1984 Renault Fuego Reviews

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

Such is the ferocity of our SUV obsession, the ubiquitous high-riders now demand an entire "most exciting cars of the new year" list of their very own.

Fiat Chrysler has withdrawn its US$35 billion dollar merger offer with Renault, blaming "difficult political conditions" with the French government.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

With sharp launch pricing of $29,990 driveaway for ABN holders, the Life's low-cost specification certainly hits a sweet spot.

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. 

Renault Australia has released an upgraded Megane RS range for the 2019 model year, priced from $45,990 plus on-road costs.The 2019 Megane RS range has been split into two models - Sport and Cup - for a more streamlined range. The Cup is also now available as a six-speed dual-clutch auto. Standard kit on the Megane RS Sport includes an 8.7-inch portrait multimedia system with satellite navigation, 19-inch alloy wheels, '4Control' four-wheel steering, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic parking, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, distance warning and AEB, heated/auto-folding mirrors and automatic LED headlights and wipers.Replacing the previously optional Cup pack is the full-time Megane RS Cup, which adds a 10 per cent stiffer chassis than the Sport, as well as a mechanical limited-slip front differential, dark 19-inch alloy wheels and bi-material brakes. Sport DCT and all Cup models are now equipped with a Bose sound system and alcantara/leather upholstery as standard. Metallic paint is available for $800 ($1000 for ‘Liquid Yellow’ or ‘Tonic Orange’) and a panoramic sunroof is $1990 (unavailable on Sport manual). 

Renault Australia has reintroduced a five-year/unlimited km warranty on the Renault Sport Megane - more commonly known as the Megane RS - almost a year after it was reduced to three years. The longer warranty applies to just the Megane RS, which is the only new Renault Sport product on sale in Australia currently - the Clio RS is in runout. Megane RS models purchased after today, May 1st 2019, will feature the five-year warranty as standard, matching the standard Renault range. The reduction to three years' cover came in May 2018 when Renault’s international head office made the call for all Renault Sport products to be equipped with a three-year/unlimited km warranty term. The company received backlash for the move, and is perhaps the reason as to why it has been reinstated. The upgraded warranty of Renault Sport products now matches regular Renault models, as well as competitors from Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda, Honda and Ford, along with alliance partner Nissan. The Megane RS is priced competitively for a high-performance hatch, listing at $44,990 plus on-road costs. Perhaps the reinstatement of a longer warranty will help it secure more sales, as it has averaged just 30 cars per month so far in 2019.

Renault has previewed its new-generation small van with the unveiling of the all-electric Kangoo ZE Concept, which could launch in production form as early as next year.