Renault has added the all-new Koleos to its high-end SUV range.
Renault
Renault adds new flagship Kadjar
Family Car, MPV, News, People Carrier
New Renault Scenic debuts in Geneva
Renault has revealed its new Scenic people carrier.
Described as a fresh take on the MPV concept, the new model was unveiled by Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
“The New Scenic redefines the MPV. Loyal to its principles of practicality, ingenuity and modularity, the new Scenic addresses the demands of today’s customers and re-emerges as a pioneer in its segment with ground-breaking design and assertive personality,” said Ghosn. “Renault continues its product offensive, and 2016 will be the most ambitious in Renault’s history, with the introduction of 10 new vehicles around the world. With these new models Renault has the youngest range in Europe.”
Renault says the new Scenic is a ‘modern, assertive MPV which combines driving enjoyment and comfort for the whole family' and comes with ‘unprecedented proportions’, 20-inch wheels across the range and a two-tone colour scheme.
On the inside an more modular interior includes a sliding centre console and an automatic One Touch Folding system for the rear seats. The French company says for the first time in the compact MPV segment, the Scenic has a comprehensive suite of driving aids including AEBS (Automatic Emergency Braking System) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment for all versions. Features shared with the new Espace, including MULTI-SENSE technology, R-LINK 2 with an 8.7-inch display and a colour heads-up display.
Power comes from ‘an extensive’ choice of petrol and diesel engines to cover all needs, including a Hybrid Assist diesel-electric powertrain.
A new Grand Scenic will be revealed before the summer and both will be available for sale before the end of the year.
Family Car, News, People Carrier
Renault reveals new Scenic MPV
Renault has unveiled the its new Scenic MPV.
After three generations of the Scenic, the new model ‘redefines MPV thinking’ says Renault. Set for a Geneva Motor Show debut, the idea behind the fourth-generation Scenic according to the French company was to provide a completely fresh take on the compact MPV.
For the first time, like the new Espace, the model includes a three-part windscreen that provides a panoramic view and enhanced visibility. A number of styling features give the new Scenic a dynamic edge when compared with the Scenic 3 - its ground clearance has been raised and the rear overhang has been shortened, while a wider track at both the front and rear provide the vehicle with a particularly solid stance.
The new model comes with a distinctive lighting signature in the form of C-shaped head lights that benefit from LED Pure Vision technology like higher-end models.
Renault will pull the covers off the new MPV at midday on March 1 with Renault’s Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn and SVP Corporate Design Laurens van den Acker.
The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.
Estate Car, Family Car, News, Motorshow
New Renault Megane Sport Tourer to debut in Geneva
Renault will pull the covers off its new Megane Sport Tourer – in the form of the Megane Sport Tourer GT – at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.
Based on the new Megane, this all-new Sport Tourer features an ‘intuitive, modular interior’ including 4CONTROL technology. Specifically tailored to the new Megane Sport Tourer, 4CONTROL endows the car with precise, dynamic handling on twisty roads and ‘generates genuine driving pleasure’. The car also has a choice of boot arrangements, as well as the segment’s longest maximum load length, says Renault.
The design of the new Megane Sport Tourer ‘blends dynamism and style’, and is enhanced by a chrome trim around the side windows and C-pillar. The roof line is enhanced by matte-finish anodised aluminium roof bars (Dark Metal Colour on GT version). The car’s low stance and wide track increase the feeling of solidity on the road according to Renault.
The French company says Renault Sport DNA is evident with the front bumper underlining the model’s sporting credentials, while the honeycomb mesh of the radiator grilles is specific to the car and the wide lower air inlet is flanked by two air-scoops. At the rear, the new Megane Sport Tourer GT is fitted with a chromed exhaust tail pipe and a sculpted diffuser to reinforce its dynamic look.
The car will be revealed on Tuesday, March 1.
New Renault KWID revealed in India
Renault has unveiled two new KWID show cars at the New Delhi Auto Show.
The KWID is currently enjoying record success in India with 90,000 orders already taken for the model since its launch four months ago. Renault is keen to build on the success with the two new cars - the KWID Climber and KWID Racer. While the former is bred for venturing away from the beaten track, the latter is more at home on the asphalt of race circuits.
The KWID Climber is an off-road variant, with high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs - built for adventure off the beaten track. The KWID Racer conjures up the world of racing, with 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. Finished in a sporty metallic blue, its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the spoilers and diffuser ‘guarantee outstanding handling’. The inside of the car features materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon.
