Renault

Renault

Renault Twingo (2007-2012)

Richard Dredge ·

When Renault failed to bring its brilliant original Twingo to the UK, it made a big mistake – which it didn’t repeat when it introduced an all-new model in 2007. Unfortunately the follow-up didn’t share the innovation of its predecessor, but as a used buy Renault’s smallest car is still worth a closer look for its distinctive styling, spacious and versatile interior as well as the performance in Renaultsport guise. But while the Twingo is ideally suited to urban driving, it’s not so adept at longer high-speed journeys thanks to poor refinement. Reliability can also be an issue, so make plenty of checks before buying.

 

Key dates

9/07: The second-generation Twingo arrives in the UK with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, in 75bhp normally aspirated or 100bhp turbo forms, the latter wearing TCE badges and known as the GT. 

2/08: A 60bhp Twingo 1.2 debuts, for those wanting economy above all else.

9/08: The sporty 1.6-litre Twingo 133 is introduced.

7/11: The Silverstone special edition arrives.

2/12: A facelifted Twingo brings revised styling and a wider array of options.

 

Checklist

  • Engines can run erratically, and idle very quickly, if the throttle control module starts to play up.
  • Alarms and immobilisers can be temperamental, going off for no apparent reason. Fixes can be elusive.
  • If you’re tall, you might struggle to get comfortable as even on its lowest setting the driver’s seat is too high.
  • Water can leak into the front footwells, because of faulty door seals or a poorly sealed windscreen.
  • There can be gear selection issues, especially first when cold. Adjusting the gear linkage should fix things.
  • Any misfiring is down to a faulty coil pack or because the wrong spark plugs are fitted; Renault recommends NGK items.
  • The electrics and electronics can play up, especially the instrumentation, warning lights and items such as the central locking.

 

We like

  • Smart looks
  • Versatile interior
  • Strong value
  • Low running costs
  • Renaultsport is fun to drive
  • Ride comfort

 

We don’t like

  • No five-door option
  • Patchy reliability
  • Not refined enough
  • Gutless smaller engines
  • Cheap cabin materials
  • Spartan cheaper models

Renault

Renault Wind (2010-2012)

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Look past the silly name and the Renault Wind has much to offer. Cheap to buy and run, quirkily styled and with a great chassis – set up the boys from Renaultsport – the Wind deserved a better fate. As it was, this Twingo-based roadster lasted just 18 months with a mere handful sold in the UK; now it represents a truly affordable and distinctive route into open-topped motoring.

Key dates

7/10: The Wind arrives in the UK, in Dynamique and Dynamique S forms with 1.2 Tce 100 or 1.6 VVT 133 engines. Launch cars are also offered in Collection guise.

1/11: The model line-up is tweaked to consist of Dynamique and GT Line.

7/11: There’s now a Gordini option, in Dynamique or GT Line guises. There are no mechanical changes over the regular models though.

2/12: The Wind is canned in the UK.

Checklist

  • The seals between the roof and the side windows can fail, especially if the car has been pressure washed a lot.
  • The turbocharged 1.2 TCe engine is the more zesty powerplant of the two, but the 1.6 sounds better and offers more muscle.
  • Practicality might be an issue; the boot is small and there’s seating for just two.
  • Visibility is poor and not all cars have parking sensors, so check for scrapes.
  • Wind noise is poor, especially at speed with the roof down.
  • The paint can peel from the plastic trim around the rear window.

We like

  • Driving experience
  • Value
  • Quirkiness
  • Rarity
  • Neat electric roof

We don’t like

  • Cheap interior
  • Poor visibility
  • High-speed refinement

Richard Dredge

Renault

Renault Kangoo (1997-2008)

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Only the French would take something as utilitarian as a small van and turn it into an MPV, without trying to disguise its roots. It's a formula that works brilliantly though, because if you want tremendous practicality without having to spend much, cars like the Kangoo - and its Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner rivals are unbeatable.

Key Dates

10/99: The Kangoo reaches UK showrooms in 1.4 petrol or 1.9 diesel forms.

11/01: The four-wheel drive Trekka edition arrives, with 1.6-litre petrol power only.

1/02: The Trekka is now available with a 1.9dCi engine.

4/02: A 1.5dCi engine joins the range.

4/03: The Kangoo gets a facelift, with revised front and rear styling plus an overhauled interior. A 1.2 petrol also joins the range.

4/04: Anti-lock brakes are standardised across the range.

Renault Kangoo (1997-2008) Checklist

  • The electrics can be fragile, so check they all work, including the headlamp beam adjusters.
  • Manual gearboxes can wear out in under 20,000 miles as the casing wears.
  • Automatic transmissions can also prove short-lived; make sure ratios swap cleanly.
  • The ignition coil packs can fail; once one goes, it's best to replace them all.
  • Cam belts can fail on 1.2-litre engines in less than 40,000 miles.
  • On the 1.5dCi engine, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can stick, leading to the turbo or even the whole engine self-destructing. If the turbo has been replaced, make sure the valve was renewed too.
  • Brakes pipes corrode at the back of the car, guaranteeing an MoT fail.

