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There are more than enough light points so reading or working will not be a problem.
Page 35
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This was this tester's first experience of sleeping in the Renault Premium with the Single Driver layout. And after one night there is no real desire to do it again. Not that it didn't allow a good night's sleep. The mattress is wide enough and for someone with only 5ft 7in to lay down, the overall length is fair. No, it is more the sheer number of operations you have to perform before you are finally horizontal. And then, to add more to the idea the French had in mind while designing this contraption, imagine having to stay inside the cab for an evening's rest and leisure. Unfortunately, there is a big gap between what you can create from behind a drawing board and the heeds of real life.
On first sight, the couch looks comfortable and inviting enough. But the two cushions which give the cosy living room idea are somewhat odd-shaped so your back will never fit comfortably in whatever position. Because the couch is also your bed, it is too deep to sit comfortably upon. Right in front of you, you miss any platform on the dashboard to stand a TV on. Sitting with your legs parallel to the couch is not comfortable either, because of the shape of the backrest along the side panel.
The Renault has more than enough light points, so reading or working will not be a problem. But there is no master switch and before you go to bed, you will have to switch them off one by one. In fact there are no switches at all near your pillow so listening to the radio for longer than 18mins while in your sleeping bag is not possible. The first 18mins are granted by the radio design, after which it shuts off automatically. Reading in bed, however, is perfectly possible. You can choose between two excellent reading lights, one being adjustable on a swan neck. To find a place for your glasses, wake-up alarm and your watch is more difficult, it is not provided for in the design.
Going to bed is altogether an adventure. Normally you first close the curtains. So we did. Unlike in the traditional Single Driver concept, you still have to move the drivers' seat to the forward position to unfold the last part of the mattress. Then you undo the cushions from their clips. You are then told to place them on the dashboard. But they only fit tight between the dash and the upper cupboards. Cramming them in did not do any good. The curtains shifted constantly, leaving a large gap in the middle, You have to handle them with care and the operation will affect your mood if you are dead tired and longing only for some well-earned rest. The curtains themselves are opaque enough, and the cab heater control is easy and efficient.
There is, of course, the question of where to leave your sleeping gear during daytime. The only logical place seems to be behind the driver's seat but this isn't a neat and tidy solution. And then, last but not least, should you decide to lay down with your head behind the driver's seat then the part of the mattress that you fold back while driving isn't supported by anything.
So, overall conclusion? A nice try, but the concept needs improvement.