Renault also showed a brand new 1.0 litre engine with an optimised design for better performance, that it plans to launch, as well as introducing the ‘Easy-R Gear Box’ - an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This clutch free driving experience combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting.
At present there are no plans for the Renault KWID to come to the UK.
Renault investigated in ongoing emissions scandal
Police have raided Renault factories in relation to the recent Volkswagen emissions scandal.
Investigators went to Renault Headquaters, the Renault Technical Centre in Lardy and the Technocentre in Guyancourt. The news wiped 20 per cent of the French car makers share price, although Renault were quick to say tests had found no evidence of emissions-cheating devices.
French ministers said that no “defeat device” or fraudulent software in Renault engines has been found. Renault released a statement saying: “Following public disclosure by the EPA – US Environmental Protection Agency – of the existence of a Defeat Device software used by a leading car manufacturer, an independent technical commission was created by the French Government.”
Renault go on to explain that the purpose of this independent technical commission was to verify that French car manufacturers have not installed equivalent devices in their vehicles. In this regard, the UTAC (French Homologation Authority mandated by the Ministry) is currently testing 100 vehicles in circulation, including 25 Renault vehicles reflecting Renault's market share in France.
In December 2015, 11 vehicles had already been tested, including 4 Renault vehicles enabling the French public authorities to initiate productive discussions with Renault's engineering team. Renault says the French Agency for Energy and Climate (DGEC) ‘already considers that the on-going procedure would not reveal the presence of a defeat device on Renault's vehicles’ which it explains ‘is good news for Renault.’
Renault says its teams are 'fully cooperating' with the independent technical commission and the additional investigations decided by the Ministry of Economy.
Electric, Events, News, Hatchback
Renault-Nissan to launch autonomous drive by 2020
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed it will launch more than 10 vehicles with autonomous drive technology in the next four years.
The global car group confirmed the range of vehicles with autonomous capabilities will roll-out in the United States, Europe, Japan and China through 2020. The technology will be installed on mainstream, mass-market cars ‘at affordable prices’. The car group has hired new executive to oversee connectivity and connected car services globally.
Safety and efficiency of vehicles across the Renault-Nissan Alliance has ‘increased dramatically’, with fatal and serious injuries in Japanese Nissan vehicles decreasing 61 percent in 20 years. Fatal and serious injuries in Renault vehicles in France decreased 80 percent in 15 years. Autonomous drive is expected to help further reduce driver error, which is responsible for up to 90 percent of all fatalities.
2016 will mark the debut of vehicles with ‘single-lane control’ a feature that allows cars to drive autonomously on motorways, including in heavy, stop-and-go traffic. In 2018, Renault-Nissan will launch vehicles with ‘multiple-lane control’ which can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during motorway driving. And 2020 will see the launch of ‘intersection autonomy’ which can navigate city intersections and heavy urban traffic without driver intervention.
Later this year the Alliance will launch a new automotive mobile app which allows remote interaction with your car. Next year, it will launch the first Alliance Multimedia System providing new multimedia and navigation features, as well as improved smartphone integration and wireless map updates.
“Renault-Nissan Alliance is deeply committed to the twin goals of ‘zero emissions and zero fatalities'” Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said at the Renault-Nissan Silicon Valley Research Center. “That’s why we are developing autonomous driving and connectivity for mass-market, mainstream vehicles on three continents.”
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is a partnership between Paris-based Renault and Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan and have been strategic partners since 1999.
Renault reveals more new Megane details
Renault has announced further details of the all-new Megane line-up following its global debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new Megane is the fifth Renault to be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's new Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture, after the Espace, Kadjar, Talisman saloon and Talisman estate.
A sporty and dynamic Megane GT-Line will feature visible exterior and interior enhancements. At the front there is a wider lower air intake with a honeycomb-pattern mesh, flanked by lateral scoops. An elliptical chrome exhaust tailpipe and a profiled diffuser hint at the car's sporty character and there are dark metal 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and door mirror housings to match the finish on the front air scoops and rear diffuser. GT-Line badges adorn the front wings and rear.
The front seats feature additional lateral support and integrated headrests, blue top stitching and a chequered logo. The three upholstery options, in fabric or Alcantara, have blue or black stripes, and there are other hints of blue in the trim strips, all reflecting the Iron Blue body colour. The GT-Line also receives a bespoke steering wheel offering a firmer grip, and model badging on the dashboard.
