Renault 17 Reviews

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.

Battery recycling will take on an increasingly important role in electric vehicle production and sustainability as more EVs hit the roads. 

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.

The Renault/Nissan alliance will lean deeper into their ties in China for ultra-rapid vehicle development, according to a new report from industry source Automotive News.While Nissan has been open about its need to lean into its Chinese joint-ventures for rapid global vehicle development off the back of a range of successful models in China, its alliance partner Renault has started the process of decoupling from its Chinese ventures.However, the French giant maintains a development centre in Shanghai, established in 2019, from which it leverages the Chinese market’s speed and competitiveness to develop next-gen electric cars and hybrids.According to Automotive News the development cycle of these new models is just 16 months from concept to production, as part of a push by Renault to be more competitive with Chinese brands making rapid inroads into Europe.Brands like GWM, BYD, and Chery have ultra-rapid design cycles that often shorten generational changes to well below the usual seven-to-10 year mark that traditional automakers often stick to, with updates and facelifts regularly rolled out.The first models to benefit from the knowhow of the Shanghai development centre are a range of new city cars based on the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech. The electrified city car will spawn an equivalent Nissan (the next-generation Micra) and a low-cost spin-off for the Dacia brand.It will mean the Twingo is designed in France, built in Slovenia, with spin-offs developed in Shanghai.The model is the company’s most affordable mainstream electric car, with the equivalent of an AU$33,446 starting price in Europe. In the same vein as a BYD Atto 1, the Twingo is equipped with a 60kW electric motor, features 263km of driving range and has a relatively impressive 360-litre boot.Part of Renault’s mission with the retro Twingo was to reduce weight for an electric car, thereby having a lower rate of energy consumption and requiring smaller batteries which form a bit part of the cost. To that end, the city hatch has an LFP battery with just 27.5kWh capacity, which is smaller than some plug-in hybrids.The battery is so small the car doesn't even come with DC charging capability, but a 50kW DC port can be optionally equipped, reducing charge time to just 30 minutes. It can also optionally be equipped with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing a power output of up to 3700W for external devices.It is unclear whether Renault’s Australian importer has designs on the Twingo, although it has previously stated it plans for Renault to be primarily an electric car brand going forward, earmarking re-badged Dacia models (like the recently-launched Duster) as the future of its combustion cars.Meanwhile, Renault has effectively exited the Chinese domestic market, wrapping up its joint-venture with Dongfeng. It has various strategic interests in Asia, including a partnership with Geely on a spin-off combustion engine business, Horse Powertrain, and it has re-configured its South Korean manufacturing base.Formerly Renault Samsung Motors, the Korean factory is now also a joint-venture with Geely, which produces new Renault models for the global market, as well as vehicles under the Geely umbrella, like the Polestar 4.Horse Powertrain, meanwhile, will build engines in Europe and China for Renault and Geely models, as well as for Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Lynk & Co, Proton and even Mitsubishi.French brands have struggled to compete in Australia's new-car landscape that's being re-defined by aggressive Chinese carmakers.Renault sales were down 17.8 per cent by the end of 2025 compared with 2024, while arch-rival Peugeot fared even worse, down 28.8 per cent in the same period.Citroen, meanwhile, exited Australia in November 2024 after 102 years following a long period of slow sales.

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

Renault has officially revealed its new flagship SUV.The Filante will launch in South Korea in March 2026, before heading to South America and the Gulf states in the 12 months following.We still have no details on a potential Australia launch, but it has been tipped for “global ambition” by the brand and is manufactured in right-hand drive in South Korea, which are good signs.Renault Australia has been contacted for comment as to whether we could see the Filante launch in Australia and when that might be.We have also got new details on the Filante and its specifications.It gets an upgraded hybrid set-up, which uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors.To power the wheels, there is a petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm, along with one electric motor producing 100kW and 320Nm.This set-up combines for a total system output of 184kW and 565Nm.The other electric motor starts the petrol engine and keeps the 1.64kWh lithium-ion battery charged.Renault said fuel economy should sit about 4.6L/100km on the Filante.New photos reveal the Filante’s striking exterior design, with a sloping roofline and rear spoiler, along with cut-out grooves on the bonnet and doors.There is a panoramic glass roof and “lounge-style seats”, with three digital screens spanning across the dashboard.The Filante will come with emergency steering assist, a smart rearview mirror and full automatic parking as part of gear available on the new SUV.It will be built on a Geely-developed CMA platform, which underpins vehicles such as the Volvo XC40, Renault Grand Koleos, Polestar 2 and several Lynk and Co models.The Filante will be built at the brand's Busan, South Korea, facility.Renault has already confirmed its Scenic E-Tech SUV down under, which falls under its' ‘International Game Plan 2027’.The Filante is also part of this game plan for the brand.As part of Renault’s strategy, the brand is targeting one in three sales outside of Europe to be for hybrid or electric vehicles by 2027.