2024 Renault Kangoo E-Tech Reviews

What would be the best way to improve vehicle sales?

Renault recently sealed a huge deal to provide Australia Post with its vans, and the model chosen to replace the existing Mercedes Sprinter fleet is the new Master L1H1.L1H1... it might sound like the name of a terrible virus but it is a new Renault van that helps bridge the gap between the mid-sized Trafic van and its big brother, the Master.The L1H1 Master, which Renault refers to as the Low Roof model, follows the addition of a Master cab chassis model and a high roof van variant to the Australian Renault line-up.It is 500mm shorter than the next smallest Master and its roof is 195mm lower. The smaller footprint makes the van more agile — it has a relatively small turning circle of 12 metres.Renault says the new compact Master is aimed at urban operators making several stops per day, who need a little bit more cargo volume than a Trafic. The L1H1 has 33 per cent more cargo capacity than the long-wheelbase Trafic, which is physically longer than the new Master variant.Its cargo capacity is eight cubic metres, putting it between the 6m3 of the long wheelbase Trafic and the 10.8m3 of the medium wheelbase Master. It has a payload of 1600kg. The L1H1 has seating for three and space for two 1200mm square pallets in the back.There is just one engine, a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (110kW/350Nm). Renault Australia light commercial vehicle manager Lyndon Healey says the L1H1 is a city-friendly van for operators who want decent carrying capacity in a shorter vehicle."The L1H1 is almost the same length as a typical large Australian family sedan, so it can fit into metered parking spaces, a big advantage over some rivals," he says. 

A car that comes with a drone to see what’s causing the traffic snarl ahead, another that accepts deliveries while you’re at work, and a self driving car with seats that face backwards.

Renault’s Clio is a heavy-hitter in the light hot-hatch stakes. The junior hot hatch market is fertile ground for enthusiastic drivers on a budget.

I’ve always been bewildered by motorists who upgrade their cars every couple of years.

The Trafic has been a popular choice for vannies, notching more than 1.6 million sales in the past three decades.The image you see provides a preview glimpse of several of the forthcoming vehicle's features. "Its lines embody Renault's new brand identity with the aim of achieving a dynamic, assertive stance without sacrificing either the robustness or user-friendliness customers expect of their van.The third generation Trafic has focused on meeting the needs of business customers more closely than ever, by providing them with 'Innovation for a Better Life'.The appeal of the van produced by Europe's number one LCV manufacturer since 1998 is boosted by revised styling, new technologies and a range of new engines that benefit from Renault's expertise in the world of Formula 1 racing. 

Renault's Twingo is the latest in a line of iconic city cars from the French manufacturer. But the next generation Twingo, to be released later this year, will also carry the legendary Renault 5 Turbo’s DNA, courtesy of a rear-engined, rear wheel drive layout.The unusual engine placement is the result of a partnership of Renault-Nissan with Smart, which will see the French city car share its underpinnings with the upcomingSmart Fortwo and Forfour. While no engine and transmission details have been released, it’s expected the Twingo could borrow its sibling’s 1.2-litre 66kW turbocharged three cylinder engine, as seen in the entry level Clio.Enthusiasts will be excited about the handling characteristics and agility of a rear-engined Twingo, but the layout also offers smart benefits for those looking for practicality instead. The Twingo is expected to offer plenty of storage space front and rear, and a very sharp turning circle, which would be hard to achieve with a front wheel drive car.Twingo’s modern and fresh lines also hide the fact that for the first time in its 22-year history, the little city car will be available with five doors. But the French Fiat 500 competitor will not lack appeal for it, with proportions of the third generation Twingo evoking the legendary “people’s car” Renault 4 from the 1970s, and first generation Twingo, which were big hits in Europe and in developing countries alike.Inside, the colourful character is expected to continue, with a modern, cheerful dashboard and upholstery to complement the Pop-inspired four colour exterior palette. But Renault wont release the interior look until March 4 at Geneva show, when we will also get more details on personalisation options.Sleek detailing, and playful, customisable character should make the Twingo a winner – but the little French pocket rocket doesn’t have a go ahead for Australia yet.If the business case stacks up for Renault Australia, the Twingo may challenge the $17,990 Great Wall V240 ute as Australia’s cheapest rear wheel drive model. More importantly, it could be a very hard-hitting rival for the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up. 

