Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

Renault's history in Australia has been one of seemingly endless comebacks, followed by the French company's slow fading away.

About a year ago we told you Renault was considering launching a luxury sub-brand to help it improve the profitability of its models and tap into the strong demand for premium autos in major markets, particularly China. At the Frankfurt motor show this week, we got our first taste of Renault’s new luxury sub-brand in the form of the Initiale Paris concept.Initiale Paris is the name Renault will use for its future upmarket range, similar to how fellow French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën uses the DS name for its own premium offerings. However, while DS-branded cars are typically standalone models, Initiale Paris -- with the first model due in 2015 -- will be a range-topping trim for regular Renault models, at least initially. In fact, the Initiale Paris concept is a preview of Renault’s next-generation Espace MPV.Luxury comes in the form of premium materials, such as aluminium and fine woods, but also from chrome detailing, a two-tone exterior hue, LED headlights, a floating centre console in the cabin and an advanced user interface. The vehicle also sports a custom Bose sound system with 32 speakers!Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, which is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and drives the front wheels. Renault is exploring two new directions with the engine: twin-turbocharging technology  and shift-by-wire technology for the gearbox. The latter has allowed designers to make the gear selector slimmer and the floating centre console now has no cables to conceal.A further highlight of the engine used for the Initiale Paris concept is the use of optimised steel pistons to reduce friction. Steel pistons dilate less than aluminum pistons, resulting in enhanced piston-to-cylinder wall clearances at high temperatures. Lower friction between pistons and cylinder walls means lower fuel consumption. And to keep them light, the steel pistons are hollowed out. The design is exactly the same as that used in Renault’s Formula One engine.www.motorauthority.com 

Renault CapturPrice: from $19,990 (estimate)Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 4 airbags, ABS, ESP, TCCrash rating: Not testedEngines: 0.9-litre turbo petrol, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 88kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDThirst: 4.9L/100km, 113g/km CO2; 5.4/125Dimensions: 4.12m (L), 1.7m (W), 1.56m (H)Weight: from 1101kgSpare: space saver 

The latest player in the light-car class is going to turn heads and market share. Renault's fourth-generation Clio lands with a pair of sweet, fuel-efficient engines and a tight body wrapped in curvaceous panels. A five-year warranty and capped price servicing at $299 annually for three years puts the Clio on a par with the best of this breed.VALUEThe Clio's pricing is almost as sharp as its looks. The Volkswagen Polo and Mazda2 were two key benchmarks for Renault. Accordingly, the Clio kicks off at $16,790 for the Authentique model with 15-inch steel rims, a 900cc turbo engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The Expression range adds alloy wheels, an 18cm touchscreen with updated infotainment and bling for $1000, while the same model with the 1.2-litre four-cylinder and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission is $19,790. It costs $300 to add powered rear windows to the Expression models, but the price includes electric folding side mirrors, auto headlights and wipers and keyless entry.The range maxes out at $23,290 for the Dynamique, which adds climate control aircon, 16-inch alloys and upgraded interior trim. The VW line-up extends from $16,990-$21,490; the Mazdas are $15,790-$18,580.TECHNOLOGYIgnore the engine size -- the Renaults push out more grunt than cubic capacity suggests. The triple-cylinder 900cc engine is manual-only and good for 66kW/135Nm. Those are marginally bigger numbers than the 1.4-litre Polo and performance is lineball at a tick over 12 seconds to 100km/h.Where the Clio's wins is its official fuel consumption: 4.5 litres/100km against 6.1 litres for the VW. Step-up to the 1.2-litre four-cylinder Clio with 88kW/190Nm and the only option is automatic. The sprint time drops to 9.4 seconds and fuel use rises marginally to 5.2L/100km.DESIGNFrench flair is the Clio's strong suit. It relies on contrasting curves to create a taut, athletic look that works from all angles.  It's a five-door car with the lines of a three-door, courtesy of concealed rear door handles and tapering roofline.  The profile also defies convention with a protruding protective plastic strip that runs along the bottom of both doors.It is practical and adds to the car's aesthetic look, with a range of colour-coded highlights. The front end bears the company's new signature styling with a large silver Renault logo set in a gloss black background.  The interior plastics have a texture and feel that should be appreciated -- soft-touch where it counts and durable where needed.SAFETYEuroNCAP awarded the Clio the best supermini of 2012 accolade after the car earned top marks in three of the four categories -- adult and child protection and safety assist features. All models have dual front and side head and chest airbags, stability and traction control and hill-start assist. The ride height is 45mm lower than the outgoing Clio model and the car is 100kg lighter, both of which translate into improved roadholding.DRIVINGThe 900cc three-cylinder engine is essentially the four-cylinder with a piston shaved off it. So power is down around 25 per cent. That makes it a capable urban runabout but it can struggle at low revs on hilly country roads as the engine tries to get back on boost.Brisk use of the manual gearbox helps overcome it on all but the steepest inclines. It would still be an issue on take-off in Sydney's hilly streets with four adults on board -- assuming you can find two adults to fit in the back. Like most light cars, the rear-pew legroom restricts it to occasional use for grown-ups.The 1.2-litre engine is the best option, with the Expression model representing the best value. The dual-clutch auto occasionally hunts for a gear uphill, but it's not meant to be driven like a sports car -- that'll be the duty of the RS model.Noise suppression in both cars is first rate over any surface and the suspension sets a nice balance between compliance and composure. Steering heft is likewise on the money andVERDICTLight car buyers will struggle to find a reason not to consider the Clio. It has the looks, the liveliness and the layout to impress in this market.Renault ClioPrice: from $16,790-$23,290Capped servicing: 3 yearsService intervals: 12 months/15,000kmEngine: 0.9L turbo 3-cylinder, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2L turbo 4-cylinder, 88kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch auto, FWDThirst: 4.5L/100km (0.9L engine), 5.2L/100km (1.2L engine)Dimensions: 4.06m (L), 1.73m (W), 1.45m (H)Weight: 1019kg-1104kgSpare: Temporary 

