Renault News

Euro carmaker Renault has slashed the price of its Megane E-Tech electric hatch in Australia.The car will now start from $49,990 (drive-away), representing a more than $15,000 decrease on its original launch price.When it arrived the E-Tech started from $64,990 (before on-road costs) in late 2023.Renault’s small SUV is a European rival to the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia EV3, with this latest deal undercutting both. It also comes in cheaper than the Mini Countryman EV, which starts in the low $60K bracket. The deal will run until the 30th of June 2026, while stocks last. It only applies to models with solid white paintwork and a black roof, with metallic paint costing an extra $400 and alternate two-tone paint adding an extra $800.Renault sold 207 examples of the Megane E-Tech in 2025, which represented a drop on 2024 numbers. It trails the EV3 and Kona on the sales charts, with Chinese rivals such as the Zeekr X also besting it. The car has experienced a couple previous price cuts since it went on sale, and was available from $54,990 (drive-away), before this latest cut.The base variant of the Megane E-Tech has a single electric motor set-up, producing 125kW and 280Nm, with its 60kWh battery, offering 454km of driving range (WLTP). On the inside, the car has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.0-inch central touchscreen. The Megane E-Tech is one of several electrified models forming part of Renault’s ‘International Game Plan 2027’ for overseas markets.The brand recently brought across its Scenic E-Tech SUV to Australia earlier this year, with the plug-in hybrid Filante also a possibility Down Under at some stage.

With the avalanche of fresh brands entering the Australian new car market showing no sign of slowing, clearly some recent newcomers and longer-term legacy brands will come under increasing pressure in the next 12 to 18 months.Fold in the additional complexity and potential cost of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and the thumbscrews are already starting to tighten for certain players.In this context, one well-established Euro brand is focused on its ability to “survive” in what it describes as an exceptionally aggressive market.Speaking at the local launch of the new Scenic E-Tech SUV, Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey was asked about increasing competition and said, “Renault as a brand is really in a good position to survive in a market like it is now. And I say that because this is an aggressive market.” “You’ve got annual sales of around 1.2 million vehicles and the top 10 brands accounting for 70 per cent of them.“That leaves 60 brands competing for 360,000 cars a year. That’s the reality of life if you’re going to compete.“So, can you survive on 6000 cars a year? We can,” he said.Despite the French brand’s concerted push towards electric propulsion in Europe and elsewhere, Sealey made the point that EVs still account for less than 10 per cent of new car sales in Australia.While acknowledging the brand buzz funky Renault EV models like the R4, R5 and Twingo (even at a relatively steep price) would generate he said the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Megane E-Tech and now the Scenic E-Tech EVs currently on offer here are “enough for a market our size”.“If the market goes to 50 per cent EV, guess what, we’ve got a cupboard full of cars. But if the market stays at 10 per cent EV we’ve got cars and drivetrains we can access.“Not everyone wants hybrid, not everyone wants electric and not everyone wants ICE and there’s a (Renault) drivetrain for everyone.”Year-on-year Renault sales were down 17.8 per cent in 2025 (to 4569 units). And so far this year numbers are down by exactly the same percentage.But Sealey confirmed Renault Australia would renew or refresh six models over the next 18 months, noting the age of the brand’s current line-up.“Koleos and Master make up 60-70 per cent of our volume and they are right at the end of their lifecycle.“So, to expect to be flying when you got that on your hands… it’s never going to happen.“And that’s obviously coinciding with some aggressive entrants into the marketplace.“But there’s Duster and Scenic and there’s more coming,” he said.  When asked about potential range inclusions like the Bridger small SUV (to be built in India), the Filante mid-size hybrid SUV (out of South Korea) and the Symbioz compact crossover (produced in Spain), he was expansive on available production sourcing opportunities from those centres as well as France, Morocco, Romania, Turkey and Brazil.“We've put our hand up, we'll look at the business cases and we’ll have some exciting things to say soon.”In pin-pointing the ‘sell’ that will help stand Renault apart from others in the market, Sealey said, “Fundamentally Renault represents a couple of things and it comes back to emotional design. Our cars look good. “It could be Master in its old age. The car’s nearly 10 years old but had an all time sales record in 2024. Koleos is holding up reasonably well for the age of that car, as well.“And we have user-friendly technology. Everything’s easy to use. It’s not intimidating, it’s not minimalistic and it’s not all on screens. There’s an appeal to that,” he said.

