Renault Kangoo E-Tech Reviews

AUSTRALIAN motorists love compact SUVs which have taken over as the new family vehicle. The segment is one of the few experiencing growth and it's no wonder with 25 models available with a range of variants with diesel power, manual and automatic transmissions, plenty of cargo space and room for a family of five and even their pooch.Today every maker needs a compact SUV in their range. Over at Volkswagen Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says:. "The Tiguan is one of the volume sellers in our plan to become a significant player in Australia."The current Tiguan's about to be replaced by a second-generation model and is in short supply as is the Toyota RAV4 so they couldn't make this comparison of five compact petrol-powered automatic SUVs that includes top sellers, a European and the two emerging Korean models.We asked the Tranter family - Ross and Julie and their children, Joshua, 7, and Samantha, 5 - to come with us for a drive through city traffic, highway touring, rural roads and a picnic in the country in our full-day comparison test. They own a Mazda2 and admit that in a couple of years they will look at an upgrade, possibly to a compact SUV.VALUEPricing and feature fit-out is keen in this highly competitive category. Our five vehicles are mid to high spec, according to what was available from the manufacturer, but they only vary in price by $5000 from the Hyundai ix35 at $35,490 to the Subaru Forester at $40,490 which comes with a comprehensive info/navigation/entertainment system with reversing camera.The Renault Koleos is listed at $36,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with a leather package ($2500) that includes black leather seats, electric driver's seat, heated front seats and quick-release rear folding seats. It also comes standard with a built-in Tom Tom navigation system, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a chilled glovebox.The top-spec Kia Sportage Platinum is fitted out at similar levels to the Hyundai. It costs an extra $1230 but adds rain-sensing wipers. Both have rear parking sensors, sunroof, rearview camera, auto headlights, fog lamps (front only on Kia) and heated side mirrors.In the middle is the X-Trail at $38,490 with roof rails, auto climate control and cooled/heated cup holders.All come with what are considered essentials in a family car these days - remote locking, cruise control, comprehensive stereo connectivity for Bluetooth phones and iPods, fog lights and climate airconditioning.Resale values are similar, but slightly better for the Renault and Subaru at 54 per cent and the lowest was the X-trail at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of all these models are four-cylinder petrol engines of similar capacity. Even though the Hyundai and Kia share a 2.4-litre engine compared with the 2.5-litre units in the others, power and torque are almost the same across the group.Power varies only 5kW from 125kW in the X-Trail to 130kW in the Koreans and torque 9Nm from 226Nm in the Koleos and X-Trail to 235Nm in the Forester. All models also offer a diesel variant which are worth considering for economy if you're doing long distances and for their driveability. The Forester transmission is an old-fashioned four-speed auto, while the Koreans have six-speed torque-converter automatics; the X-Trail and Koleos have continuously variable transmissions with six selectable steps.Most are front-wheel drive switching to all-wheel drive when they sense rear-wheel slip, while the Subaru is permanent all-wheel drive. All have hill descent control and hill-start assist, but only the Renault, X-Trail and the Koreans have a locking diff function.Economy is fairly close across the group but interestingly the X-trail is the best at 9.1 litres per 100km compared with 9.5L/100km in the Koleos which runs the same engine, but weighs about 80kg more. The Koleos also requires 95Ron fuel.If towing is important, the X-Trail and Koleos have 2000kg capacity compared with 1600kg in the Koreans and 1400kg for the Subaru.DESIGNThe group can be split into two on styling - the boxy Nissan and Subaru versus the more curvaceous Hyundai, Renault and Kia. It comes down to taste, but the Tranters liked the "modern" look of the ix35."I like a car with a lot of curves," says Julie.To us the X-Trail and Subaru are starting to look a little old-fashioned, even though both have had major makeovers only a couple of years ago. Of the "rounded" models the Kia has a little more pizzazz with LED daytime running lights and coupe-like rear roofline.Statistics for cargo space never give a real-world indication of how much luggage can be fitted, but with picnic baskets, esky and our photographer's kit bags loaded, all seemed to hold a fair bit of gear. The Renault is the only model with a split rear tailgate which Ross liked, but Julie thought it would make it more difficult to reach luggage items at the back of the cargo area. However she liked the underfloor storage area with slide-out tray in the Nissan."I'd probably use it as a permanent storage area for sunscreen, the kids' hats and snacks," she says.The X-Trail's cargo floor was the only one in the group not carpeted, a virtue according to Nissan for outdoor types. In the cabin, the Nissan again looked a little tired, while the others appeared modern and fresh, although the Renault is a little quirky and difficult to get used to all those knobs and controls. The Tranters found cabin space