- Renault 4 E-Tech electric is rated to have the best infotainment system out of 21 new cars tested by the expert team at What Car?
- Usability of the openR link system meant the Renault 4 E-Tech electric was one of only three cars to score five stars, eclipsing much more expensive cars on test
- Distinctive SUV’s openR link system helped complete four common tasks in just 12.2 seconds, with distraction and mental effort both rated low
- Voice control function set a sat-nav destination in only three seconds, the fastest on test
- The result builds on previous recognition for openR link, including the SMARTBEST 2023 award
- openR link continues to evolve, with Google's Gemini AI assistant now being rolled out to compatible Renault models
Renault has proven that more technology needn't mean more distraction, after the Renault 4 E-Tech electric took the top spot in a new What Car? test of the infotainment systems in 21 new cars.
The renowned magazine and website set out to discover how easily drivers can carry out common tasks while keeping their attention where it belongs – on the road. What Car?'s test included changing the radio station, adjusting the cabin temperature, switching on the heated seats and programming the sat-nav.
The Renault 4 E-Tech electric completed all four in just 12.2 seconds, with What Car? rating both the distraction and mental effort involved as low. Its voice control system was particularly effective, taking only three seconds to programme the specified sat-nav destination – faster than any other car on test.
Claire Evans, Consumer Editor for What Car?, said: "The openR Link system is extremely simple to use, helping to keep driver distraction to a minimum. Its voice control system is very good at interpreting natural speech, and its software carries out those commands swiftly. This means the driver doesn’t need to touch the screen, just glance at it to ensure it’s doing what they have asked."
Technology that's easy to live with
At the heart of the Renault 4's performance is openR link with Google built-in, combining a responsive touchscreen with familiar Google services and dedicated physical controls for frequently used functions such as the heating and ventilation.
Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play are integrated directly into the car on equipped versions, allowing drivers to navigate, control selected functions by voice and access compatible apps without relying on a smartphone.
It's an approach that has already earned independent recognition. The openR link system made its debut on Renault Megane E-Tech electric before – in Renault Austral – receiving the SMARTBEST 2023 award from AUTOBEST, recognising excellence in connected automotive technology.
The latest What Car? result shows how that same thinking has continued to develop as openR link has spread across Renault's range, and is now available on Renault 4, Renault 5, Captur, Symbioz, Megane, Scenic, Austral and Rafale.
Adam Wood, Managing Director, Renault UK, said: “There’s no shortage of technology in modern cars, but more only means better if it is accessible and enriches the ownership experience. openR link was designed to put useful technology at drivers’ fingertips, and this excellent result from What Car? shows that Renault is a leader in developing technology with people in mind. Whether it’s asking Google to find a destination, changing the temperature or simply finding what you need quickly on the screen, openR link proves the best technology is intuitive.”
Getting smarter without demanding more attention
openR link is continuing to evolve. Google's Gemini AI assistant began rolling out to compatible Renault models in June, allowing drivers and passengers to interact with the system using even more natural conversation and make consecutive or more complex requests by voice.
Because Gemini is integrated directly with openR link, it can also interact with selected vehicle functions and information, including climate control, navigation and electric driving range. The aim is simple: make more of the car's technology accessible without requiring the driver to reach for the touchscreen.
For more information on openR Link, visit: https://www.renault.co.uk/renault-connect/openr-link.html
