Archive for the ‘Renault’ Category

2012 Renault Megane Facelift breaks cover

Monday, January 9th, 2012
2013 Renault Megane

2013 Renault Megane

Renault Mégane Collection 2012: ‘Energy’ driven
Renault has introduced changes across the brand’s quality flagship Mégane range with the release of the model’s ‘Collection 2012′ line-up.

Front-end looks have been made more contemporary thanks to the incorporation of LED daytime running lights, while the impression of quality has been further heightened by the addition of gloss black and chrome styling details which symbolise the line-up’s overall improvements.
Mégane Collection 2012 also stands out as the most fuel-efficient car in its class thanks to the introduction of three new engines: Energy dCi 110, Energy dCi 130 and the brand new 115-horsepower Energy TCe 115. The latter is the most powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine in the market, yet it returns exceptionally low combined-cycle fuel consumption (5.3 litres/100km, equivalent to 119g of CO2/km), providing this version of Mégane with a range of about 1,000km to put it on a par with diesel models.
For extra comfort and safety, Mégane Collection 2012 features driver aids like Visio System® and Hill Start Assist which first became available for Collection 2012 versions of Scénic.
Mégane Collection 2012 will go on sale from March in Europe, then in the course of the year elsewhere in the world (notably Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Russia and Argentina).

More modern front-end looks
Mégane Collection 2012 has undergone a number of small styling changes compared to the model’s original lines which proved such a hit with customers. The front end has a more modern feel, while LED daytime running lights provide a distinctive new lighting signature. The bumper features a gloss black finish with chrome highlights, and the selection of wheels has been entirely revised. The sum of these modifications mirrors the attention that has been paid to quality, an area which Renault sees as a priority. Meanwhile, the cabin comes with new interior trims, including a two-tone leather/Alcantara pack available in a choice of three finishes (depending on market) The Bose version is now an equipment level in its own right, while the personality of the specific GT and GT-Line finishes has been strengthened thanks to specific ‘boomerang’-shaped LED lights, visible red upholstery stitching and a sports steering wheel incorporating thumb rests, plus Renault Sport-badged door sill guards and dashboard trim strip which serve as a reminder that the GT and GT-Line versions belong to the Renault Sport family. Last but not least, the list of body colours available for Mégane Collection 2012 has been extended with the addition of Majorelle Blue and Pearlescent White.

Mégane Collection 2012: ‘Energy’ power under the bonnet
Mégane Collection 2012 is the first Renault model to be available with the three new Energy engines which combine both motoring enjoyment and fuel efficiency. They are the fruit of new-generation downsizing and call on Renault’s experience in F1 to form unprecedented technology packages for this level of range, including Stop&Start complete with deceleration/braking energy recovery (see Energy sidebar). Thanks to their carefully-tuned acoustics, these engines produce a discreet, cushioned sound, with noise levels halved compared with the engines they replace.

Renault Energy TCe 115 – the return of petrol engines: the Renault Energy TCe 115 is the first Renault petrol engine to feature direct fuel injection and turbocharging for fuel-efficient performance. This new 1,198cc block is poised to replace the 1.6 16V and boasts both extra power (up 5hp to 115hp) and peak torque up 40Nm to 190Nm, with 90 per cent of this figure available from 1,650rpm. Its flexibility and acceleration from low revs are consequently similar to those of a diesel engine. In addition to being the market’s best-performing 1.2-litre petrol powerplant, the Renault Energy TCe 115 is particularly energy efficient, with fuel consumption down 25 per cent. Versions of Mégane Collection 2012 powered by this engine consume just 5.3 litres/100km (NEDC cycle), a saving of almost 1.5 litres/100km and a record for a petrol car in this class. CO2 emissions are down to 119g/km, while the car’s range exceeds 1,000km, which is similar to the distances associated with diesel models.
Mégane Collection 2012 will also be available with the two best diesel engines in their class, both of which combine driving pleasure with the market’s lowest fuel consumption.