Of the 113 primary and 173 sub-clause Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions currently applied to new vehicles marketed in Australia one stands out as a regular sticking point for manufacturers.It’s ADR 34/03 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings - originally gazetted in 1989 and most recently updated in 2017.It mandates a compliant ‘Upper Anchorage’ and ‘Upper Anchor Fitting’ (aka a top-tether point) for “each seating position in the ‘Second Row Seats’ equipped with an adult ‘Seatbelt Assembly’”.And this makes Australia a global stand-out. Although three top-tether anchorages are required in Canada and the USA, only two are mandated in Europe, and China has no specific demand for top-tether points. We strictly require a top tether anchor for all rear-seating positions, including the centre. In many markets, in concert with ISOFIX, use of the three-point seatbelt to help stabilise the seat and reduce twisting in a crash is deemed adequate.  But it sounds easy, right? Drill a hole in the parcel shelf or rear floor, bolt in a hook and the job’s done. Authorised restraint fitting stations do it all the time. Of course, it’s light years away from being that simple.The time, money and engineering focus required to homologate a centre rear top-tether for this market across a vast array of interior and rear seat arrangements is often a stumbling block for potential new model introductions.Specialised research and development required for certification of the strength and real world performance of reinforced mounting points will typically involve a full program including virtual and physical engineering as well as testing to destruction of rear seat modules or entire vehicles.Then there’s the time and cost of the compliance process, submitting required technical data  to the The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts that oversees the ADR regime.And a case-in-point is the Renault 5 E-Tech.Although it’s never been confirmed for local sale, Renault Australia has previously told CarsGuide it would “love to have the car here” as long as it “does the business case to get the investment for the unique Australian ADRs”.Having started European deliveries in late 2024, the R5 E-Tech is still a possibility for this market, but it’s a much longer shot than it was thanks in part to ADR 34/03.Speaking at this week’s launch of the Scenic E-Tech, Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey confirmed the R5 E-Tech was originally going to be a four-seater but a European tax change mid-way through the car’s development cycle saw it morph into a five-seater (thanks to additional subsidies for three seats in a rear bench).Suddenly, the need to homologate a top tether for the middle rear position threw a big spanner in the works for the car’s Australian market potential. Sealey estimates the prospective compliance cost at around 3 million ($4.9M).Also speaking at the launch, Renault S.A. Country Manager, Oceania Arnaud Mourgue confirmed Australia is now plugged into the brand’s relevant new model programs from day one, which minimises the chances of ADR compliance roadblocks. But other recent ADR 34/03-related hiccups include a temporary pause on sales of the Deepal E07 Multitruck to rectify a missing child seat restraint anchor in the rear.The Tesla Model 3’s 2024 update was paused early that year because of a rear-centre top-tether compliance issue and BYD Atto 3 deliveries were briefly paused in 2022 in light of child seat anchor point issues.There are other instances and who knows how many interesting EVs from China and elsewhere have been ruled out for Australian sale   A spokesperson for The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts told CarsGuide, “ADR 34/03 is likely to remain in force in its current form for the foreseeable future.”Which, depending on your perspective, means kids in capsules and car seats in Australia are doubly protected. Or onerous ADRs mean Aussie new car buyers are potentially missing out on exciting new products from around the globe.   

