Renault’s latest Scenic E-Tech and Renault Rafale models are making waves, and it’s not just about the horsepower. The talk of the town is the Solarbay panoramic glass roofs, a slick feature developed by glazing maestros Saint-Gobain Sekurit. This moonroof isn’t your typical sun-soaker; it’s a game-changer, allowing passengers in each row to take command of their tinting experience with a mere switch flick or a calm voice command via Google Assistant.
Picture this: a scorching day at the beach, and the kids are on the verge of turning into human crisps. Fear not, as parents can transform the glass into near-opacity for row two, ensuring a cool oasis while still soaking up the glorious sunshine up front. Cruising near Heathrow, where junior plane spotters are in their element while the grown-ups desire a bit more privacy? The Renault Solarbay has it covered, offering the flexibility of full transparency, partial shade, or complete seclusion for both rows.
The real showstopper? The opacity mode, resembles a mesmerising wave gracefully passing through the nine glazing segments. It’s the kind of tech that makes a statement without saying a word.
But hold on, there’s more. When the ignition is off and the vehicle is parked, the Solarbay takes on a stealth mode, automatically dimming for enhanced security and to minimise solar heat gain. And here’s a neat touch: upon startup, the sunroof effortlessly reverts to its last setting, sparing the driver from constant tint adjustments.
Renault’s Solarbay isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a tech marvel. The glass’s rapid response to commands is owed to AmpliSky technology, a clever mix of glazing and a layer of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). These PDLCs undergo a magical transformation when an electric current courses through them, altering the opacity of each glass panel independently.
And here’s the real kicker – this innovative glass roof doesn’t just save a precious 30mm of headroom by eliminating the need for a clunky mechanical roller blind but also sheds 8kg in weight. More than just a technological marvel, it’s eco-conscious too. A staggering 50 per cent of the roof is crafted from recycled automotive glass waste, and when the time comes, 90 per cent of it can be reincarnated through recycling.
Anne-Chloé Kort, the mind behind the Renault Scenic E-Tech, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “At Renault, we are ceaselessly innovating to enhance life on board our vehicles and set new comfort standards for our customers. Solarbay is a smart, high-tech feature that does exactly that.”
In the realm of automotive innovation, Renault’s Solarbay stands tall, bringing a touch of futuristic luxury to the everyday commute. The days of squinting under a blazing sun or fumbling with clunky sunshades are behind us – welcome to the era of personalised tinting at the tip of your fingers. Renault’s Solarbay is not just a sunroof; it’s a window to a new age of driving comfort and style.