good in all but praised the Subaru for having the best legroom space in the rear for the kids in their booster chairs.SAFETYAs a fire and rescue officer, Ross Tranter places a strong emphasis on safety."There are things I've seen at crash scenes that I'd rather forget," he says.The Tranters own a Mazda2 and bought the top spec just for the extra airbags in the back, so they were impressed that all models, except the XTrail, get a five-star safety rating with full-length curtain airbags and stability control.They also commended all for their good forward visibility and praised the Kia and Hyundai for their reversing camera conveniently located in the centre mirror. There was high praise, too, for the high driving position of all, which at least gave them a feeling of safety.All vehicles come with three anchor points in the rear, but the Tranters found the Subaru was the only vehicle that was easy to fit the seats as the belt clasps were not spaced wide enough in the others. On the theft safety front, the Subaru also has Data Dot protection.DRIVINGIt was the Tranters' ninth wedding anniversary but they enjoyed our test loop through Brisbane city and out into the country for a picnic, then later McDonalds for the kids. Stepping up from their Mazda2 to the compact SUVs was easy for the Tranters who commented that they liked the high seating position and good forward visibility of all models.They liked the Subaru: easy to drive, plenty of room in the back for the kids, a big boot and a quiet and comfortable ride. They found the Hyundai a bit noisy on some surfaces, comfortable with a lot of extras they enjoyed but they didn't feel it was as stable as the Nissan in the dirt. Praise came for the Renault's handling and steering feedback."I didn't feel like I wasn't in total control at any time. It's not wanting for power either. I could put my foot down and it was there when I wanted it," Ross commented. Julie found the Renault's quirky controls a bit confusing to start with. And Ross didn't like the Kia's seat. "It has good support down low but not up high."We found the Koreans' automatic gearboxes had to work hard to keep things humming along, while the Forester, Koleos and X-Trail felt more lively and responsive, even the Subaru with its four-speed box. We're no great fans of continuously variable transmissions, but the CVT boxes in the Renault and Nissan are among the best we have driven and kept the revs in the sweet spot for difficult terrain.Most of these will tackle a rough bush track and even a beach, but be aware they are not meant for heavy duty off-roading. Subaru is fitted with Yokohama Geolanders which we have found the best compromise between highway and track. The Forester also has the best ground clearance at 220mm while the Koreans have the lowest at 170mm (Hyundai) and 172mm (Kia), but you should take into account a load and passengers will reduce these clearances.VERDICTIf rough country roads were on our agenda, we'd pick the Subaru or X-Trail as both vehicles not only handled the terrain with poise but also gave a feeling of being solidly built and reliable. The Renault has the same X-Trail underpinnings and urges you to have a go at the rough stuff thanks to a pretty slick engine/transmission combination and slightly more compliant suspension. It is a much under-rated vehicle with only 310 sold fo far this year.Most of the vehicles in this class are suburban run-arounds doing the grocery, school and sports ground circuit. Here, the modern styling of the French and Korean models look the part. For the record, the Tranters liked the style of the Hyundai but when it came to family practicalities their vote unanimously went for the Subaru for its space, comfort and quiet ride.SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS PREMIUMPrice: $40,490Engine: 126kW/235Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.3L/100km  CO2: 220g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1400 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr, unlimited kmService: 12,500 or 6 mnthsResale: 54%NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-LPrice: $38,490Engine: 125Kw/226nM 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmisson: CVT, 4WDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.1L/100km  CO2: 214g/kmSafety: 4-stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr/100,000km, roadside ass.Service: 6 mnths/10,000kmResale: 50%HYUNDAI ix35 2.4 HIGHLANDERPrice: $35,490Engine: 130W/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 219g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr, unltd kmService: annual or 15,000kmResale: 52%KIA SPORTAGE 2.4 PLATINUMPrice: $36,720Engine: 130kW/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 221g/kmSafety: 5-stars, 6-airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd kmService: 1-yr or 15,000kmResale: 52%RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUEPrice: $36,990 ($40,290 as tested)Engine: 126kW/226Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: CVT, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.5L/100km  CO2: 228g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd km, roadside assistService: 1-yr or 10,000kmResale: 54%SHOWROOM SUCCESSSALES success in the highly competitive compact SUV category is fickle, changing every month. Nissan X-Trail was the leader in June, Hyundai ix35 in May, Subaru Forester in February, April and July, Toyota RAV4 in January and March.So far this year Subaru Forester