We Like

  • Practicality
  • Versatility
  • Spacious cabin
  • Comfortable ride

We Don't Like

  • Feels spartan
  • Breathless diesel engine

Renault

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007)

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Poor Renault; it tries to offer something a little different in the executive sector and ends up getting a bloody nose. However, Renault's misfortune is your gain; the Vel Satis is all but unsaleable on the used car market, thanks to its unusual styling and downmarket image. However, it offers a fascinating alternative to more established German execs, so if you're after something plush on the cheap, this could be just what you've been looking for.

Key Dates

3/02: Vel Satis debuts, with a choice of turbocharged 2.0-litre or 3.5 V6 petrol engines, plus the option of 2.2 or 3.0 V6 turbodiesel units.

8/03: There's now a five-speed automatic option for the 2.2 dCi.

Renault Vel Satis (2002-2007) Checklist

  • The 2.2dCi engine can suffer from turbochargers and intercoolers throwing in the towel prematurely - and repairs are very costly.
  • Tyre wear can be frustratingly rapid - less than 10,000 miles per set is not unheard of, at £500 per time.
  • The interior trim is generally okay, but rattles and creaks often crop up and can be hard to eradicate.
  • Exhaust systems on the 2.2dCi can fracture towards the downpipe (at the engine end), so look for evidence of bodges.
  • The factory-supplied sat-nav is very poorly detailed, so bank on buying a TomTom if you're keen to be led to your destination.

We Like

  • Value
  • Space
  • Comfort
  • Equipment levels
  • Crash safety
  • It's uncommon

We Don't Like

  • Exterior styling

Renault

Renault Megane (2002-2008)

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You could buy it as a saloon, a hatch, a convertible or an estate, with a choice of engines and a multitude of trims - Renault really did aim to have a Megane for everyone. However, more people hated the exterior styling than liked it and build quality could be patchy, ensuring savage depreciation. Which only makes the car an even better buy - as long you find a good one.

Key Dates

8/02: The second-generation Megane debuts in three and five-door hatchback forms.

7/03: A five-door estate and four-door saloon join the range, along with a coupé-cabriolet.

2/04: The first RenaultSport model arrives; the 225.

4/05: The RenaultSport 225 Trophy reaches showrooms.

6/05: The RenaultSport 225 Cup debuts.

4/06: The 225bhp RenaultSport F1 Team edition arrives.

7/06: A 2.0T (turbocharged petrol) engine appears, with 165bhp.

10/06: The RenaultSport 230 F1 Team R26 debuts.

Renault Megane II (2002-2008) Checklist

  • Water can get into the fusebox of early cars, wreaking havoc with the electrics. A sealing kit is available.
  • Even cars with a sound fusebox can suffer from temperamental electrics, so check everything.
  • The headlight bulbs blow readily and replacing them isn't straightforward - even if you follow the official instructions.
  • The 225's catalytic converter can be wrecked through misfiring, so have an emissions check carried out;.
  • On turbodiesels, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can be unreliable, leading to a rough-running engine.
  • Cars with 17-inch wheels can suffer from premature tyre wear because of the suspension set-up.

We Like

  • Value
  • Safety credentials
  • Refinement
  • Diesel engines
  • Estate practicality

We Don't Like

  • Uncertain reliability
  • Patchy dynamics

Renault

Renault Avantime (2002-2003)

Richard Dredge ·

Only the French would produce something as outlandish as the Avantime - a two-door coupé with the profile and dimensions of a full-sized MPV. However, while Renault should be applauded for being so bold, it turned out to be a sales disaster; with a near-£30,000 price tag, buyers instead flocked to their local Audi, BMW or Mercedes dealer to buy a posh saloon. It's not hard to see why, if you look independently at the Avantime; its packaging is hopelessly flawed, the interior plastics are shocking and let's face it - buyers in this segment are notoriously conservative. But the Avantime is guaranteed to attain classic status - there's even an owners' club already.

Key Dates

4/02: The Avantime is introduced with a choice of just two models; the 2.0T Dynamique or the 3.0 V6 24v Privilege. Both are high-spec models with plenty of standard equipment.

Renault Avantime (2002-2003) Checklist

  • Those doors are big and heavy, which is why they can drop on their hinges.
  • Automatic transmissions can be unreliable, as the gearbox's cooler is mounted in the radiator. If the cooler fractures (which it can), the coolant gets into the transmission and wrecks it.
  • Parking sensors can be unreliable.
  • The power steering can fail; check there are no heavy spots.
  • The headlining can sag, especially towards the rear, over the luggage bay.

We Like

  • Style
  • Equipment levels
  • Rarity

We Don't Like

  • No diesels
  • Interior packaging
  • Interior plastics