Depending on the country, the new Megane will be available with 10 fuel-efficient, low-emission powertrains in line with Renault's downsizing strategy. All but one of them is turbocharged and two are exclusively reserved for the GT.
There are four Energy TCe turbocharged petrol options with capacities and power outputs of 1.2 litres/100hp, 1.2 litres/130hp (manual and EDC) and 1.6 litres/205hp (GT). The turbodiesel alternatives are 1.5-litre dCi 90 and 110hp units, the latter with manual or EDC transmission, and 1.6-litre dCi units developing 130 or 165hp. The CO2 of the manual dCi 110 is 86g/km, while at the other end of the scale the TCe 205 GT will be capable of 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of over 145mph.
In 2017 a Hybrid Assist diesel-electric powertrain will be added to the range, based on the Energy dCi 110 unit. Renault is targeting a CO2 figure of 76g/km, with fuel economy in the NEDC combined cycle of more than 97mpg. The Hybrid Assist is provided by a 48-volt battery which is topped up by energy recovery under deceleration and braking. The diesel engine remains in operation at all times.
UK pricing, RHD specification details and engine line-up for the new Megane range will be announced nearer to the start of UK sales in summer 2016.
Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split
Renault has confirmed a return to Formula 1 with its own team for the 2016 season, as Nissan, Infiniti and Red Bull Racing have reached mutual agreement to end their partnership a year early.
12-time Constructor's Champion Renault, with nearly 40 years in the sport, is an iconic brand in Formula 1. Work continues on finalising the terms to the acquisition of the Lotus F1 team in the 'shortest timeframe possible'. The Lotus F1 Team stood out as the ideal option for Renault having worked together for 15 years. As a full team, Renault will says it will take maximum benefit from its victories, adding 'the payback as an engine supplier proved to be limited'.
Renault has had uninterrupted involvement in Formula 1 for almost 40 years and has taken part in more than 600 grand prix, claiming 168 race wins, 12 Constructors' titles and 11 Drivers' crowns.
"Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave. After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1's main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win, even if it will take some time," said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault.
Meanwhile, Nissan, Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team have reached mutual agreements to discontinue the partnership between the two automotive brands and the F1 team at the end of December this year, one year earlier than originally stipulated.
Infiniti and Red Bull Racing started their commercial partnership in 2011 before Infiniti became the title sponsor of the team in 2013.
Renault reveals 'Iconic' Special Edition models
Renault has added 'Iconic' Special Edition models to its Captur Clio and Twingo range.
The new trim level is available across different engine options - including the recently announced Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for Twingo TCe90.
The Twingo Iconic is based on the Dynamique version of Renault's city car and includes cruise control, speed limiter, DAB radio, Bluetooth, R&GO smartphone-based navigation, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors and front fog lights. Ultraviolet Iconic side decals and 16-inch Ultraviolet Emblem alloy wheels complement the range of four colours available - including two new and unique metallic paints: Ultraviolet and Lunar Grey. Black alloy wheels are available as a no cost option. Extra tinted rear windows and gloss black door mirrors complete the exterior enhancements.
On the interior there is black part-leather upholstery with white and ultraviolet piping, 'Renault' door sill plates, floor mats with an ultraviolet Twingo motif and a matt ultraviolet touch pack. The latter can be substituted with gloss black as a no cost option. The Twingo Iconic also gets climate control as well as automatic lights and wipers.
Available to order with two engine choices - the SCe 70 and the TCe90, the turbocharged TCe90 being available with both manual and the all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Twingo's engine range offers CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 67.3mpg on the official combined cycle (NEDC).
The Clio Iconic 25 Nav supermini is available with TCe90 Stop & Start, dCi90 Stop & Start and dCi90 EDC engines. Based on the top-of-the-range Dynamique S specification, the special edition receives 17-inch 'Desire' alloy wheels with black inserts, chrome window sills, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, and cross-hatch-style wing mirror decals as standard. The decals complement the range of four 'stylish' exterior colours on offer - Ivory, Diamond Black, Oyster Grey and Mercury. To add to the uniqueness of this special edition, customers can choose to complement the exterior colour with the optional black and white cross-hatch-style roof decal, to match the wing mirrors.
On the inside, GT part leather upholstery with front heated seats joins a leather armrest and leather handbrake, matched with an aluminium gear lever. The black and white cross-hatch design seen on the exterior can also be found inside, with touches to the air vent surrounds and door armrest. Automatic climate control with one touch quick demist function, rear electric windows and electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors is also standard. The Clio's engine range offers emissions as low as 82g/km CO2 and returns up to 88.3mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.
