R-Link infotainment system tops independent usability study

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: An independent study published on September 10th has rated the Renault R-Link featuring TomTom technologies as the best connected navigation system available. The study, by automotive research consultancy SBD, rated R-Link the 'best system' over six other leading European OE infotainment and navigation systems.

R-Link was rated 'easiest to use system' by a panel of expert analysts and consumers. The system received consistently high scores for its balance of simplicity and feature-richness.

"We are delighted that our long-standing collaboration with Renault has been recognized by independent research," said Charles Cautley, MD, Automotive at TomTom. "Connected in-car systems have become an important factor in consumers buying decisions. This benchmark study shows that TomTom's strategy and capability of keeping the connected car easy to experience combined with the best guidance and traffic information is valued by drivers and experts alike."

David McClure, director of Research and Consulting at SBD commented: "As connected car services become mainstream, customers not only expect value for money, but also very good usability. SBD's new User Experience Testing service uses a unique approach, with a combination of expert and non-expert testing, to make sure that our automotive clients have the best products in the market. Out of the systems we tested recently, Renault's R-Link consistently proved to be the most intuitive and easy-to-use system."