What a month! The war in the Middle East has created serious panic for commuters stung by soaring fuel prices.A way out of that spiral is getting into an electric vehicle (EV), and there are still several models available at heavily-discounted prices to make the transition from internal combustion engines easier.Here are a handful of electric bargains we found online at a minimum of 30 per cent off retail, with odometers capped at 10,000km for that fresh-car feel. Many had barely breached 2500km.To be sure, there must have been at least three examples at the lower prices advertised to make this list at the time of publishing. Most are dealer demonstrators, and all will bring savings if you depend on your vehicle on a daily basis, since the bulk of their early depreciation has already occurred.Kia Niro EVThe second-gen Niro launched in 2022 from an eye-watering $65K, putting punters off from what was a pleasant, competent and likeable mid-sized crossover EV. Sales stalled, and Kia discontinued it. But there are still a handful of MY23 demos at under $40K. That’s over 40 per cent off retail!New price: $65,300 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai InsterCharming, chuckable and ideal for urban commutes, the Inster can be had for over 33 per cent off retail if you’re willing to snap up one of the demos doted around the country.New price: $43,500 drive-awaySeen for: $28,990 drive-away (MY25, demo)Renault Kangoo E-TechAbout a half-dozen demo examples of Renault’s terrific little Kangoo E-Tech from 2023 are still available for under $40K, representing another 40 per cent saving. The little French van is also indecently fun. What a bargain!New price: $66,500 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai Kona ElectricSpacious, agile and refined, the electric version of the Kona small SUV punches above its weight, as reflected by its current mid-fifties price point. Which means that a 30 per cent saving with just 3000km on the odo make this a no-brainer buy.New price: $54,000 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 (MY24 demo)Audi Q4 45 e-tronOne of our favourite premium EV SUVs, the Q4 e-tron combines high couture with sophisticated engineering, for an on-brand luxury experience that will have you seeking the long way home.New price: $93,000 drive-awaySeen for: $66,000 drive-away (MY25, demo)Ford Mustang Mach-E SelectThe Mustang Mach-E is an enigma. Disregard the baggage associated with the pony-car image and instead revel in a sporty, dynamic and surprisingly practical family car with ample range. Yes, it’s the pre-facelift model, but the savings are worth it.New price: $73,400 drive-awaySeen for: $50,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Jeep AvengerArguably the most athletic Jeep in history, the Avenger is a sweet-driving, decently packaged and well-presented city-sized SUV with relatively minor off-road capabilities. Built in Poland, it’s related to the Peugeot 2008 EV.New price: $53,990 before ORCSeen for: $37,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Subaru Solterra TouringSubaru’s version of the Toyota bZ4X has really struggled to secure buyers, with the up-spec Touring launching at nearly $84K before quickly being reduced to $77K. Though facelifted and improved, there are loaded demos advertised in the low-fifties drive-away, offering a lot of EV for the money.New price: $76,990 before ORCSeen for: $53,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Fiat 500eItalians know how to make a chic urban runabout and Fiat’s stylish 500e is no exception. Rapid yet refined, its small battery is quick to charge, still provides over 311km of WLTP range and the handling is a lot of fun.New price: $52,500 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)

Renault’s forthcoming baby SUV could reportedly be headed to Europe, potentially as a Dacia model.As reported by AutoExpress, Renault is initially targeting the Indian market (which is a right-hand drive market like Australia) with the upcoming Bridger SUV, but the brand is considering exports to other markets.“We are really focused on going out with this car in India, plus left-hand-drive countries, but why not think about extending it to other continents? It’s an open question, and fair to say we are looking at it,” said Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive to AutoExpress.“First of all, currently it’s a Renault for India. But happy to hear that you think it would also be a nice car for Dacia’s line-up. We have not analysed that currently; maybe we evaluate that,” added Dacia CEO Katrin Adt.If the Renault Bridger is rebadged as a Dacia for European markets, this will be the opposite of what the companies currently do.Renault currently badges the Dacia Duster and Bigster SUVs for select markets outside of Europe. The Renault Duster, for example, is offered in Australia.The Renault Bridger has only been revealed as a concept for now, but it’s set to be produced in India from 2027.The company has previously noted there will be a “gradual roll-out to other international markets”. It’s unclear whether Australia is included in these plans, but it’s worth noting that no Indian-built Renault has ever made its way Down Under.Measuring under 4.0-metres long, the Bridger will form as a rival to the likes of the Mahindra XUV3XO, Hyundai Venue and Suzuki Fronx.The Bridger is set to be built on the Renault Group modular platform, or ‘RGMP small’, and will be offered with combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains.It has a boxy silhouette with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, much like the more rugged Suzuki Jimny.We’re yet to see the interior, however, Renault notes there will be 200mm of knee room in the second row, as well as 400L of boot space. These are sizeable figures for a light SUV.

