- Renault 4 tops What Car? infotainment test.
- One of three cars to score five stars.
- Four tasks completed in 12.2 seconds.
- Gemini AI rolling out since June.
Out of 21 new cars put through an infotainment test by What Car?, the Renault 4 E-Tech electric was one of only three to score five stars, finishing ahead of much more expensive rivals. The magazine and website measured how easily drivers could complete common tasks while keeping their attention on the road.
How What Car? tested the Renault 4
The test covered changing the radio station, adjusting the cabin temperature, switching on the driver’s heated seat and entering a destination into the sat-nav. The SUV finished all four in 12.2 seconds, and What Car? rated both distraction and mental effort as low. Its voice control took only three seconds to programme the specified destination, faster than any other car on test.
Claire Evans, Consumer Editor for What Car?, said the system “is extremely simple to use, helping to keep driver distraction to a minimum,” adding that the driver “doesn’t need to touch the screen, just glance at it to ensure it’s doing what they have asked.”
openR link with Google built-in
The setup combines a responsive touchscreen with Google services and dedicated physical controls for frequently used functions such as heating and ventilation. On equipped versions, Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play are integrated into the car, so drivers can navigate, control selected functions by voice and use compatible apps without a smartphone.
openR link made its debut on the Megane E-Tech electric, and in the Austral it received the SMARTBEST 2023 award from AUTOBEST, which recognises excellence in connected automotive technology. It is now available on the Renault 4, Renault 5, Captur, Symbioz, Megane, Scenic, Austral and Rafale. Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK, said the result shows that “the best technology is intuitive.”
Gemini AI assistant for Renault models
Google’s Gemini AI assistant began rolling out to compatible Renault models in June. It lets drivers and passengers talk to the system in more natural conversation and make consecutive or more complex voice requests. Because Gemini is integrated directly with openR link, it can also work with selected vehicle functions and information, including climate control, navigation and electric driving range.
According to Renault, the aim is to make more of the car’s technology accessible without the driver reaching for the touchscreen. Further details on openR link are available at https://www.renault.co.uk/renault-connect/openr-link.html.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Renault)
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