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MI
UM Long Distance
• The Renault Premium's bland exterior styling gives it less presence than some, and this version's "Long Distance" moniker makes promises that might be hard to live up to. Inside, its soothing blend of blues and greys certainly create a restful environment, while the fit and finish of the materials is excellent. Opacity of the curtains is good too, helped by Velcro fastening at the joints, and they are reasonably easy to operate. Storage space in the Premium belies its compact appearance. There are three large chests under the bunk, which is supported in the open position by gas struts (much better than using the top of your head as some makes require!).
A deep bin at the driver's side of the bunk combines with one of three coat hooks to create a wardrobe area, while
an elasticated pouch across the rear wall looks after bedtime reading matter and other odds and ends. The multi-compartment storage space on the engine hump is just the right size: large enough to be useful without getting in the way.
The bunk is just the right height to serve as a sofa, and the passenger seat's backrest folds down to form a useful table. Obviously the cab height restricts headroom above the engine hump, but this is only really noticeable when returning to your trousers in the morning, and can easily be overcome by standing in the passenger footwell.
A couple of lockers above the windscreen, a glove box lid that converts into a small table and couple of key and coinsized dash bins complete the storage inventory. The seat cut-outs in the mattress make for a good compromise as most people's extremities require less space than the bits in between, and the Renault has the widest bunk of the group. The firm mattress was unremarkable (which is a good thing for a mattress to be) and a perfect night's sleep was only confounded by our lack of preparation in the pillow department and the torrential rain in the middle of the night, neither of which were really Renault's fault.
The night heater is rather noisy but it's effective enough. Its controls, together with the light switch, are within easy reach. The radio is a bit of a stretch from the bunk, but makes up for this by having a handy automatic switch-off function. There really is little to criticise abt the Premium Long Distance, Ohoi opening or closing the steel cab roof vi is not going to win friends in any to. park, as either action is accompanied an almighty clang.
There's a fine line between blandnE and understated style and ability; afte night in the Premium we realise that on the right side after all.