Easy Link: Renault’s new multimedia system.

Renault is full of surprises. While I thought it would be the Clio V (first pictures tomorrow), which would inaugurate the new multimedia system, now the Twingo is roasting its politeness. But be careful, for the moment not a lot of information available.

We will therefore make a study of the press kit concerning this Twingo phase 2 (press kit available in PDF HERE)

In the entry-level segment, we have the R-Go system with the clip to hold the smartphone, which continues its success and has evolved well since my test 4 years ago. Since then, there has been the integration of Google Maps and Waze as well as a redesign of the graphical interface.

2019 – Nouvelle Renault TWINGO

On the highest finish, the venerable R-Link 1 is pushed towards the exit to make way for the new system. This one is not called “R-Link 3” as I had assumed but “Easy Link“.

2019 – Nouvelle Renault TWINGO

We stay on a 7-inch screen and a very similar integration to the R-Link 1 (screen, buttons…) probably for cost reasons, it should be very different in the Clio V as the rare spy photo showed us.

Since Renault believes that the use of vehicles can be simplified through connected vehicles, Renault EASY CONNECT is gradually rolled out across the Renault brand’s entire range. This ecosystem consists of connected services using innovative technologies developed by the Alliance and its  partners which are available via mobile apps and multimedia systems
.

So it is a system made with Nissan, which had not happened since the CNC at the very beginning of the Alliance. CNC, which in my opinion is the best system proposed by Renault (in relation to the technological environment of the time, of course). If the system is called Easy Link, the Cloud ecosystem is called Easy Connect like Renault’s website.

It should be noted that the Communication emphasises the ease of use of the new system:

Aims to improve ease of use and usability through its user-friendly interface and the shortcuts available, reducing the number of clicks required to switch from one function to another.

The many criticisms concerning the ergonomics of the R-Link 2 seem to have been heard, to be seen in practice of course. Work seems to have been done on hands-free telephony with a double microphone to filter out ambient noise and keep only the voice. The sound reproduction should also improve since 2 tweeters (so for high frequencies) have been added on the Twingo.

Easy Link, is Android Auto compatible but also Carplay (not available on R-Link 1), so the system is up to date on that side. On the picture with Carplay, we can see three buttons on the right side that seem to be (from top to bottom): Vehicle settings, Home, Menu. I see that the rotary knob for the volume has been kept, a good thing.

For the interface, we only have one picture to put under our teeth for the moment, I isolated it from the cockpit picture, straightened it up and brightened it up.

This is most likely the home menu to access the different areas of the system (Radio, Music, Phone, Applications…). The style seems rather sober and monochrome so in the spirit of the times (the last Freebox also adopted this style for example). We notice that there are 2 USB sockets available, so it allows to have a USB stick permanently connected and to be able to enjoy smartphone replication on the other socket. A storage space has also been created to place your smartphone vertically, because today this is clearly not the case on Renault cars (just look at the Scenic 4…).

However, there is no integrated navigation for the launch. First of all we see it on the picture of the Easy Link Menu: No navigation icon (but we have the replication to have Google Maps, Waze…) and in a paragraph at the end we have 3 points highlighted that will come later including navigation. Is it a lack? I don’t think so because the power of Google Maps and Waze has been widely demonstrated (and recognized by the general public).

The arrival of the connected navigation provided by TomTom and enhanced by the Google Places database for a simplified and optimized search for destinations.

Renault is therefore continuing with TomTom for navigation, but the arrival of Google POIs has been noted. Surely resulting from the partnership concluded a few months ago with the search engine, this will allow access to Google’s POIs (gas stations, shops, monuments) in a connected way: they will always be up to date and will use the power of Google: very promising!

“Over The Air” updates, allowing users to update their apps and services as easily as on their smartphones;

A very big novelty, Renault promises us updates as simple as on its smartphone (so exit the toolbox+USB key). Considering the difficulties with R-Link 2 I have to admit I can’t wait to know more about it and to see it work.

The launch of the MY Renault smartphone app to remain permanently connected to your vehicle and Renault distributors, to remotely manage your journeys, to locate your vehicle and other services to make everyday life easier.

The famous “My Renault” application, long awaited because it was announced for autumn 2017… No comment.

2019 – Nouvelle Renault TWINGO

In short, a lot of news, we feel that it is a real Easy Connect range that is emerging. The integration of the word Easy in the product name is a real promise from Renault! Looking forward to learning more, but for the moment I find it particularly promising.

Read the article about the full size version in the Clio V.