Renault Espace IV Initial Carminat

Renault integrates more and more advanced onboard electronics. After Espace Tech Run is dedicated to embedded video, we try the system Carminat / Cabasse Initiale version on a space. Carminat system consists of a browser, a Bluetooth interface for telephony and a hi-fi Cabasse.

Space at the service of the driver!

If Espace Tech Run was dedicated to passengers with its rear video equipment, space Carminat is designed for the driver. Move in a Espace V6 245 hp, provides a great happiness and great comfort. Thanks to its onboard electronics, the driver will be even more serene driving telephony safely with Bluetooth, efficient navigation with TMC, ... Renault was one of the first manufacturers to develop some of these vehicles with a system navigation. While this new system gives Carminat?

For this test system Carminat / Cabasse, we took the flagship of the fleet Renault, but is available on other models of space. Two things particularly interested us in this essay: compare the hi-fi high end compared to the Espace Tech Run, and of course use the browser and Bluetooth, two technologies essential nowadays for a serene driving .

The navigation screen is placed next to the counters in the center of the dashboard, rather well in the line of vision

A browser with Bluetooth for mobile phones 

Browser Carminat consists of a 7 inch screen in 16:9 format, a central unit and a navigation system controls. The screen is placed next to the counters in the cap in the center of the dashboard. The dashboard is deep, it is on the move just at the base of the windshield, and rather well in the field of view without much to look away from the road.

The navigation computer is in the form of a handset 1 Din, with just a slot for the map disc. This unit is housed in the large glove box facing the front passenger. The browser uses a DVD containing the maps of 28 European countries and of course a library of interests (hotels, restaurants, service stations, ...). Strength of the system, it has the TMC to indicate the difficulties of traffic and navigate accordingly.

This console commands to control all functions of the browser and Bluetooth

To control the browser, a control desk is located at the end of center console just behind the gearshift. The location may seem odd, but in fact it falls well and consistently on hand. A joystick central also acting as rotary, used to operate the main functions. In addition, the system has voice recognition Carminat to be controlled voice.

Question features, we find all the usual options of a browser: 2 & 3D mapping, zoom on crossroads, pictograms direction, interests, different ways of routing, storing favorite places ... The Bluetooth system allows store multiple phones, and offers: memorizing his favorite numbers, the function call / hook, the composition of a number of consulting and call log. Everything is done with the rotary joystick.

Well integrated into the glove box, the system provides benefits Carminat relatively complete

To test this system Carminat us globally satisfactory. Let's start with the Bluetooth phone. After pressing the phone in the center console, just follow the onscreen instructions to pair the phone and with Carminat. Of course, this manipulation is to cause the first time.

After when Bluetooth mobile phone is activated, the system automatically takes Carminat telephony. The Carminat can store a number of telephone numbers (those that are used the most), but it can not access the phonebook and download its memory. Instead of returning the 40 most useful numbers in hand, we can send them via Bluetooth with the phone.

The Bluetooth works perfectly, but the system can download the directory

It's not as convenient as some aftermarket Bluetooth radios, but once we made these manipulations, it does not pose a problem. Consulting the call log, call a stored number, everything is done very simply with the knob. Just move a cursor on the screen and select the desired function. To answer a call, no need to reach out to the center console, the steering wheel has a button "win" and another to hang up.

Whether the driver or the caller, the call quality is very good, clear and free of echo effect. The system displays the course number of the caller, but not if the name is not part of the numbers in the Carminat. Apart from the lack of download directory and unable to see the text on the screen of the car, the Bluetooth system is efficient. In addition, we appreciate your ability to take calls from the excellent steering wheel Renault.

A hi-fi Cabasse 

A hi-fi Cabasse

We now come to the browser, another strong point of the system Carminat. The menus are very well thought without recourse to the manual, it moves very quickly in and immediately find the desired function. Programming a destination or search for a center of interest are very easy with the joystick, as on any browser.

Once this step done, you only start navigation. The calculation is not as instant a browser aftermarket hard drive, but the Carminat is really fast. We particularly appreciate the TMC allows us to know the traffic situation on our destination. Tested on the outskirts of Paris, the system was very effective. In addition, mapping has symbols on site closures; really handy!

A hi-fi Cabasse

Readability, precision guidance, focusing on the intersections, the display of the mapping is first rate. On the highway, for example, the present Carminat each lane with the road sign above it (a view in 3D as in reality). It's great practice, not the wrong direction. In case of driver error, the system instantly recalculates a new route.

