Renault Megane News

Renault believes it can score strongly with the new generation of cars it is producing in the style of Mercedes AMG and BMW M in Europe and Australia's HSV and FPV.Renault sport Technologies is gearing up to more than triple production in coming years, following the success of limited-edition models including the Megane turbo cars which have been a big hit in Australia.It already has go-faster Clio and Megane models and is planning to expand the range with RS models based on other cars in the Renault family, including the baby Twingo and the upcoming four-wheel drive known at present as Koleos.The overseas sales chief of Renault sport, Jean Calcat, has just visited Australia and can see strong potential for his company's cars.“One of the objectives of the Renault sport business unit is, within five years, we want to move from 15,000 units to 50,000. That is a three-fold increase, which is by no means easy,” Calcat says.“Renault sport is a brand, but it is practically unknown. The idea is to improve the brand the way Mercedes has with AMG.“In Australia we are only marketing the Megane, so I personally do have a lot of hope in this country and this country's customers.”One of the first opportunities is with the compact Clio, which was dropped by Renault Australia but is being considered for a comeback in 2008.A Renault sport model might make the difference.“Right now we are studying with Renault Australia a Clio RS,” Calcat says. “We can sell this car with a bigger profit than the regular range.“An enthusiast will pay for his toys and at the same time there is less competition.“We have named the special edition Clio the R27, following the Megane R26 with a link to the Renault team in Formula One. It is a car which is not yet in the Australian market.“I understand it may come in the future. I am pushing a lot.“The management of Renault Australia is quite excited about the project. But they want first to ensure the successful launch of the R26.”Beyond the Megane and Clio, Calcat says there are significant expansion plans including a full range of Renault sport GT cars to sit below the existing RS models.“One of the things we want to do is position the RS as the exclusive cars they are today, and then launch a GT label. “For us, it will be in order to bridge the gap between the exclusive RS and the, should I say it, more mundane models.“The idea is really to develop the sale of RS derivatives. This kind of car helps us boost our awareness and image where there is not a high profit.“The main objective is to develop a range of cars that appeal to enthusiasts and create a link between motorsport success and mainstream cars.” 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

But the offer does come with conditions: GM Holden spokesman John Lindsay says the money-back guarantee must be taken up within 30 days or when the mileage hits 1500km, whichever comes first.

Keeping in step with the dramatic increase in popularity of diesel-powered passenger cars in Australia this year, Renault has rushed two new diesels into its model line-up.The bustle-backed Megane II range will be boosted to include a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel, while the Laguna gains a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.Both engines are Renault's latest dCi designs, are Euro-IV emissions level compliant and use common-rail technology pressurised to 1350 bar, ensuring fuel is injected into the cylinders in minute droplets for more complete combustion.Advanced "multi-vane" turbocharger technology means the engine responds quickly to the throttle at low speeds but when the pace picks up, it behaves like a larger turbo with plenty of urge for highway overtaking.Did someone say frugal? European tests have yielded a micro-car sized appetite of just 4.6 litres/100 kms during highway running from the manual Megane 1.9dCi.The first car in the world to be awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by the Euro-NCAP testers, the Laguna has seen some minor interior and exterior revisions to enhance its appeal.The Megane II has received a more extensive visual makeover and now comes with the latest-generation 8.0 Bosch ABS, complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist which ensure that maximum use is made of the car's braking power when you need it most.

1. You have just launched a Megane Phase II in Australia. How important is the car? "We think it's an exciting new product. Megane is a large part of the business, if you think about the Cabriolet, Scenic and Renault Sport models in addition to the basic hatch and sedan." 2. Renault has also decided to make Electronic Stability Control standard across the Megane. Why? "The beauty of ESP is that it takes a driver of average ability and gives them well over average abilities in an emergency situation. It really is a silver bullet. "Research by Renault has shown the benefits of ESP are substantial, with an estimated 35 per cent reduction in single-vehicle accidents attributed to the fitment of ESP." 3. What is the cost of ESP and do you think Renault will get a benefit when GM Holden also makes it standard on the VE Commodore? "It is about a $1000 package. We asked France what the cost was, and whether it could be across the range. So it was a local initiative. "I think it will reinforce the buying decision and what it will do is keep Renault on the consideration set. "We wanted to put a mark on the market that's a little bit different. This certainly gives us the opportunity. I think Holden coming onto the market with ESP will reinforce our decision. Our timing was more about Series II Megane than when Holden were going to launch." 4. So, is Renault trying to be the new Volvo on the safety front? "The difference is that Renault is about safety with fun. And you cannot be 'the' safe one, beacuse most people perceive safety with all cars. "We're not looking to be the new Volvo, but it's such an integral part of renault that we should shout it. "We try to make safety as much fun as possible. It's good to be serious, but it's also good to have fun while being serious." 5. Your sales prediction this year is about 3000 cars yet Renault originally forecast 7500 by now. What has gone wrong? "We're not happy. But that's in line with our forecasting. "It's all well and good to target 7500 but you have got to have product and resources. Those things didn't get. "We have some aggressive plans for the future. Going ahead, we have a solid base and we will grow from there. We will go ahead. "It's always an element of frustration. But I am a patient man. And we do have to walk before we run, and I think we are walking constructively. I would rather do the job properly. 6. What have you got in the pipeline? "Other brands have the advantage of a large carpark, so their service can carry them. Our carpark is about 17,000 cars now, and it's growing, but we cannot sustatin our profitability without giving a chance of new cars. "We have the Scenic II and diesel engines next year. "We're looking for a double banger. We'll have the grand Scenic seven- seater and five-seater, and diesel. "Renault also has plans for 26 new models between now and 2009. They will be into areas which are more global and less European."