A new small SUV is on the way to fill the smaller space below the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, rivalling the popular Suzuki Jimny.The 2027 Renault Bridger concept has been revealed as a rugged small SUV set for production in 2027, with combustion, hybrid and electric versions on the cards.Not a lot has been confirmed about the small SUV, but its design and rough size seem to be pretty close to locked in, with Renault confirming the Bridger will come in at less than 4.0 metres long.Packaging looks set to maximise interior convenience, with 200mm of knee room and 400 litres of boot space both touted as strong figures for the category.Set to be produced in India in 2027, Renault says there will be a “gradual roll-out to other international markets.”Built on the Renault Group modular platform, or or 'RGMP small' to give it its new name, the Bridger is one of 12 new models Renault plans to launch in the next four years before 2030.Renault plans to increase its electrification across its line-up, using its E-Tech hybrid system, as well as building its larger cars on its RGEV medium 2.0 electric platform.To that end, Renault has also revealed its R-Space Lab concept, which it claims “redefines the in-car experience” by exploring new ways to lay out and fit out the interior.The front passenger seat can, for example, slide back to the second row, or the individual rear seats have their own backrests. Seats can be folded or moved to create space for cargo or people as needed.As Australia is a relatively small part of Renault’s global sales footprint, it’s unclear how many of the brand’s new models will make it Down Under in the next few years.Given the popularity of of the Suzuki Jimny and the fact Renault has already launched the seemingly niche Dacia Duster here under its own badge, the Bridger certainly isn’t off the cards.The biggest snag so far? No Indian-built Renaults have been offered for sale in Australia.

Renault is soon set to reveal a new concept car that will preview a potential urban compact SUV targeted at the Indian market.The Renault Bridger concept is set to be revealed on March 10 and it will measure under 4.0-metres long. Cars in India that are under this threshold receive tax breaks as they have a smaller footprint and are generally more fuel efficient than larger cars.Vehicles like the Mahindra XUV3XO, Hyundai Venue and Suzuki Fronx are all under 4.0-metres long.Ahead of its official reveal, the French carmaker has revealed some teaser photos of the Bridger concept.It appears it will have a boxy and squared-off exterior design with a prominent spare tyre mounted on the tailgate. This gives it a similar look to the Suzuki Jimny XL.No other details about the Bridger concept have been announced yet. Given it’ll be a concept, it’s unclear whether there will be any details surrounding its powertrain, nor its off-roading potential.Renault typically reveals a concept show car a year or so before it reveals the production counterpart. However, it’s unclear just yet if Renault actually intends to do a production version of the Bridger concept.In India, Renault currently offers four vehicles and they’re all made domestically – the compact Kwid that is rebadged as the Dacia Spring for European markets, the Triber small people mover, Kiger small SUV, and the new Indian-specification Duster which is notably different from the Romanian-sourced, Australian-spec Duster.It’s unclear whether a production version of the Bridger concept, if it ever actually happens, will be offered outside of India.No Indian-made Renault models are currently offered in Australia, though there is a growing demand for small crossover SUVs. The Chery Tiggo 4, for example, is climbing up the sales charts in Australia.The smallest SUV Renault currently offers in Australia is the Megane E-Tech which is an electric crossover. The Captur small SUV currently isn’t offered locally and it’s unclear if it will return in facelifted guise.This also means the most affordable Renault you can currently buy in Australia is an entry-level Duster, which is priced from $34,990 drive-away.If the production version of the Bridger concept comes to Australia it could serve as a new, entry-level Renault model for the French brand.