is the top seller with 7574, even though sales are down 13.1 per cent on last year. This repeats its top-selling success in the category since 2008. The new Hyundai ix35 was second with 6806, RAV4 third (6472), X-Trail fourth (6430) and Dualis fifth (5156). Despite the Renault Koleos being a Nissan X-Trail with French dressing, it has sold only 310 so far this year to rank 20th out of 25 models in the category.The compact SUV segment is one of the few recording growth with an increase of 2.1 per cent so far this year while the SUV category is down 2.9 per cent and the total new vehicle market is down 5.9 per cent. The only faster-growing categories are luxury SUVs (317.4 per cent) and utes (6.2 per cent).SAFE AND GREENOWNERS of any of our tested vehicles can rest assured they are safe and green. They all have six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes as a minimum, while some have more driver aids such as Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management which adds steering assistance in low-traction situations. All get a five-star crash rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program, except the X-Trail which was last tested in 2007 and scored four stars.The Australian Green Vehicle Guide gives all vehicles better than average scores for greenhouse air pollution and economy. The Kia and Hyundai score closely because they basically have the same drivetrain. The Hyundai scores 6 greenhouse rating out of 10 and 8.5 for air pollution gaining four stars. The Kia scores a 5.5 greenhouse rating because its CO2 levels are 2g/km higher. Next is the Subaru with 6 for greenhouse emissions, 6.5 for air pollution for 3.5 stars and Koleos with 5.5, 6.5 and 3.5 stars. There are no results listed for the X-Trail.Most of these models have been around for a while in some shape or form and are good buying second-hand. Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are the only used compact SUVs rated as a "safe pick" by the Automobile clubs of Australia. In their recent annual buyer's guide to used car safety ratings, they gave five stars to the Forester (02-08) and CR-V (02-06). Four stars were awarded to the Kia Sportage (98-03), Toyota RAV4 (06-09), Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (01-06), CR-V (97-01), Forester (97-02), Suzuki Grand Vitara (99-05) and RAV4 (01-06).

The number of small delivery vans has grown dramatically in the past few years. Like Doctor Who's Tardus they're bigger inside than you think and often fit the bill better than a larger van, with offerings from VW, Holden, Peugeot and Renault — to name a few.VALUEFor $25,990 driveaway Renault's recently updated Kangoo runaround represents excellent value. For the same price you can have either the 1.6-litre petrol version with a four-speed auto or the 1.5-litre turbo diesel with a five-speed manual transmission.DESIGNThe new Kangoo is built on the Scenic people mover platform and offers a greater level of driving refinement, not to mention a surprisingly high driving position. Longer and wider than before, the diesel can swallow 3.0 cubic metres and carry a payload of up to 800kg, compared with the previous model's 2.75 cu m and 530kg. It's also significantly more than the petrol version's 650kg.Unlike some competitors, however, it comes in only the one length or wheelbase with a single sliding side access door. The kerb-side sliding door provides 635mm of access, while the rear barn-style doors open wide for bulkier items. Six tie-down points are provided in the rear.A driver's airbag is standard along with four-wheel disc brakes, with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). Sadly, electronic stability control remains an option and is available only with the petrol model. Bluetooth and cruise control with a speed limiter are standard. The equipment list is generous and you can stream audio from your Bluetooth phone.A load area liner and load area lighting complete the package. Kangoo comes with a 3-year 150,000km warranty which includes roadside assistance.TECHNOLOGYKangoo's 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine generates 63kW of power at 3750 revs and 200Nm of torque from a low 1900 revs. Offering class leading fuel economy of 5.2 litres/100km, with a 60-litre tank it has a range of well over 1000km. The engine is quiet and smooth thanks to a double flywheel damper, multi injection cycle and specially designed engine mounts.DRIVINGOur test vehicle the 1.5-litre turbo diesel was a real surprise packet, small and manoeuvrable and quite nippy. The elevated driving position, big windows and large exterior mirrors provide plenty of vision and the large wide opening doors make getting in and out a snack. Unlike larger diesels there's a limit to the amount of torque available and this means having to change down on steeper hills.We got 5.9 litres/100km over a distance of almost 500km during testing. Because the cabin is not physically separated from the load area the van is quiet noisy inside and it is difficult to strike a balance between hot and cold with the airconditioning.The seating position is comfortable, but the steering wheel is not reach adjustable and height adjustment for the driver's seat is optional, with a parcel shelf overhead for storing items. A bar behind the driver provides some protection from the load moving forward in the event of an accident.The new model is larger than before. Loads of up to 1218mm wide will slide between the rear wheel arches.