The Megane Sport Cup is distinguished by larger 18-inch smoky grey alloys and joins the Clio Cup edition as a flag carrier for the French marque Down Under.In launching the new addition, Renault Australia said it was responding to criticism that the standard Megane Sport, although powered by same 165kW turbocharged engine, was "too soft" in the handling department.The Cup addresses this criticism, with recalibrated springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, all designed to reduce the amount of body roll in corners.Front and rear Brembo disc brakes have been drilled to provide better cooling, optimum operation in wet conditions and a reduction in unsprung mass.Renault said it had put considerable work into improving the immediacy and rate of response to brake pedal movement.The diameter of the master cylinder has been increased from 23.8mm to 25.4mm, which in turn gives it a better pedal feel.In addition, electronic brake assistance has been deleted to allow drivers to make the most of the vehicle's braking potential.Although the electronic stability control system, designed to keep the driver from losing control, cannot be switched off completely, it has also been toned down to be less intrusive.If this all sounds like just what the doctor ordered, we can report the results are a tangible improvement.Although some have issues with the styling, the car looks tougher and goes harder, with electronics that kick in only at the very limits of physical adherence.It's still not anywhere near as quick as a WRX, with 0-100km/h taking 6.5 seconds, but it is a satisfying drive nevertheless – figures mean little in the real world.The Cup edition will appeal to those looking for something a little different.Megane Sport Cup comes out of Renault's Dieppe plant and at this stage, is available only as a five-door hatch.However, a three-door version is under consideration.The car is identical to European specified vehicles, apart from the absence of a tyre pressure monitoring system.Renault Australia boss Rudi Koenig said the Clio Cup was the most successful "cult" car in the range and it is hoped that the Megane Cup will emulate this success."We hope this vehicle will replicate this in the larger, higher priced segment with people who want a bit more and have a bit more to spend," he said.The Cup edition introduces a new electric power assisted steering system.It is designed to provide a more positive feel around the steering centre-point.Driving precision is improved thanks to the transmission of better feel from the road surface.As in the Megane Renault Sport, the Cup is powered by the F4Rt 2.0-litre, 16 valve turbocharged engine jointly developed by Renault's Powertrain Engineering Department and Renault Sport Technologies.The four cylinder engine develops 165kW of power at 5500rpm and 300Nm of torque at 3000rpm, with 90 per cent of torque available between 2000 and 6000rpm.The engine is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox.There is no auto.Megane Renault Sport Cup is available in one specification with a recommended retail price of $42,990, $3000 more than the standard Megane Sport. 

But Renault Australia operations director Rudi Koenig admits Megane sales have been slow. He says: "We are disappointed with Megane sedan and hatch sales, but it takes time and we need to have consistency."Koenig says, however, Renault is confident the recent launch of the company's hot hatches – the Clio and Megane sports – will give the brand a boost as will the all-new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, a car that is seen as very important to the brand's success.The cabriolet is the first car in the world to feature a fully folding glass roof and is priced from $47,990 for the manual. It is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine found in the hatch and sedan, which produces 98kW of power at 5500rpm and 191Nm or torque at 3750rpm.The cabriolet comes with a Nissan-sourced 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.It shares the same face of the hatch and sedan but its unique cabriolet styling sets it apart and its rear remains distinctly cheeky.Looking at it from behind, the cabriolet's curvy rear end is shaped by the prominent curves that roll in at the sides to a sleek and slim roof line. It has a five-star European crash-test rating and features front, side and anti-submarining airbags.It has two fixed roll bars in the rear, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist. The steering column is collapsible and covered by deformable plastic, the brake pedal folds away in the event of a collision and foot padding on both the driver and passenger sides protects the occupants' tibias and ankles.It is 50 per cent stiffer than its predecessor and feels solid on the road, more so than the sedan. The steering is on the heavy side but adds to the overall feel of the car on the road, which points in well. The cabriolet doesn't have traction or stability control but even in torrential rain did not appear to need it. Understeer was minimal and predictable.With the poor conditions it was only possible to have the roof down for about 50kms but that was enough to impress. At the push of a button the fully automatic roof folds away. No flexing noises or rattles were heard, no scuttle shake felt and steering kickback was minimal.With the roof down, wind interruption was not overbearing at 110km/h (the windows were up) and despite the drizzly conditions was not unpleasant. With the roof up it was surprisingly quiet inside the cabin, despite the full glass roof.The automatic version was responsive, kicked down easily for overtaking and used the available rev range. The height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel made finding a good driving position easy.The glass roof makes the interior bright and comes with a retractable blind for use in full sun. It also features a tint that blocks out 95 per cent of UV rays.The cabriolet has a large, airconditioned glovebox, a deep centre-console and door-panel storage. The boot has 490 litres of space when the roof is up, which shrinks to 190L when the roof is down, but is still enough to fit luggage for day trips.Koenig says Renault is considering both diesel and turbo variants in the future but adds that breaking back into the Australian market has been tough.He says: "Our success in Australia has been slower than we would have liked. But that is what tends to happen – you have a strong start, then it slows down and then will gradually build back up."(Selling) 3350 cars is not really profitable. We have 25 dealers in Australia but until last month they were only selling 250 cars a month, which was causing the dealers some concern. The name is well-known but the dealers make their money from used cars, parts and service and finance."That is what they need and they don't have the car park (used cars) out the back and the cars sold have only been sold in the past few years so there is not much money in service."Koenig says the company has cut back on advertising to reduce costs. However, it hopes to sell 30 cabriolets a month.