Renault’s Touchscreen Technology Over The Years
As our daily commutes stretch longer due to increasing traffic, endless red lights, and deteriorating road conditions, we find ourselves spending more time in our cars than ever before. It’s no wonder that drivers today are on the lookout for ways to make those extra minutes or hours spent behind the wheel more enjoyable. Hence, a growing interest in better connectivity and in-car entertainment.
To meet this demand, car manufacturers are equipping their vehicles with advanced infotainment systems. Leading the way in this trend are touchscreen-based systems that are changing how we experience our time on the road. Today, even budget cars like the Renault Kwid have touchscreens. But how did touchscreen technology evolve to become such a central feature in our cars? Let’s take a closer look at how Renault has pioneered this transformation over the years.
The Early Steps: Developing Touchscreen Technology
Renault began exploring touchscreen technology around 2007, during the development of the Clio IV. At this stage, the idea of replacing traditional controls with touchscreens was met with some scepticism. Early models featured screens that were operated manually, using thumbwheels or joysticks giving access to basic features like music settings and navigation on a small screen. While these controls were functional, they were not as intuitive as touchscreens, which promised a more interactive and user-friendly experience.
The first significant milestone came with the launch of the Renault ZOE in 2012. This electric vehicle was one of the first Renault models to feature a R-Link multimedia touchscreen, alongside the Clio IV. The screen allowed drivers to control various functions such as navigation, audio, and vehicle settings, all from a central, easy-to-use interface. Simultaneously, Renault introduced a joystick with a multi-directional axis in the Scenic XMOD and Megane, providing an alternative method for navigating the system.
This set the stage for the widespread adoption of larger, more responsive touch screens across Renault’s lineup.
The Rise Of Vertical Screens
As touchscreen technology became more refined, Renault continued to push the boundaries. In 2014, they introduced a pioneering 8.7″ vertical touchscreen in the fifth-generation Renault Espace. This design was inspired by the growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, which conditioned users to interact with screens in a vertical format. The vertical screen offered a more natural way to view weather forecasts, maps and access menus, making it easier for drivers to navigate and manage in-car functions.
The transition to vertical screens marked a daring departure from the industry norm, where most car manufacturers were still using horizontal displays. Renault’s vertical multimedia touch screens quickly gained popularity and became a staple in their lineup, making their debut in the Megane IV (2016), followed by the Koleos II (2017), Clio V (2019), and Captur II (2019).
The OpenR Screen: A New Era Of In-Car Technology
Renault’s pursuit of comprehending and foreseeing user needs didn’t stop there. In 2022, they introduced the OpenR Link interface screen in the Megane E-Tech Electric, consisting of a 12″ vertical panel and a 12.3″ horizontal panel. This dual-screen setup, shaped like an inverted L, was a significant leap forward in in-car technology. The OpenR screen seamlessly integrated the driver’s display with the central multimedia system, creating a unified interface that was both functional, ergonomic and visually striking.
“With the OpenR screen, we wanted to centralise a single system into a single object. With a dedicated driving screen and a dedicated multimedia screen,” said Marc Pinel, Chief Designer of Vision Expérience, Renault. The OpenR screen also brought advanced features like smartphone connectivity, virtual assistants, and real-time information services into the car dashboard.
Renault continually pushes the limits of technology with touchscreens designed specifically for each model. As the French automaker continues to innovate, the focus is towards creating screens that are not only more advanced but also safer and more ergonomic. Future developments may include more integrated digital interfaces or even concealed screens that blend seamlessly into the car’s interior.
In-vehicle electronics have come a long way since the early days of manual controls. As we look to the future, the road ahead is filled with potential, and we’re eager to see where Renault’s journey of technological touchscreen evolution will take us as digital technology advances.