New diesel Energy dCi 110: the Mégane range’s best-selling 1.5 dCi engine has undergone a significant metamorphosis with the introduction of technology first introduced in 2011 on the Energy dCi 130, not to mention record low fuel consumption which has been reduced by almost 12 per cent, under 3.8 litres/100km. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions below 95g/km and makes Mégane one of its segment’s top three models in terms of energy efficiency. There has been no corresponding fall-off in performance, however, since peak torque is up 20Nm to 260Nm, which is available from as low as 1,750rpm.
Renault Energy dCi 130: this 1.6 litre diesel engine delivers 130 horsepower and 320Nm of torque, making it the market’s most powerful powerplant for its size. It is also a pleasure to drive thanks to crisp acceleration performance from as low as 1,750rpm. Under the bonnet of Mégane, it returns NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.0 litres/100km, which is a 20 per cent saving compared to the former 1.9 dCi 130 engine. CO2 emissions stand at 104g/km, enabling it to qualify for the ‘eco subsidy’ available in France.

Useful, affordable technologies for an even more reassuring drive
More than ever, enhancing everyday safety, making driving easier and maximising travelling comfort are seen as priorities for Renault.
Like Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic, Mégane Collection 2012 can be ordered with the Visio System® which comprises a camera fixed to the windscreen behind the rear view mirror. It improves night-time vision and helps maintain driver vigilance thanks to two functions which it is the first system of its type to feature.

Automatically switches from main- to dipped-beam headlights: night-time driving calls for total vigilance, especially when it comes to optimising lighting in order to benefit from maximum visibility without being a hindrance for other road users. The Visio System® camera improves night-time vision by permanently scanning the road ahead. Whenever natural or street lighting is poor, and when no other vehicles are detected, it automatically switches to full-beam headlights at speeds of more than 45kph. Remembering to switch back to dipped beam is no longer a constraint and the Visio System® permits the driver to benefit from full-beam headlights between four and five times longer than is the case without the system. Visibility is enhanced (100 metres instead of 30 metres) and there is less risk of colliding with an obstacle.
Lane departure warning: the camera emits a warning if it believes that the vehicle has involuntarily changed lanes, an occurrence frequently due to drowsiness or a drop in driver vigilance, and a major cause of accidents, especially on motorways. If lane markings are crossed without the indicators having been being activated, visible and audible warnings are automatically activated.
Comfort has been further enhanced by a new Hill Start Assist function. This feature is combined with the electronic parking brake and keeps the brakes under pressure for a few seconds, giving the driver enough time to pull away without the vehicle moving backwards. Meanwhile, Motorway Mode indicators facilitate driving: a slight touch of the indicator stalk sets off three flashes to warn other road users that the driver is about to change lane. To assist parking manoeuvres, a camera located at the rear provides a precise image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings and depicts its trajectory to help drivers adjust their line. Last but not least, the dual-zone automatic climate control is now equipped with a toxicity sensor which monitors cabin air quality and automatically activates the air-recycling mode whenever necessary.
Mégane Collection 2012 continues to pack the technologies that have contributed to the model’s success. The brand new R-Plug&Radio+ audio range is now equipped with Bluetooth® hands-free telephony, connectivity and audio-streaming, as well as Plug&Music connectivity and USB/jack sockets which enable music stored on mobile devices to be controlled by the vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted fingertip control. Also available are Carminat TomTom® navigation complete with LIVE services (HD Traffic, real-time traffic information, etc.) and tailor-engineered Bose® surround sound.

Renault Mégane: the flagship of the ‘Renault Quality Made’ campaign
Mégane Collection 2012 cars are manufactured in Palencia, Spain, and benefit from rigorous production standards to guarantee impeccable quality. The model recently featured in a media campaign promoting quality ‘à la française’ and is destined to serve as a global flagship for the Renault group’s expertise in this domain across the entire range, from initial design to the showroom.
Jean-Pierre Vallaude (Senior Vice-President, Quality): “Mégane is a credible ambassador for the quality of Renault vehicles thanks to its outstanding reliability and perceived quality which have improved with every evolution of the model. Mégane is destined to become the worldwide quality benchmark for all Renault vehicles…”
As the Renault brand’s best-selling model, with sales exceeding 235,000 units worldwide in 2011 and 730,000 units since its launch at the end of 2008, Mégane today stands out as one of the most reliable cars in its segment. This reliability is recognised by the media (e.g. L’Automobile Magazine’s Reliability Top 100) and has been underlined by independent bodies such as Germany’s ADAC which have placed it at the top end of their respective classifications.
Following the pledge to continue improving made by Renault in 2003, Mégane III saw a 40 per cent reduction in reliability-related incidents during a car’s first year on the road compared to its predecessor.
Mégane III has benefited from reinforced design and validation processes which take both durability and ageing into account. At the design phase, for example, a list of 100 specific points was taken into account to ensure impeccable reliability and improve running- and appearance durability compared to Mégane II. Special attention was paid to reducing noise, improving sealing and the reliability of electronic components.