Verbal indications are very accurate indication of distance, too. The driver Carminat prepares well for the next maneuver. He warned well before the next shift, the reminder to put away and insisted several times before changing direction. It has tried to hide the screen and not move at a time. This is done without problem. In short, we have always done safely with high precision and ease.

Simple to use, very powerful, the browser is an excellent browser Carminat

Its weaknesses? We have not found a single large: the lack of radar mapping. When we got into the habit of that, it's a bit disturbing. On the other hand, it forces you to conduct more careful and considerate, so bad ... well, that the remote's IR receiver does not work on the browser, it would have been convenient for the passenger, but it does is a detail.

A car radio 6 CD in-dash 

Another advantage of the Espace, is equipped with a hi-fi in any Cabasse. Being a prestigious brand of hi-fi home, we were curious to see what it brought over to listen to the audio system tested on the Espace Tech Run in May. But before we talk about listening and use, first introduce the system.

Cabasse The radio has a 6 CD changer with MP3 capability

The source is a combined 1 Din incorporating a 6-CD changer, RDS tuner and amplification of 4x50 Watts. All indications are on the browser screen. MP3 compatible CD player, adjustable bass / treble separate tuner RDS 18 submissions, ..., the functions are basic, but the essence is there. This handset is controlled by the course very practical Renault Steering Wheel Remote (one of the best for our taste).

Question speakers, we find the same configuration as in other area: Kit 2 separate channels at the front and rear. To the front, it has tweeter in the dashboard and woofers in the doors. At the rear, the kit is in the rear doors. This course Cabasse speakers. Another difference is that hi-fi system includes a remote IR, we mentioned above, which will be convenient for passengers.

The presence of high-end loudspeakers feels very much from the first listen

The radio works well and is simple to use, but the lack of some features lacking seriously. First, no upgradeability, you can not connect an iPod or MP3 player. We would have liked at least one auxiliary input. Second, and probably the most annoying, the screen does not display song titles and registers an MP3 disc. It receives only track numbers.

On a disk of 100 titles, this is not practical, so that was a nice color screen. Loading 6-disc is one by one, nothing special to report. In radio mode, no problem, there is a list of radios, the list of memories. All this can be used easily with the steering wheel. The reception quality is satisfactory and, breathless and pests (except the limits of the reach of radio transmitters).

The lack of MP3 disc title is really unfortunate and impractical

The car with few functions, it is easy to use. Listening is really different from the first area tested in our columns. Cabasse system shows much more musical. The sound is clearer, more airy and pretty well stamped. This is felt particularly in the midrange and treble with a more detailed and less cramped. I mean, we have a better sense of depth between instruments.

Bass is also better because more dynamic. But it lacks a bit of heat. It's well paced, but it lacks the side again captivating and inspiring a very good bass impact, warm and firm. The sound is pretty good height, and the large space between the bottom door woofers and tweeters in the bottom of the dashboard does not feel too finally listening.

The navigator and the radio can work in concert, the music will automatically shut off the ads for guiding or phone calls

However, from a perspective centering, the image is far from perfect. Overall, the Cabasse system is much more musical than Tech Run version and it comes out the same property. This is certainly not an audiophile listening, we blame a lack of finesse, and a grave too cold. But overall, the quality is really listening.

The notice of carentertainmentgeek.com 

Being a Espace (the upscale version of Space), the system Carminat / Cabasse is standard. It is also standard on the European Carminat course, and optional on Alyum More Space and Privilege. In this case, the option is charged 2320 Euros, which is very reasonable for such a system, with the strength seamless integration to the vehicle. Overall, the system Carminat / Cabasse has good functionality.

The browser is really Carminat efficient, accurate and easy to use, while providing an excellent display. His only big flaw is the lack of mapping radar. Cabasse The radio is basic in its functions and not evolutionary. His biggest problems are mainly the lack of certain functions (equalizer, titration to MP3, auxiliary input, ...).

IR remote control is provided to control the audio system

The audiophile listening is not enough for our taste (slight lack of finesse, not serious enough warm), but it is really qualitative and enjoyable. For everyday use, it will not concern the happiness of the general public. Apart from the lack of download directory, Bluetooth works perfectly and is a definite plus. In short, largely positive, because only the absence of some features that makes us put some caveats to a quality result.