There are other ways, but they are mostly less flattering. But that could all be about to change is a teaser sketch of the next generation Trafic is anywhere near accurate. Renault has decided to try and create some anticipation for its next generation van, which will go on sale in Europe later this year, by releasing this sketch by company designer Kihyun Jung.If borne out in a production model, the new look would mark a clear change of direction from the Trafic's current rounded design.  The new van's most prominent feature is the hard angled lines of its headlights, which are relatively narrow and lead up into the bonnet. It is an aggressive, masculine theme that is continued on with the shape of the doors and rear window. There are few rounded edges on the sketched vehicle, with kinks used for the window edges adding to a much cleaner and simpler design.The design sketch features a large stylised front bumper that looks like it belongs to a passenger SUV or sports car, with featured fog-lights. It is likely that the production version will have a less complex front bumper that would be easier to replace given the likelihood for dings and scrapes.Renault is not giving away how close the sketch is to the production Trafic, but the fact it has no door join suggests it is more of a loose sketch aimed at outlining the theme of the vehicle. The sketch also has oversized alloy wheels with low profile tyres that are not likely to make it into production.Jung explains the idea behind the sketch: "Its lines embody Renault's new brand identity," Jung says. "My aim was to achieve a dynamic, assertive stance without sacrificing either the robustness or user-friendliness customers expect of their van."

Aimed at those who want the looks, but not the engine performance - or expense - of the spectacular Renault Clio RS 200, a new model called the Renault Clio GT 120 will be introduced to Australia in April.The numbers in the Clios' names indicate their engine output in horsepower - the Europeans don't use kilowatts, probably because hp gives bigger numbers than kW.The drop in power from the 200hp (147kW) of the RS to 120hp (90kW) by the use of a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine in the GT in place of the 1.6 turbo-petrol in the RS will obviously have a significant effect on performance.It's not all bad news, though, because the suspension has been worked over Renault Sport Technologies. The front springs and dampers are respectively 40 per cent and 30 per cent stiffer, while the bump stops have been adapted accordingly. Sounds nice, but we won't have a chance to drive and comment on the new Clio for a couple of months. Stand by for our report immediately afterwards.The Clio GT 120 uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drivers can choose between a number of power steering calibrations and accelerator pedal and dual-clutch automatic transmission mappings. In 'Sport' mode, acceleration is more responsive and gearshifts are sharper.Renault Clio GT 120's body changes see it get a front bumper incorporating LED lights, a sportier rear bumper shape highlighting twin exhaust tailpipes, body-coloured side mouldings with dark metal inserts, dark metal door mirror housings, and extra-tinted rear glass.  There's GT badging beneath the Renault logo at the front and rear. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.Inside, the sport seats have specific upholstery with GT-branded headrests. The upper part of the dashboard features a speckled grey finish, as well as grey trim highlights. The two fixed gearshift paddles are mounted behind the leather-trimmed sports steering wheel.Justin Hocevar, the managing director of Renault Australia, says, "We have been delighted by the successful launch of the award-winning Clio in Australia and we are confident the Clio GT will add a new and very appealing dimension to the range."The Megane range was the first in Australia to introduce the Renault Sport-created GT versions and they have already developed a loyal following. Australia is a strong market for sporty models and the new Clio GT is aimed at a customer looking for a slightly sportier driving experience than the standard Clio," said Hocevar.The new Renault Clio GT will go on sale in April 2014 and full pricing and specifications will be released at that time.Also watch the GT's big brother Clio RS 200 EDC in action on our desktop site. 

We're used to seeing motor show concepts with extreme accessories, but Renault has just taken it to a new height -- airspace level.The French brand's Kwid crossover concept launched at India's Auto Salon includes a remote-control spy drone that launches from a dock at the back of the vehicle's roof and heads out on missions to find you parking spaces, scout for traffic problems and even take a few aerial holiday snaps -- presumably for loading to your social media updates.The quadricopter drone is operated via a tablet in the cabin, but if your passenger doesn't want to play (or you don't want them to get their clumsy mitts on the controls), it can fly in pre-programmed modes using GPS to monitor its path and position.The rugged-looking little Kwid crossover is a three-door hatch with offset positions for three -- the two passengers flanking the driver -- in two-tone elastic strap-design seating Renault says was inspired by birds' nests.Are we going to see the drone offered as an option on future Renaults? It's highly unlikely, with the Kwid being just a show attraction. Which is something of a shame, because it probably does a more reliable job than the onboard satnavs that will lead you astray in many cars. And would definitely be more fun.