Mégane R.S. Collection 2012: extra horsepower and more torque for even punchier performance
Mégane R.S. Collection 2012′s R.S. Dynamic Management delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque. By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 265hp/195kW and up to 360Nm of torque (limited edition Trophy version) for even crisper acceleration response. Thanks to this Renault Sport innovation, it is possible to use Mégane R.S.’s potential to the full, notably on tracks. At the same time, the sound produced by Mégane R.S.’s engine has been revised to ensure a satisfying pitch at all revs thanks a more open exhaust design and a reinforced sound pipe.
In terms of looks, the front end is more expressive, while the F1-style front blade which is a characteristic of Renault Sport models features two rows of six LEDs and the headlights sport black surrounds. The centre of the new design 18-inch alloy wheels (satin finish or matt black) and the existing rims of the Trophy version feature an ‘R.S.’ logo, and a new option is the R.S. Red Design Pack which comprises red pin-striping for the front blade, side sills and diffuser. A new interior trim has been introduced, featuring visible red stitching for the steering wheel, gear lever knob, gear lever bellows and dashboard trim. The new, distinctive two-tone light grey and charcoal leather upholstery can also be specified as an option, as can fabric or leather Recaro seats and a predominantly yellow ambience. Other sporty details include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a charcoal-effect finish for the door panel inserts.
Thanks to its exceptional dynamic qualities, Mégane R.S. stands out as the C segment’s best-selling high-performance coupé. It has won over 12,500 buyers worldwide since its European launch in January 2010, as well as in Russia, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Japan and South Africa. In June 2011, it established a new record of 8mins 8secs for a lap of the Nürburgring, making it the fastest front-wheel drive car ever round the ‘Nordschleife’. Acclaimed by the world’s press, Mégane R.S. has won four awards and is frequently compared to the most prestigious super cars for the driving sensations it delivers. Renault Sport has also showcased Mégane R.S.’s potential in motorsport with the production-based Mégane R.S. N4 which won its class in the Belgian and Germany rally championships.

2012 Renault Megane Facelift

2012 Renault Megane Facelift

2013 Renault Megane

2013 Renault Megane

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe Announced

Thursday, December 8th, 2011
2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

Spotlight on Renault Laguna Coupé ‘collection 2012′

New ‘2012 Collection’ launch brings changes to the Laguna Coupé line-up:- Even racier looks: LED daytime running lights and new alloy wheels.
- A more refined interior: visible dashboard stitching now standard.
- CO2 emissions reduced thanks to the 2.0 Energy dCi 150 engine (Stop&Start, ESM/Energy Smart Management) which emits just 118g/km of CO2. That’s a saving of 13 percent and equivalent to fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100km.
The new Laguna Coupé line-up will reach Renault showrooms in February. Order books open this week in France, with prices starting from €31,500.
Laguna Coupé is manufactured at Sandouville, France. It is sold in some 30 countries.
Racier looks and an even more refined interior

Three years after its launch, Laguna Coupé is poised to make news early next year when the ‘Collection 2012′ versions are due to reach the market. The latest Laguna Coupé was revealed at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy (which runs until December 11) and features a brand new lighting signature with LED daytime running lights now fitted as standard equipment.

New 17-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels are standard from the entry equipment level, too, while the Pearlescent White exterior finish, which contributed to the success of the former limited edition Monaco GP version, can now be specified for the GT 4Control and Initiale equipment levels. Meanwhile, availability of a two-tone livery featuring a Pearlescent Black roof combined with all the catalogue’s metallic finishes has been extended to the include the GT 4Control version. More than ever, these new styling appointments highlight the elegance and sportiness of Renault’s high-end coupé.

Inside the cabin, the impression of refinement is heightened by the now standard visible dashboard stitching. Mixed TEP/fabric upholsteries are also available for all versions.

Fewer emissions thanks to the new 2.0 Energy dCi 150 engine (118g/km)

Depending on market, Laguna Coupé can be ordered with one of three petrol engines:

the F4Rt (2.0t), which is available in a choice of two power outputs (170 or 205hp), and the V6 3.5 240, which is mated to an automatic transmission.
The range also features two diesel engines:

the M9R (2.0 dCi), available in a choice of three power outputs (150, 175 or 180hp), and the 240-horsepower V9X (V6 3.0 dCi).
All these diesel engines are available with a diesel particulate filter and comply with Euro5 legislation. They are mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission for a blend of driving enjoyment and sporty performance.

