click above image for high-res version
We're filing this under "Wish I'd thought of that."
Renault, in its redesigned Twingo (appropriately named New Twingo), is offering an option it calls "Grass-mat" dashboard trim. Essentially, it's a toothbrush turned bristles-up that holds all those gadgets we love so dear in our cars. The rubber fingers sit in a divot in front of the steering wheel, looking much like an abnormally blue sea anemone ready to coddle your Nemo-like iPod in motionless safety. No more digging under the seat for the phone that went flying in turn three, no unsightly Velcro on dash and phone, no more mining the seats for change at the toll booth. Genius.
Click on the above photo (or here) for an up-close, high-res look at the Renault's rubber grass, and click here to see what a New Twingo looks like.
Thanks for the tip, James!
[Source: T3]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chris @ Mar 14th 2007 5:24PM
Its a nice idea but if you can't remove that mat to wash it in a sink then I wouldn't be interested.
James @ Mar 14th 2007 5:37PM
Pure genius indeed. I definitely wish I'd thought of that.
#1, what are you doing in your car that requires you to remove parts to wash? Perhaps I shouldn't ask.
Peter Rockwell @ Mar 14th 2007 5:40PM
Ditto that, Chris!
cuahetemoc @ Mar 14th 2007 5:51PM
Gimmicky. Looks cheesy. Dust catcher.
Great for a 'Baby's first automobile' model.
TrueDis @ Mar 14th 2007 5:56PM
Yeah, that thing would be a bitch to clean. Cool idea though ... until it gets grimy.
iQuack @ Mar 14th 2007 6:00PM
Good idea and could be a good place to rest a Garmin Nuvi or similar small GPS. Those suction cup on windshield GPS mounts are illegal in CA and an invitation to thieves, too.
Ben @ Mar 14th 2007 6:02PM
The girl is HOT !!
thiel @ Mar 14th 2007 6:10PM
LoL - yes it's removable, it's an option you just slot in.
poxtomod @ Mar 14th 2007 6:20PM
This would be neat and would also look good if it matches the interior. But as time goes on and the mat is used it will not hold its original shape. It will probably begin to look crappy as the points begin to push in every possible direction.
Bryan @ Mar 14th 2007 6:32PM
While a good idea, it looks really tacky. Definitely belongs in a low end vehicle. Id rather just have a little rubber mat like my F150 has on top of the dash, it keeps everything I put there in place.
Greek Boy @ Mar 14th 2007 6:37PM
My F-150 has a recessed tray atop my dash with a rubberized coating, and it holds everything nicely.
I say no to grass.
Matt @ Mar 14th 2007 6:48PM
Actually not a bad idea, keeps my phone and mp3 player from getting all scratched up.
Barney @ Mar 14th 2007 6:57PM
I hate to say it but there is nothing new other then the name. I have used the same mat for years in my vehicle. I actualy got it off a grooming brush.
Solar @ Mar 14th 2007 7:16PM
Yet another car that Renault needs to offer in the US.
jjpg2000 @ Mar 14th 2007 7:49PM
I'd love to have that in my car. 1Please.
BOB @ Mar 14th 2007 10:33PM
NEXT___________
OFFER PEDAL COVERS LIKE THAT, FOR FOOT MASSAGE -- but if it were sold in the US, someone would file suit after touching the brake pedal, in order to feel good, and causing an accident.
GOT @ Mar 14th 2007 11:58PM
Great idea!
Stealth E34 @ Mar 15th 2007 12:08AM
What the heck do you guys put in your cars that would make it a bitch to clean? It's not like you'd put your coffee or a ribwich up there and drive around just to see what happens.
If they made it the same colour as the dash then it'd be perfect. Brilliant idea, I definitely could use that in my BMW, which has horrendous storage amenities.
Chris @ Mar 15th 2007 12:17AM
#2- My truck works on dusty construction sites for a living. If you can't hose it off or remove it probably wont get cleaned.
Annoula @ Mar 15th 2007 1:23AM
Not a bad idea but what about the placement? While that *grass* is good enough to keep your gear in place during normal driving, what happens in an accident?
An accident at 70 MPH, while yes initially your cell/iPod will fly forward, but I strongly doubt they're making it through the windshield. Which probably means they are breaking up into little bits and heading right for your face. Just seems like an odd place to put it.