Frendzy is an adaptation of the Kangoo EV and an important part of Renault's building avalanche of electric vehicles. Renault Australia's managing director Justin Hocevar says the first Renault electric car here will be the Fluence ZE (for zero emissions) initially for selected customers by June, 2012. It will then go on general sale before December. "We'll be looking also at the Zoe ZE - a small hatchback - and because of our strength in commercial vehicles, the Kangoo ZE small van. We want to see these here as soon as possible." Renault is now expanding its electric vehicle range, adding to the existing Fluence ZE, Kangoo ZE (small commercial van) and recent Twizy with the Zoe, due in Europe early next year. Mr Hocevar says that though Frendzy is only a concept - penned by its new design chief, ex-Mazda stylist Laurens van der Ackers - it has a lot of potential as an urban cross-over that bridges work and play functions. "This is the fourth step by Renault in the electric vehicle design process," he says. "We have seen a focus on sports-oriented electric vehicles, then SUVs and then more family-oriented cars and now it's the Frendzy, a vehicle that can be for work during the week and as a family car for weekends." Frendzy has the same 44kW/227Nm electric drivetrain as the Kangoo ZE, although the charging point - located under the Renault logo at the front of the vehicle - is identical to that on Zoe. It has a 175km range. Renault says it is the perfect work and play vehicle. For work, it has a large rear compartment with a back seat that can fold into the floor leaving a flat load area. The front passenger seat also moves forward and can fold against the dashboard to accommodate longer objects. It suits plumbers, electricians and many other tradesmen. Rather than signwriting on the van to advertise the owner's business, the Frendzy has an LCD screen within the rear door to display whatever message the owner programs it to show. But Frendzy may be a while from production. Mr Hocevar confirms that Renault's first step in Australia is the Fluence ZE, its first all-electric car, that arrives in the second quarter of next year for Better Place customers in Canberra. Renault and electric vehicle infrastructure provider Better Start announced last month that they were collaborating in a sweep of electric cars for Australia. The Fluence ZE is the world's first electric car with unlimited range due to innovative battery switching technology developed by Better Place. "The car will then be offered for sale in the fourth quarter of next year," Mr Hocevar says. But while Renault is starting to produce its electric vehicle range, Mr Hocevar tempers this by saying "there's still a lot of work to be done in Australia". "We need to see more demand from the public for electric cars and we need to see support from governments. There doesn't seem to be a lot of support from the current Federal Government."

The French brand has already slashed prices on its Megane range, added the value-driven Fluence to the local lineup, and is now hinting strongly about reducing showroom stickers on the Koleos. The price changes and a stronger push in showrooms has lifted sales this year by 75 per cent to the end of June, with the June result alone up by a whopping 298 per cent. The Koleos has just had a visual freshen in Europe and this will be the trigger to put the red pen through prices that currently start at $29,990 for a front-wheel drive model. "We are strongly focused on creating great value propositions for our customers. It will be a mid lifecycle refresh with added value," says Emily Ambrosy of Renault Australia. Renault refuses to confirm a price cut but is hinting strongly about a renewed push after the latest Roy Morgan research poll that shows the French brand is the equal-favourite with Volvo on customer satisfaction in Australia. "We will be releasing pricing closer to the launch date. The new model will represent a styling refresh with added value," is all Ambrosy will say. The Koleos, which shares is mechanical package with the Nissan X-Trail, has been an underperformer for Renault but has helped to boost its reputation among owners. "We have sold 224 Koleos year-to-date and have almost run out of stock of current Koleos. Koleos is a core model in our line up. Since 2008, when Koleos was launched, we have seen a 53.9 per cent reduction in warranty rates. The Koleos benefits strongly from the Nissan running gear and has a distinctive, chic styling that sets it apart from other SUVs," she says. Changes to the 2012-model Koleos are relatively minor and focussed on familiar mid-life update work to the front and rear ends, with a change to the interior trim. It will continue with both front and all-  wheel drive, with petrol and turbodiesel engines. "We are excited now that we have a reinvigorated brand and a revitalised team to put behind the Koleos. The compact SUV market is a big growth area and although we haven't played as strongly there in the past as we should have, we will be playing hard with the new Koleos," Ambrosy says.