The range includes the diesel 2.0 Energy dCi 150 which boasts such advanced features as Stop&Start and ESM (Energy Smart Management). This hi-tech package has led to a 13 percent saving in CO2 emissions which are now down to 118g/km. The 175 and 180hp versions have also seen their emissions come down by 9g/km and 6g/km respectively thanks to the introduction of ESM for all versions of the M9R engine.

ESM (Energy Smart Management)

The aim of ESM is to optimise the management of the alternator and battery charging:

- When consumption is high (under acceleration), energy is provided by the battery, thereby taking strain off the alternator.
- Energy recovered by the alternator during deceleration and braking is stored in the battery.

Equipment available for Laguna Coupé Collection 2012 (French market)

Depending on market, Laguna Coupé is available in a choice of up to four equipment levels. The former limited-edition Monaco GP version has now become an equipment level in its own right. Laguna Coupé Collection 2012 comes with LED daytime running lights, Carminat TomTom® Live navigation, Plug&Music analogue/digital connectivity (jack + USB) and Bluetooth® connectivity (hands-free telephone, audio streaming) as standard equipment.

Black Edition equipment level:

Six airbags, including thorax/pelvis front airbags
Rear parking sensors
Plug & Music analogue/digital connectivity (jack + USB)
Carminat TomTom Live navigation, connected Live services, French mapping
Renault hands-free entry
Chrome side window surrounds
Dual-zone automatic climate control (three modes: Soft / Auto / Fast)
Twin chrome exhaust tail pipes
ESC, ABS (with emergency brake assist)
Automatic windscreen-wiper and headlight activation
LED daytime running lights
LED rear lights
Electronic parking brake
Isofix anchorage for outer rear seats
17-inch Sari diamond-effect alloy wheels
Metallic paint
Dashboard with visible stitching
Bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers
4x45W “3D Sound by Arkamys” radio-CD with MP3 playback, Bluetooth connectivity and eight loudspeakers
Cruise control with speed limiter
Electrochrome rear view mirror
Electric, heated door mirrors
Mixed black fabric/TEP upholstery with grey stitching
Height- and fore/aft- adjustable sport front seats
Leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel and gear lever knob

Monaco GP equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

Monaco GP exterior badging
Pearlescent Black door mirror housings
Pearlescent White interior details (dashboard and centre console)
Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Aluminium pedal covers
Aluminium gear lever knob (manual gearbox)
Monaco GP-badged, mixed black fabric upholstery
Pearlescent White version with black roof, or completely Pearlescent Black
Leather-trimmed flat-bottomed GT steering wheel with visible stitching

GT 4Control equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

4Control exterior badging
Renault hands-free entry and engine starting
4Control chassis (four-wheel steering)
Pearlescent Black door mirror housings
Guilloché-patterned aluminium dashboard trim
Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Aluminium pedal covers
Metallic paint, with Pearlescent Black roof
Aluminium gear lever knob
Electrically-folding door mirrors with memory setting
Heated electrically-adjustable front seats, with memory settings for driver’s seat
Black leather upholstery
Tyre pressure monitoring system

Initiale equipment level = Black Edition equipment level, plus:

Front parking sensors
INITIALE exterior badging
Bose® Sound System with 10 loudspeakers and six-CD multi-changer
Carminat DVD Bluetooth® navigation with seven-inch display and European mapping
Renault hands-free entry and engine starting
Black Lacquer interior trim details
18-inch Celsium alloy wheels
MBL directional bi-xenon headlights
Electrically-folding door mirrors with memory setting
Heated electrically-adjustable front seats, with memory settings for driver’s seat
Beige or black leather upholstery
Front and rear carpet mats
Tyre pressure monitoring system

Principal options available for Laguna Coupé (tax-paid prices in France)

Front parking sensors: €300
Bose® Sound System, single-CD player, mp3 playback and 10 loudspeakers: €800
Carminat DVD Bluetooth, seven-inch display, European mapping, Bose Sound System and six-CD multi-changer: €1,500
European mapping: €120
18-inch alloy wheels: €500
Comfort Pack (Renault hands-free entry and engine starting + electrically folding door mirrors): €500
Heat-reflecting windscreen: €200
Special Pearlescent White metallic paint: €200
Directional bi-xenon headlights: €350
16-inch spare wheel: €110
Monaco GP black leather upholstery: €1,500
4Control system: €2,000
Tyre pressure monitoring system: €200