Renault’s budget subsidiary brand, Dacia, has confirmed it is launching hybrid all-wheel drive versions of the Duster and Bigster in the UK.This therefore means that right-hand drive versions of the Duster and Bigster will exist with this new hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain and theoretically makes it closer to an Australian launch.However, for now it’s unclear whether this will ever actually happen.Renault launched the Duster in Australia last year under its namesake brand and it’s currently offered with two-wheel drive automatic and all-wheel drive manual powertrains.The Bigster hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, nor its Renault-based counterpart for global markets which is called the Boreal.To date this new hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain for the Duster and Bigster was only confirmed for markets in mainland Europe with a petrol and LPG bi-fuel set-up. It appears the UK-spec models will only have a petrol tank.As a base this new powertrain uses the familiar 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid electrification that drives the front wheels, but adds an independent electric motor on the rear axle. Total system outputs are 113kW, which is 17kW more than the standard version.The petrol engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, whereas the rear-mounted electric motor has a two-speed transmission.The electric motor is fed by a 0.84kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows the Duster and Bigster to travel short distances on electric power alone.Dacia also offers a regular hybrid powertrain for the Duster and Bigster which has a four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to dual electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery, as well as an automatic transmission that includes four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motors. It is front-wheel drive only, however.Renault has previously disclosed it plans to launch six new or refreshed models over the next 18 months in Australia.“Now that’s one on average every three months, or one once a quarter,” said Renault Australia Managing Director Glen Sealey back in September 2025.Beyond the Scenic E-Tech and updated MY26 Trafic that are already confirmed for Australia, it’s unclear what these other new or updated Renault models will be for our market.“When we look at those six new models to come, there’s a bit of water under the bridge, there’s currency, there’s regulatory changes, there’s tariff changes rolling around the place,” said Sealey.“What I can say … they may vary between now and then.”

Renault Australia has detailed the pricing and specifications for its updated 2026 model year (MY26) Trafic commercial van.The entire 2026 Renault Trafic line-up now gets a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, replacing the previous six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The six-speed manual variants have been discontinued.The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel has also been reworked to adhere to Euro 6 emissions standards but retains the pre-update model’s 125kW and 380Nm outputs.As a result, claimed fuel consumption has dropped to a minimum 6.2L/100km, according to ADR 82/01 testing, depending on the body style. It was previously as low as 6.5L/100km.Additionally the entire range now has a 2500kg braked towing capacity. This is up from 1680kg in the short-wheelbase variants and 1630kg in the long-wheelbase variants.Beyond this, other changes to the Trafic for MY26 includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection across the line-up, adaptive cruise control on the Premium and Lifestyle trims, a driver attention monitor, standard metal bulkhead and middle-seat workstation across the line-up (excludes Crew Pro), plus LED reflector headlights.2026 Renault Trafic pricing Australia2026 Renault Trafic engine and efficiency2026 Renault Trafic standard equipmentTrafic Pro highlights:16-inch steel wheelsLED reflector headlights8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoThree-seat benchBulkhead with glazed window (van only)Middle-seat workstation (van only)Premium adds:Half-painted rear bumperPainted tail-light column7.0-inch digital instrument clusterLED interior lightingCrew Lifestyle adds:Painted side body mouldingPainted rear bumperFive-seat configurationRear under-seat storage2026 Renault Trafic optional equipmentSingle options for the Trafic Pro:Unglazed window on right-sliding door: $800Glazed windows on rear barn doors: $40017-inch alloy wheels: $1000Single options for Trafic Premium:Glazed tailgate window: $NCONo right sliding door: $NCODual sliding doors: $40017-inch alloy wheels: $1000Single options for the Trafic Lifestyle Crew Pro:Tailgate with glazed window: $NCOTrade Pack ($2000, Trafic Pro and Premium):Anti-slip wooden floorCargo area wall liningHeavy-duty batteryAnti-theft spare wheel basketLED interior lightingPeace of Mind Pack ($1200, Trafic Pro):Front fog lightsTyre pressure warningRain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and push-button startWide-view mirrorAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorBusiness Pack ($2200, Trafic Premium):Climate controlTinted rear windows17-inch alloy wheelsHeated driver’s seatSatellite navigationOverspeed preventionPainted side mirror capsPainted body side mouldingsPainted rear bumper2026 Renault Trafic safetyThe Renault Trafic received a ‘Gold’ rating from ANCAP in 2024 with an overall performance score of 69 per cent.Standard safety equipment includes:Six airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Driver attention monitorAdvanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) shortcut buttonQR rescue codeRear parking sensorsReversing cameraPremium adds:Adaptive cruise control2026 Renault Trafic dimensions2026 Renault Trafic warranty and servicing

A new engine from this Geely joint-venture promises 40 per cent lower consumption compared to rivals.