There was something familiar about the new Renault Latitude that I couldn't put my finger on.After some digging, I realised it's a Renault version of the Nissan Maxima - with a proper six speed automatic in the 2.5-litre petrol V6. There's also a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four also with a six speed auto which isn't available as a Nissan.It comes in two grades, Latitude at $36,990 and Latitude Luxe at $42,490 and you can have the petrol V6 or turbo diesel for the same money - pretty good eh?But there was something else familiar and it's the look and feel of the Latitude which is uncannily similar to Hyundai's new i45 and Kia's Optima. That's because Latitude comes out of Renault's plant in Busan, Korea.We are fans of the i45 and Optima and the same applies to the Latitude which has a European flavour but at a Korean price.TECHNOLOGYWe drove the top of the range V6 Luxe and it was good but we'd put our money down on the diesel because it has a lot more torque and uses substantially less fuel.The V6 is good for 133kW/235Nm while the diesel cranks out 127kW/380Nm. The V6 offers smooth running and acceptable economy but at 1600kg, the relatively low torque output struggles at times.It's capably dealt with by the slick shifting six speed auto but the turbodiesel would be a lot better. The petrol gets a Euro 4 emissions rating while the turbodiesel is Euro5 and good for a creditable 6.5-litres/100km.DRIVINGIt's big for a medium size car offering generous rear seat legroom and a large boot complete with full size spare. It also has generous equipment with premium audio, satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, heated front seats, multi-media connection box, smart card entry and ignition and dual zone climate control on the base car.The Luxe gets more including a clever air ioniser and deodoriser. We like the auto on/off parking brake and the five star crash rating. We like the comfortable and controlled ride from the strut/multi-link suspension and we like the styling inside and out.It's different but distinctly European in looks and feel.VERDICTRenault is having a real crack at the local market with Latitude, Fluence and Megane all offering competitive pricing and generous spec' when compared to their competition - apples with apples. Definitely worth a look.RENAULT LATITUDEPrice: from $36,990, $42,490 as testedWarranty: 5 years/unlimitedResale: New modelService interval: 15,000km/12monthsCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, 127kW/380Nm; 2.5-litre petrol V6, 133kW/235NmBody: Four-door sedanWeight: 1600kg (petrol), 1620kg (diesel)Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 9.7L/100km (91RON petrol) 230g/km, 6.5L/100km (diesel) CO2 170g/km

Fluence? It's an odd sort of name and one that seems to be missing an `in' or perhaps an `af' at the beginning. But let's not sell Renault's stylish new Fluence short because it happens to be one of the better offerings from the French car maker. Reintroduced to Australia in 2001, it's fair to say that Renault has failed to make a major impact in the last 10 years.But, of late, it seems to have pulled out all the stops in what it describes as the "revitalisation" of the brand. With driveaway deals and offers of free scheduled servicing it could well be a last roll of the dice.For those not up to speed Fluence is the sedan version of the well regarded Megane hatch with its rouned bustle shaped back. The two cars share the same engines and many of the same underpinnings.But rather than the current Megane, Fluence is in fact based on Samsung's SM3, which in turn is based on the previous generation Megane. The Samsung branded car made its first appearance at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.PRICE AND FEATURESPriced from a driveaway $22,900 you can have either the Fluence or Megane hatch for the same price. Despite being described as small, Fluence is actually quite a large car, bigger and with a longer wheelbase than the Holden's Cruze. Our test vehicle, the $29,990 Privilege, is powered by a 2.0-litre engine paired with CVT style continuously variable auto.The car comes with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. As well as leather and climate air, a sunroof and satellite navigation are both standard with this model. Bluetooth is also included as well as AUX and USB connections for music players which can be controlled from the steering column.There's also cruise control with speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers, as well as fog lights and rear parking sensors. Fluence is offered with a five-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty -- the longest of any European brand. You also get five-years of 24/7 roadside assistance.The design of the audio/airconditioning modules is ordinary at best. Fluence is yet to be crash tested but is likely to score a full five stars for safety like other models before it.TECHNOLOGYThe four cylinder petrol engine, shared with Nissan's Dualis, produces 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, and will run on standard unleaded, although 95 is recommended. With a 60-litre tank, fuel economy with the CVT is rated at 7.7 litres/100km but we were getting about 9.2 litres. The CVT is designed to optomise power and economy, with no discernible gear changes.DRIVINGLike the previous Megane sedan, this one is a good size, drives well and has a good-sized boot with a full-sized spare. But rear headroom is compromised by the stadium-style elevated seating position.Inside, more thought needs to go into the instrument layout, like the location of the cruise/speed limiter switch marooned between the front seats. We'd also suggest ditching the remote control that goes with the built-in TomTom satnav system.VERDICTOverall Fluence is a more convincing offering but we were left wondering whether it has that "je ne sais quoi" that will attract people buy it? Time will tell . . .