The Captur Iconic Nav Special Edition is available for the same price as the Captur Signature Nav. Like the Signature Nav, the Captur Iconic Nav sits on the trim level above Dynamique S Nav. The model receives two-tone exterior colour as standard, with six different body colour options and either a Black, Ivory or 'Cappuccino' roof. 17-inch 'Explore' alloys with Cappuccino inserts are standard on the special edition.
The interior gets Cappuccino part-leather upholstery with front heated seats as well as a bronze-tinted chrome interior pack on touch points around the cabin. Driver aids and Renault's Techno Pack which includes R-Link Evolution, rear parking camera and European Mapping, as well as an electrochrome rear-view mirror are fitted as standard. The Captur's range of four engines offer emissions as low as 95g/km and returns up to 78.5mpg on the combined NEDC cycle.
Prices start at £11,845 OTR for the Twingo Iconic SCe 70 S&S, £16,775 for the Clio Iconic 25 Nav Tce 90 and £18,395 for the Captur Iconic Nav TCe 90, with The special editions available to order from 1st December.
Renault Clio and Captur upgraded
Renault has revealed free upgrades for its Clio and Captur models.
DAB radio is now standard equipment on both, fitted with either the MediaNav or R-Link infotainment systems meaning that all, apart from entry level versions, now come with DAB as standard. The newly-redesigned MediaNav gains Bluetooth streaming, TMC traffic information and SIRI "Eyes-Free" for compatible iPhones. The updated R-Link system now has a new, clearer and more sensitive screen, allowing multi-touch gestures such as 'pinch to zoom'.
The Clio Expression+ trim level has been renamed as Clio 'Play' to bring the B-segment supermini into line with its smaller city car sibling, Twingo. Meanwhile, the Dynamique S Nav model gets a new-look leather steering wheel and grey upholstery.
The Clio is available in five trim levels and with a range of two petrol and one diesel efficient engines and is priced from £11,145. The Clio is still available with personalisation options such as the GT Line look pack, coloured 16" and 17" alloy wheels, exterior and interior coloured touch packs. Accessory packs such as the carbon-look Styling Pack, a sporty Spoiler Pack, a Protection Pack to include parking sensors and a Touring Pack with quick-release tow bar are all also still available.
The Captur is available in four trim levels and with a range of two petrol and two diesel engines and is priced from £14,295.
Family Car, Hatchback, News, People Carrier
Renault reveals all-new Megane
Renault unveils ALASKAN pick-up concept
The ALASKAN Concept previews Renault's forthcoming move into the pick-up market with a new one-tonne model set to be unveiled early next year.
New Megane Renaultsport 275 Cup-S revealed
Renault reveals new Talisman Estate
Renault has taken the wraps off the Talisman Estate following the unveiling of its Saloon sibling.
The new large estate car delivers the same technological features as the saloon, along with extra load-carrying ability. Renault says it features the same 'assertive styling' with a sleek silhouette and dynamic proportions.
The French manufactures also claim the Talisman Estate has an 'unprecedented level of driving enjoyment' thanks to the combination of the 4Control chassis and active damping. Powering the estate will be a choice of two petrol engines and three diesel units. The interior includes comfort features such as integrated ventilation in the front seats, while load space comes in at almost 1,700 litres.
The Renault Talisman Estate will make its first public appearance at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2016, however there are no current plans for the car to be produced in Right Hand Drive or sold in the UK.
Renault ZOE now includes free domestic charging-box
Customers buying a new Renault ZOE will receive a 7kW (30A) wall-box charger fully installed at their home for free.
The free wall-box is part of a partnership between Renault and the British telematics company Chargemaster. Commenting on the partnership, David Martell, Chargemaster CEO, said: "We are delighted to be Renault's official charging partner in the UK. As government figures show, plug-in car sales are increasing as more and more motorists choose to reduce their emissions and their running costs."
The wall-box allows a full charge from zero to 100 per cent full in three to four hours, and is weatherproof so can be installed indoors or outside, with a choice of tethered or socketed cables. The wall-box provides sufficient range for a ZOE to travel up to 149 miles on the official NEDC cycle - comfortably more than most electric vehicle owners' daily mileage. The charger is protected by key controlled access and is covered by a four-year warranty - matching the vehicle manufacturer cover.
