Jeppesen Navdata is a different matter and can easily be changed via a simple download.
With regard to colour, having just purchased a Garmin 296 and having used a 196 (and a 195, 90, 95 and 55 before that) for about a year I can say there is NO comparison. The immediate distinction between airfield types, airspace classifications is much, much easier and the display is simply brilliant, with a much higher resolution than the Skymap IIIC (it's nearest equivalent competition). The terrain awareness feature is also well worth a premium when flying in unfamiliar terrain. Whether you are willing to pay the £500 price difference is another matter.
Regards,
54.98N