….for Australian by 2015, with plug-in power from Better Place. As carmakers race to get buyer backing for everything from the Mitsubishi iMiEV to the Nissan Leaf and Renault Fluence ZE, GE has committed to putting its first 1000 battery cars on the road over the next four years. It's the single biggest electric car commitment yet from a global company that intends to buy 25,000 EVs worldwide by 2015. GE's CustomFleet is Australia's largest fleet management company, with more than 120,000 vehicles on the road, and it sees EVs as a smart way to reduce running costs and contribute to their customers' corporate sustainability. At the same time as the GE commitment, Better Place says Australia will have the world's biggest EV network by the end of 2013 with the company using battery-swap stations and home recharging during off-peak power cost periods to drive the electric vehicle fleet. "We will be able to change a battery in the time it takes to fill up the tank of a petrol car," says the CEO of Better Place in Australia, Evan Thornley said. "That means electric vehicles will have the same "unlimited range" as petrol cars." Renault-Nissan and Mitsubishi have already allied with Better Place as they begin electric vehicle sales in Australia. A battery leasing plan is also being developed by GE and Better Place. The principle has the customer buying an electric car outright but leasing the battery pack from Better Place for a set monthly charge. GE last week also invested in local electric vehicle production company EV Engineering, which is building seven proof-of concept electric Commodores. Those cars will then be placed in fleets to assess their performance and drivers' reactions. The Commodores will join a growing fleet of local electric vehicles. Victorian manufacturer Blade Electrics has converted 40 Hyundai Getz cars to run on electricity and is now testing Hyundai i20s and Holden Cruzes for the same process. The electrified Getz costs about $48,000.

... and attractive interior enhancements. Due here in the last quarter of this year, Renault's Korean-built Koleos offers more comfort, versatility and flexibility this time around. Though only slightly different in appearance the front features changes to the air-intakes, grille and headlights. The exterior mirrors now incorporate LED indicators. The initial version's distinctive rear-end styling has been carried over, including the steeply-raked rear window. Careful attention has been paid to the quality and finish of the cabin. A selection of new upholsteries and trims are used while the dashboard and instrument lighting have evolved with the introduction of a more stylish speedometer housing and The Nissan-developed all-wheel drive transmission of the 4x4 version ensures genuine off-road ability. It retains a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating

... that already includes Mitsubishi, Nissan, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Renault is taking a shortcut by converting its four-door Fluence sedan, already on sale in Australia with a petrol engine, to electric power and expects to add extra models as they become available from France. But there is a big twist - Fluence Z.E. buyers will only pay Renault for the car and will then sign a contract with the Better Place organisation for their battery and energy supplies. Renault promises the car will cost much the same as a petrol version of the Fluence, which would mean less than $30,000, but no-one is talking yet about the other costs or the exact rollout of the charging points and battery-swap locations that Better Place said will eliminate the 'range anxiety' that hangs over the future of electric cars. "Our vision is clear. The overall cost of ownership must be equivalent to an internal-combustion car," said Justin Hocevar, managing director of Renault Australia. "Sales of the Fluence Z.E. will begin before the end of 2012." The Renault move comes less than a week after Mitsubishi set the price of its very basic iMiEV plug-in car at $48,800 and following the commitment by its global Nissan-Renault alliance partner, Nissan of Japan, to a dedicated electric car called the Leaf. The Nissan, too, is expected in Australian showrooms next year. Renault and Better Place are short on any real detail beyond the basics of the Fluence E.V. and a commitment to a national rollout of charging infrastructure that will start soon in Canberra. "I'm very confident that the vast majority of electric car drivers will be able to drive wherever they want and whenever they want," says Evan Thornley of Better Place. He said that long-term supply deals for renewable energy, starting in Canberra, mean that electric car drivers will have more certainty on their long-term running costs than drivers of petrol-powered cars that face the uncertainties of oil company pricing.

