Renault News

Renault has unveiled its all-new Captur small SUV, following in the footsteps of the new-generation Clio hatchback unveiled earlier this year.

The next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution could share a platform and hybrid drivetrain with the next Renault Megane RS, if a report from Autocar UK is to be believed. Reportedly due in around 2022 and using the same CMF-C/D F4 platform as the next Megane, Mitsubishi will apparently aim to get back to its performance car roots with the next generation of Lancer Evolution. The next Evo will reportedly use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine boosted by a 48V mild-hybrid drivetrain, producing about 255kW of power and 450Nm of torque and be capable of a sub-5.0 second sprint from 0-100km/h. According to the report, the Evolution’s revival is part of Mitsubishi chairman Osamu Masuko’s plan to restore the Japanese maker to its previous position of strength within the performance car ranks. Previous plans to make a next-generation Evo were put on hold thanks to heavy financial losses at the company and its purchase by Nissan in 2016, but thanks to the Renault-Nissan alliance, such a product - and a regular Lancer small car - are more feasible. While the Lancer has stopped production for the western world, in markets like Taiwan it received a facelift and a name change to Grand Lancer. The Grand Lancer will possibly stick around until the next generation of the car is revealed.

Renault has unveiled its new Triber seven-seat small SUV - a vehicle built primarily for emerging markets.Measuring just 3990mm long and 1739mm wide, the Triber is both shorter and skinnier than the current generation Clio light hatch, yet offers 625 litres of boot space with the third row folded. According to Renault, the Triber offers more than 100 seating combinations.Powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 67kW/96Nm, the Triber is available with either a manual or automated manual transmission, both with five speeds.The Triber comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and body cladding for a tougher look, as well as more protection against the bad roads Tribers will likely be driven on. The inside of the Triber uses a number of parts from other Renault models such as the Captur.  Available tech includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 3.5-inch driver’s display, LED daytime running lights and keyless start. Air vents with fan controls and USB sockets feature in all three rows of seats for 'extra comfort', according to Renault. Power windows and mirrors are also standard. Aimed at price sensitive markets such as India, safety kit is lacklustre at best. Equipment such as AEB (auto emergency braking) is unavailable and only a maximum of four airbags are fitted - the third row of seating is disappointingly not covered by potentially life-saving safety kit.Because of its budget focus, the Triber will not be offered in Australia or other first-world global markets. Pricing is due to start in India at around R500,000 (AUD$10,400).Should Renault sell the Triber in Australia? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Renault Australia has discontinued the entry-level Life and Zen variants from its Megane small car range - a move that increases the price of entry to the Megane line-up by $10,500.But like Holden’s recent decision to cull the Astra range to just a hatchback body-style, Renault has also killed off the Megane sedan and wagon locally.This leaves just the Megane GT-Line, GT and RS (Renault Sport) variants left, though the Megane RS Trophy and RS Trophy-R are due to be added later in 2019. Megane sales have slowed to a trickle in 2019 with just 15 sold to the end of May, according to VFACTS. This pales in comparison with the Mazda3 (12,682 units), Toyota Corolla (11,882) and Hyundai i30 (11,033). Sales of the Megane Sport range are more positive, with 155 sold in the same time period, although Renault Australia’s sales are down 20.7 per cent year on year to 3054 units. While slow sales are likely the reason to the Megane range’s culling, Renault Australia is also preparing to introduce the Kadjar small SUV that will sit between the Captur and Koleos. Due in late 2019, the Kadjar is based on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai and is likely to be priced from around $27,000.

Renault has revealed its third-generation Zoe electric vehicle (EV), promising an increased driving range, more power and enhanced technology.

Renault has updated its Koleos medium SUV with tweaked exterior styling, technology upgrades and two new diesel engines.

Fiat Chrysler has withdrawn its US$35 billion dollar merger offer with Renault, blaming "difficult political conditions" with the French government.

The latest iteration of Renault’s wild Trophy-R Megane – the most powerful and race-ready road-going variant offered by the brand – has again conquered rivals at Germany’s hallowed Nurburgring circuit.

Renault has launched updates for its Master large van and Trafic medium van, which will be updated in late 2019. Upgrades are focused mostly on drivetrains, the most important news being the Trafic is now available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is currently only available with a six-speed manual. Drivetrains on the Trafic and Master have been updated. The Trafic is now only available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in 89kW, 108kW and 126kW power forms.The 2.0L replaced the former 1.6-litre unit, while the Master features an upgraded 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine. Both models have received attention in their cabins with the Master picking up a new dashboard design, and the Trafic new materials and new multimedia screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Both models have also received light styling changes with new bumpers, revised headlights with LED lighting, and new wheel designs. Safety kit has been upgraded with AEB now an option on the Trafic, and features like blind-spot monitoring will be available on the Master. Renault has also launched the Master ZE (zero emissions), which uses the 33kWh battery pack and 57kW electric motor from the Zoe EV. Aimed at city van drivers, it has an electronically-limited top speed of 100km/h and a real world range of 120km. It can be recharged in around six hours. Renault Australia has confirmed the Master and Trafic will be launched locally in the fourth quarter of 2019, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. 

Renault has unveiled the updated Alaskan ute in Europe for 2019 with upgraded powertrains, new tech and revised suspension for increased payload. Central to the changes is that upgraded rear suspension setup, which has increased the Alaskan’s carrying capability by 120kg to 1100kg. The Alaskan can still tow up to 3500kg. Despite upgraded carrying capacity, Renault says that the Alaskan's ride quality is more comfortable than before and features less vibrations because of the revamped suspension. It's a similar story to what's happened with the Nissan Navara, which the Renault ute is based upon - that ute is now three-revisions deep in its lifecycle.Other upgrades include the powertrain, which is a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine in either 120kW/425Nm single-turbo or 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo forms. As before, a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic is available. The Alaskan has also earned new equipment such as auto emergency braking (AEB), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a 360-degree parking camera and a high-end sound system.Despite the Alaskan’s upgrades, it is still yet to be confirmed for local sales. Renault Australia marketing director Emma Pinwill said that the company “desperately wants a pick-up.”“Renault understands there is demand to introduce a pick-up to Australian shores to compete in an important segment in the local market, and Renault Australia is working with the global team on the business case to support the introduction of a vehicle here,” said Ms Pinwill.“It takes a lot of regional and global support to get any product introduced to a new market and the case for a pickup in Australia is still under study. The most important thing for Renault to consider is the need to have the right vehicle for the Australian market and its consumers.”Renault Australia sales are due to be boosted by the arrival of the Kadjar small SUV in the second quarter of 2019, new Trafic and Master vans in the fourth quarter of 2019, as well as the new Clio hatchback in 2020.