4Control chassis: an innovation exclusive to Renault Laguna

This ingenious system was developed by Renault Sport Technologies and is standard equipment for Renault Laguna Coupé GT 4Control (optional for the Monaco GP and Initiale versions). This ground-breaking innovation targets customers looking to benefit from the advantages of four-wheel steering. In addition to delivering the sort of agility associated with city cars (same turning circle as a Clio), the 4Control chassis brings the additional stability and road holding expected of a sporting car, not to mention unrivalled safety (obstacle avoidance, braking on inconsistent, slippery conditions, optimised ESC).

Dedicated to driving enjoyment: Renault Laguna Coupé 4Control also comes with a raft advanced technology for more efficient, reassuring performance, including more precise, optimised cornering in all traffic conditions, and however much grip is available, both round circuits and in built-up areas.

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

2012 Renault Laguna Coupe

2012 Renault Pulse breaks cover

Monday, October 31st, 2011
2012 Renault Pulse

2012 Renault Pulse

Renault is revealing Pulse, an upscale compact car developed for the Indian market by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai. It is scheduled for release in January 2012.

The third of five vehicles to be launched in India in just over a year, Pulse is designed to appeal to the broadest customer segment. It follows on Fluence and Koleos launched earlier this year. This rapid rollout highlights Renault’s commitment to the Indian market, which is one of the three priorities of the group’s international strategy.

Targeting young, upwardly mobile urban customers, Pulse epitomizes Renault’s philosophy of making cars and innovative technology available to all. Pulse comes equipped with the 1.5 dCi engine that ranks best-in-class in terms of fuel consumption and performance. Its fuel efficiency in particular has benefited from advances made by Renault’s Formula 1 engineers.

Both car and engines are built in Chennai in the first dedicated Renault-Nissan vehicle manufacturing plant, inaugurated in 2010 to support the Alliance’s ambitions on the Indian market.

On October 29, the eve of the Indian Grand Prix, Carlos Tavares, COO of Renault, will reveal Pulse and a car offering a foretaste of its sports derivative in New Delhi, India. Pulse is the third in line after Fluence and Koleos and it will constitute the core of Renault’s product range in India, where four out of five cars sold are compacts. It will be followed in 2012 by Duster and a sedan.

A car for a rapidly growing market

Pulse is designed for young, upwardly mobile professionals in a country that has one of the fastest-growing and youngest working age populations. Its sporty design, dynamic driving experience and advanced features such as the smart access key to open and start the car by just pushing a button or the automatically folding outside mirror, position it at the top of the A-B segment. It is the ideal introduction to the Renault world for entry-segment upgraders looking for a bold, fuel-efficient compact car that is fun to drive both on the open road and in the city. In addition, customers can benefit from a complete service offer that includes a 4-year peace of mind package and the Renault Complete Care offer.

Putting Formula 1 expertise on the road

Pulse will feature the 1.5 dCi diesel engine that has proven highly popular not just in India, but around the world. It ranks among the best in class for daily city driving thanks to record low fuel consumption—essential on the Indian market—that does not come at the expense of driving pleasure. Its fuel efficiency, responsiveness and reliability reflect the qualities of the RS27 engine developed by Renault Sport F1, which has just powered Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel to the double crown of the constructors’ and drivers’ title in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Renault’s objective has always been to carry over the technologies developed and fine-tuned by its F1 engine specialists to the world of production cars. In this case, the research into improving powertrain and fuel efficiency by reducing friction in Formula 1 cars has been applied to the 1.5 dCi engine.

Designed and built in India
Pulse was designed by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai and will be produced in the Alliance’s plant in Chennai, which will also manufacture the engine. The plant complies fully with Alliance quality standards and its production management system is based on mutual knowledge-sharing and the best practices of both Renault and Nissan. Products by both companies can be seamlessly combined on the same line. By using the same platform as Nissan’s Micra, Renault was able to reduce development costs and lead times. Pulse is thus a prime example of the synergies generated by the Alliance.

The first orders for Pulse will be taken at the New Delhi Motor Show in January 2012.

2012 Renault Pulse

2012 Renault Pulse

2012 Renault Pulse

2012 Renault Pulse