IF the music is too loud you're too old. The same goes if the springs are too stiff. While I can always turn down the volume on the audio, I'm simply way too old for the highly-sprung Renault Clio Sport 200 Gordini Edition. This is a car aimed more at the cashed-up youth market who can still get away with wearing American basketball gear.VALUEAt $39,140, it's not cheap for a manual three-door hatch, but it's more powerful and cheaper than the Mini Cooper S and Honda Civic Type R and a bit more expensive and less powerful than a Golf GTI. There is a stack of kit in the car with cruise and speed limiter control, multi-function trip computer, climate airconditioning, streaming audio Bluetooth, aux and USB inputs, full-leather trim, cornering lights and auto lights/wipers.TECHNOLOGYAlthough it bears the name of Renault's famous engine tuner, this is really an exercise in styling, rather than a tuning. It has the same engine output as the other Clio RS models.DESIGNIt's like stepping out in a nice suit while wearing brightly coloured sandshoes. It just doesn't work and I certainly don't fit the profile of the "average" Gordini driver. However, you would feel quite at home with the sports styling if your Calvin Kleins were visible over your jeans with the crotch hanging down around your knees and a baseball cap was perched sideways on your scone.This wasn't styled in an auto factory, but in pit lane: The Gordini badge shows up all over the place, there are two GT stripes running from front to back, drilled aluminium pedals, F1-styled spoiler, the steering wheel has a centering stripe like a rally car and "Renault Sport" lettering adorns the front and back windows like a race car.You can't blame Renault for plundering its sports heritage what with its current F1 position and its long history of rallying success.SAFETYIt has the usual suite of six airbags, ABS and stability control. However, the fact that stability control is "sports tuned" for late intervention and can be turned off completely means this car is destined for track days.DRIVINGI left my spleen somewhere on the pavement just down the road from work. I won't say it's a harsh ride but I'm sure you could run over a book of Braille and be able to read every word through the seat of your trousers. It doesn't help that it rides on "cotton-reel" 17-inch wheels with a 45 per cent tyre profile.This car is tuned for sport with lightning-quick steering (sans torque steer), a gearbox nearly as much fun as the Alfa Sud's and powerful, biting Brembo brakes. Despite the sport orientation, the gearshift is smooth and the clutch is light and manageable for daily traffic duties.The engine is torquey but also likes to rev and with the close-ratio gearbox you can short-shift or completely skip gears and still get along quite quickly.The driver is surrounded by race-tech styling, sports seats, drilled pedals and a sporty steering wheel. Unfortunately the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach, so tall people cannot get a good driving position without their knees getting in the way.The audio and Bluetooth controls are hidden on a stubby third stalk behind the steering wheel, making it difficult to grab the right button and accidentally bumping it and changing the audio mode.There is a surprising amount of boot space, but almost no rear legroom. Build quality is excellent and the pearl white paint of the test model is stunning.VERDICTThis is more of an impulse buy than a practical solution to daily commuting and transport. It is a plaything that will suit the young and excitable. Everyone should own a sporty plaything once in their life and this one certainly stands out visually from the pack.RENAULT CLIO SPORT 200 GORDINI EDITIONPrice: $39,140Warranty: 3 Year/100,000km with 24-hour roadside assistanceResale: N/AService interval: 10,000km or 12 monthsEngine: 147kW/215Nm, 1997cc, 4 ?cylinder petrolBody: 3-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4017mm (L), 2025mm (W), 1484mm (H), 2585 (WB)Safety equipment: ABS with electronic brake distribution, sports-tuned stability control, 6 airbags, cruise control, speed limiter, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, fog lights, cornering lightsWeight: 1281kgTransmission: 6-speed manualEconomy: 8.2L/100km (9.4L/100km on test), 195g/km CO2, Premium fuel (98 RON), 55-litre tank