French automaker Renault has given a closer look at how it sees the interior of future vehicles evolving, with the unveiling of the R-Space Lab – an innovation demonstrator that focuses squarely on what happens inside the car.
Developed with input from Futurama, the brand’s own research lab dedicated to smart vehicle concepts for 2030, the R-Space Lab is not positioned as a preview of a production model. Instead, it is meant to illustrate the thinking behind Renault’s ‘voitures à vivre’ approach – a phrase that translates simply to ‘cars for living’.
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The vehicle measures 4,5 metres in length and stands 1,5 metres tall, with a one-box silhouette that prioritises interior room over sporty proportions. That space has been configured to be adaptable. The cabin is bright and modular, with technology and seating arrangements that can be rearranged depending on what the user needs at any given time.
At the front, the curved openR panorama screen stretches across the full width of the dashboard. It shows speed, driver assistance data and multimedia information. Most primary functions are controlled through a central touchscreen, laid out to work much like a smartphone. The steering wheel has been kept compact, and steer-by-wire technology helps clear up the driver’s sightline while adding to comfort behind the wheel.
Safety features being explored in the R-Space Lab include a tactile alcohol detector aimed at younger or less experienced drivers. There is also in-car artificial intelligence being tested, which could offer personalised driving tips through a Safety Coach or help a driver navigate the vehicle’s systems.
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The passenger side shows some clever thinking. The front and curtain crash bags are built into the seat itself, which leaves the dashboard area free. In its place is a multifunction glovebox that can hold a tablet or a bag, or fold out to become a place to stretch the legs. The passenger seat can slide back to the second row, making it easier to keep an eye on a child in a car seat or speak with rear passengers.
All three rear seats are the same width, with backrests that recline slightly. The seat cushions flip up and the backrests fold down, and the flat floor means the layout can be changed around without much effort. The seats can slide forward far enough to free up boot space for a bicycle. With the cushions raised, there is room for bulkier items or even a pet. The rear doors open to a full 90 degrees, which makes loading and climbing in and out noticeably simpler.
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Natural light plays a big role in how the cabin feels. The windscreen flows into a fully glazed roof, the pillars are slim, the B-pillar has been cut back, and the doors are frameless. The result is an interior that feels more open and connected to what is outside.
While the R-Space Lab remains a concept, it offers a clear indication of where Renault is heading: towards vehicles designed around daily life, with interiors that can shift between carrying people, luggage, pets or simply offering a place to sit and relax.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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