The new Renault Clio has been unveiled, and there’s a surprise in store for gadget fans. The French carmaker has worked with TomTom to build in a top of the range satnav, with a monster screen, software updates from the web and best of all, a low price tag.
Dubbed Carminat TomTom, it’s the first time TomTom has integrated its whole satnav system into a car, and it’s a beauty. As well as all the standard navigation and speed alert features you’d expect, it’s updatable via SD card. The screen is a massive 5.8 inches across, much larger than stand-alone satnavs, and instead of making the driver reach forward to use a touchscreen, Renault has integrated the TomTom’s controls into the steering column.
According to Patrick Vergelas, Renault’s Transversal Carline Product Director, integrated TomTom satnavs will also come to the Megane range too.
But the very best thing about the partnership is the price. While other integrated systems start at €1,200, or over £1,000 Renault says its partnership means it can offer TomTom technology at just €500, or around £440 on top of the price of the car.
The new Renault Clio with Carminat TomTom inside will go on show for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd.