Once installed, owners are eligible to apply for a POLAR Network Card which grants access to UK's largest public charging infrastructure with over 3,000 charging points. The wall-box offer is available to retail customers who have access to off-street parking and an electricity supply.
Ben Fletcher, Electric Vehicle Product Manager, Renault UK commented: "We're delighted to be continuing our unique wall-box included offer, which allows us to ensure ZOE customers have the simplest and most convenient electric vehicle ownership experience. Chargemaster offer market leading technology and is dedicated to delivering great customer service so they're the perfect partner to help us deliver the offer."
Prices for the Renault ZOE start at £13,445 OTR after the Government's Plug-in Car Grant.
New trim and longer-range motors for Electric Renaults
Renault has updated the trim levels of two of its three electric vehicles on sale in the UK, and added new longer-range electric motors.
The ZOE supermini and urban Twizy have been refreshed to bring them into line with the company's combustion-engined vehicles and create a more uniform grading structure across all the brand's models.
The changes to the ZOE line-up have been timed to coincide with the introduction of a new, in-house-developed, longer-range electric motor. The new line up, with previous models in brackets, consists of Expression Nav (Expression), Dynamique Nav (Dynamique Intens) and Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge (Dynamique Intens). Expression Nav and Dynamique Nav feature the new motor, known as the R240, while Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge retains the original power unit. All three grades of ZOE are available to buy as either battery hire or full purchase 'ZOE i' versions.
The new R240 motor extends the operating range by almost 15 per cent to 149 miles in the New European Driving Cycle. It gives the ZOE a real-world range of 71 to 106 miles, depending on driving style, the use of electrical features like air conditioning, the season and where the car is being driven.
It also features integrated rather than stacked modules, with reduced gaps and no external power cables so that it is more compact. It also has a simplified air-cooling system and a three-in-one junction box incorporating the Chameleon charger and power electronics to form a single unit called the Power Electronic Controller. In the R240 motor this is the only part which is water-cooled.
The result is a 10 per cent reduction in size with no loss of performance, and with reduced energy consumption and faster charge times. This makes it especially suitable for use in smaller cars.
Both motors develop a maximum output of 65kW (88hp) and near-instantaneous maximum torque of 220Nm available in less than one-hundredth of a second. They deliver identical driving performance, with 0-30mph attainable in around four seconds and 0-50mph in 8.6 seconds.
The decision to offer two motors comes about because Renault says it has identified distinct types of use among its EV customers. Many have regular driving patterns, and will therefore appreciate the increased range and reduced charging requirements with the R240 motor. But others are less predictable in the way they use their car. For them, ultimate range is usually not a handicap - but they need the ability to rapid-charge to 80 per cent of battery capacity in the shortest possible time on occasions.
For the Twizy model, 'Expression' replaces the former Urban version and 'Dynamique' takes the place of Technic in the line-up while the Cargo remains unchanged. There have been minor changes to colours, trims and wheels.
The Renault ZOE is priced from £13,445 after the Government's Plug-in Car Grant while the Twizy starts at £6,895 OTR for the Expression.
Renault reveals new Talisman saloon
Renault has unveiled its new D-segment saloon - the Talisman.
The French brand says the Talisman features a combination of 'assertive styling with sleek, elegant lines' as well as a spacious cabin with 'ample room' for all occupants while also featuring an 'impressively big boot'.
The Talisman, together with the Estate version - which features the same qualities as the saloon - is set to play an active role in the renewal and upgrading of Renault's high-end range. Renault says the Talisman is the only D-segment saloon car to combine 4Control, four-wheel steering with active damping, allowing it to deliver unique road manners, plus safe, dynamic, agile handling and 'outstanding' ride comfort. A shortcut button allows the driver to switch instantly between Sport and Comfort modes.
With full-LED front lights, a new C-shape lighting signature and permanently-lit rear lights, a configurable digital instrument panel features a colour head-up display, which joins ambience lighting co-ordinated by the selected Multi-Sense setting.
Power comes from a choice of three diesel engines (Energy dCi 110, 130 and dCi 160 (EDC) mated to a six-speed transmission, or the latter with the choice of a seven-speed EDC - with CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km. Two petrol engines (the Energy TCe 150, Energy TCe 200) are mated to the seven-speed EDC transmission and offer 'unrivalled comfort, stability and agility' says the French brand.
Renault has confirmed the Talisman - along with the Estate version - will be revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens its gates to the public on 17th September. While available for sale in Europe at the end of the year there are currently no plans for the Talisman to be sold in the UK or Ireland.