WHAT CAR? NAMES RENAULT‘S OPENR LINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM AS THE BEST ON THE MARKET

• 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

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NOTES TO EDITORS

What did the What Car? test find?
Renault 4 E-Tech electric was rated the least distracting of 21 new cars tested, completing four common infotainment tasks in 12.2 seconds with distraction and mental effort both rated low.

What tasks were included in the test?
What Car? tested changing the radio station, adjusting the cabin temperature, switching on the driver's heated seat and entering a destination into the sat-nav.

What is openR link?
openR link is Renault's connected multimedia system. On compatible models it incorporates Google built-in, including Google Maps, voice assistance and access to apps through Google Play.

Has openR link won an award before?
Yes. Renault Austral received the SMARTBEST 2023 award from AUTOBEST for its openR link multimedia system connected with Google Automotive Services.

What is changing with Gemini?
Google's Gemini AI assistant is being progressively introduced to Renault vehicles equipped with compatible openR link systems, enabling more natural voice interaction and reducing the need to use touchscreen controls.

ABOUT RENAULT
Renault is the world’s leading French car brand, building on over a century of innovation to develop voitures à vivre based on desirable design with useful, people-first technologies and electrified powertrains that make no compromises on driving pleasure. Designed as living spaces, Renault vehicles are made for everyday living. Having initiated on an in-depth transformation with the Renaulution plan, the brand is now beginning a new strategic cycle with futuREady, a plan to boost its competitive edge and deliver long-term performance, both in Europe and internationally. This ambition is based on desirable products and increased international momentum, as well as on a pragmatic two-pillar approach to electrification – 100 % hybrid and 100 % electric – in order to support the energy transition at any pace of progress.

For further information, please visit www.press.renault.co.uk or @RenaultUKPR or contact:

Jim Holder
Director of Communications
jim.holder@renault.co.uk – 07779 227930

Christian Tilbury
Press Relations Manager
christian.tilbury@renault.co.uk – 07759 122784