Renault 15 Reviews

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

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The premium small car category (starting under $80K) is an interesting one because there are many cars that might not necessarily be cross-shopped, but in one way or another they end up being compared to one another.Our 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards category shortlist saw entrants from Audi, BMW, Cupra, Renault, Smart, Subaru and Volvo. The vehicles range from small petrol hatches all the way to small electric SUVs.Now we’re at the pointy end and it’s time to whittle it down to a winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.This small SUV from Audi is an oldie but a goodie and that’s how it has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best small premium car.CarsGuide reviewers love how the Q3, despite its age, still presents well with a stunning exterior design, while the driving experience is elegant, yet fun.“I think it’s such a neatly executed package, it’s hard to pick faults in that car,” said CarsGuide Deputy Editor James Cleary.However there is a new-generation model set to launch locally in early 2026 that could potentially become the new benchmark for the segment.While this French small electric SUV hasn’t stormed up the sales charts like some of its competitors, it’s a dark horse with charming driving dynamics and a stunning interior design.CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White, who had one for a three-month long-term loan early in 2025, noted it’s a car that moves the Renault brand forward in Australia.In fact, he said that everyone who sat in this tester asked if it was a Kia, which he believes is a massive compliment to the Megane E-Tech.The few things holding this car back are the mediocre AC charging rate, plus the Australian-specification car does miss out on things like connected services, which are offered overseas. Thankfully Renault has committed to addressing the latter with an update in 2026.Although it’s been a couple of years now since the current-generation X1 launched in Australia, it still stands out as a segment benchmark, therefore making it a clear choice for CarsGuide’s best premium small car of 2026.“Previously the Q3 was my favourite in that category, I think the X1 does move the game forward,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White.It not only offers class-leading petrol-powered variants, but the availability of electric powertrains in the same body style. All of them have stellar driving dynamics and high-tech interiors.Additionally, besides its compact exterior dimensions, the X1’s clever interior packaging and available storage space makes it almost feel like a mid-sized SUV. You can see why this is now the best-selling BMW in Australia.

Renault has announced the Duster small SUV is returning to the Indian market in new-generation guise.This Indian-built version of the Renault Duster features some notable differences over the European-built, Australian-specification version.Most notable is slightly different exterior styling, including altered front and rear fascias, revised LED headlights, LED tail-lights that are connected by a rear light bar, ‘Duster’ script written out on the grille instead of ‘Renault’, all-black 18-inch alloy wheels, plus the availability of a panoramic glass sunroof.This Indian-specification Duster is launching in a special Launch Edition guise, which features green exterior paint with yellow highlights.Inside there is a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system that has Google Built-in, interior ambient lighting, plus synthetic leather upholstery with front seat ventilation.Additionally there are new safety features such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go and a proper surround-view camera are offered. This is on top of the standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition.In India three powertrains are set to be offered. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 74kW and 172Nm is mated with a six-speed manual transmission, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 119kW and 280Nm is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as a 1.8-litre hybrid engine.It’s understood all three powertrains offered in this Indian-specification Duster are front-wheel drive only.In Australia the Duster is currently offered with a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch and front-wheel drive, or a 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive."Renault Australia sources Duster from Europe," said a Renault Australia spokesperson. CarsGuide understands there are no foreseeable changes on this. The European-built Renault Duster only launched in Australia in the middle of 2025. Two trim levels are offered – Evolution and Techno – with both powertrains offered on each.Until the end of 2025 a total of 207 examples of the Duster were sold. While this does place it at the lower end of the small SUV segment in terms of outright sales, it did outsell the Jeep Compass (147 sales) and almost the Renault Arkana (226 sales) even with only around six months of sales.