Renault India working on connected car technology

Renault is actively working on introducing connected-car technology to models in its India line-up. As on the Hyundai Venue and MG Hector, the technology will add a number of convenience and security features to Renault’s cars. However, Renault’s connectivity suite won’t be ready by the time Renault’s next new model for India, the Triber, goes on sale. The sub-four-metre, seven-seat model is likely to go on sale in July 2019.

While the Renault Triber will miss out on the embedded SIM-connected technology, it will feature a touchscreen infotainment system. Spy shots have revealed that Renault will offer a widescreen infotainment system that will be larger than the Kwid, Lodgy, Duster and Captur’s 7.0-inch touchscreen unit. Renault has only recently added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility to the Kwid and Captur; and these features will be present on the Triber as well. The Triber’s infotainment system will also get some intelligent features such as driving-style coaching and driver economy rating.

The first relatively affordable models in India to get connected car tech – the Hyundai Venue and the MG Hector – will go on sale in the coming few weeks. Hyundai’s Blue Link technology brings 33 connectivity features to the Venue – 10 of which are exclusive to India. The features are broadly categorised as safety, security, remote, vehicle relationship management, location-based services, alert services and artificial intelligence (AI) – the AI adds voice commands for the infotainment system too.

In the Hector, the connectivity suite includes in-car WiFi via a SIM card and over 50 connectivity features including over-the-air (OTA) software updates, geofencing and remotely controlling the AC, sunroof, doors and more.