Let's face it, if you're a front runner in Formula 1 you know a thing or two about cars. Renault knows a thing or two about F1... and after more than a century, road cars as well and the cross-pollination between the two has yielded arguably one of the best light cars available in the new Clio.It's actually bigger than the accepted light car size being more like a small car and will no doubt pinch a few sales from that segment too. The Clio sets a benchmark thanks to Renault's expertise in extracting the utmost from current technology and also using a smattering of clever stuff to finish off the job.ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONSFollowing the engineering trend towards smaller capacity high-tech turbo engines new Clio has either a 900cc three-pot turbo petrol or a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo petrol under the bonnet. Buy the three banger here and it's with a five-speed manual transmission only. Buy the four banger and it's a six-speed dual-clutch manumatic (auto) only.Clear cut but problematic, given the majority of cars in this segment are autos and usually the base or one up from base models. The 0.9 engine (called the TCe90) is good for 66kW/135Nm and 4.5-litres/100km while the 1.2  (TCe120) achieves 88kW/190Nm and 5.2-litres/100km.The larger engine has direct fuel injection while both have a small turbo charger integrated into the inlet manifold for maximum efficiency. Variable valve timing is used on both cams and the engine is actually modular -- the three is pretty much the same as the four with one lung lopped off.STYLENew Clio is slightly larger than its predecessor but lower in ride height and roofline. What's under the skin counts for plenty in a car but so does the outside and in this regard, the Clio is way out in front with arguably the best looking, sassy sheet metal going around on a five door hatch.It features the new 'big eye' Renault front with a large centrally located badge and gorgeous curves all over the place. The rear doors have hidden latches and the car's powerful haunches make it look crouched ready to pounce. Rear styling is just as imposing and distinctive as the front.PRICES AND FEATURESPricing starts at $16,790 for the Authentique TCe90 rising to $23,200 for the TCe120 Dynamique. The Clio has an impressive interior with a large central iPad-like panel housing most of the car's functions including the latest in digital connectivity while the actual instrument pod is highlighted by two eye catching dials with a large digital speedo in between.A number of fascia are used, including a soft feel dash pad with a square hatched texture, textured metallic surfaces on some models and splashes of colour. It really is something else in a sea of sameness from other offerings in the segment. Standard kit is generous and Clio gets a five star safety rating.ECONOMYFuel economy is boosted by auto stop/start on the three pot,  'eco' coaching and eco switch for the driver, active front air vents that close at speed and low rolling resistance tyres among numerous other fuel saving techniques featured. They cut 100kg from Clio's flanks this time around but boosted chassis strength and safety through better design and selective use of high strength steel. The wheels are lighter, the stabiliser bars are hollow, the chassis crossmember is lighter but stronger and they even cut weight from the engine with hollow camshafts.DRIVINGThis is where the new Clio really shines. It rates as one of the most engaging drives for the money and we haven't even got to the high performance RS version yet. That's here soon. Dynamics are sharp and responsive from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. But then that's to be expected from the company that produces the dynamite Renault Megane RS265.The Clios we drove are engaging to drive, stable, well planted and responsive. You can have a ball without going at ballistic speeds. The 1.2 has plenty of get go while the 0.9 is not bad as a city runabout except for the lack of an auto tranny.We'd go for the TCe120 every day - with the electric pack for an extra $300 that includes electric rear windows, electric boot release, remote unlock and auto wipers and lights. The Clio can be customised inside and out for not much money with a range of wheels, colour options, interior materials and other cool stuff.VERDICTWe would have one in a flash, the mid-range Expression TCe 120 would be our pick at $19790 -- a bargain. Looks great on the driveway, and is something different.

The French brand is expanding the line-up of the mid-sized Master van by adding two fresh cab-chassis models which allow for a tray to be fitted to the back.With a dual rear wheel set-up, the new models are able to lug a maximum 2.5 tonne of cargo and tow up to three tonne. The Master cab-chassis could be a perfect fit for tradies wanting something larger and more capable than one-tonne utes.The Renaults are also cheaper than some of the more expensive utes in the market. Renault will offer a single cab version of the new cab-chassis for $45,490, while a double-cab variant, that seats up to seven people, will be priced at $50,490.Both will be powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel that has recently been upgraded to produce 110kW and 350Nm of torque. All of that torque is available from just 1500revs, which should be especially helpful when the tray is fully loaded.The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while customers can also pick a six-speed fully automated manual, with no clutch pedal, for an additional $2500. The dual cab model will come standard with an automatic differential lock, which helps maintain traction on slippery and uneven surfaces.This feature is also available as an option on the single cab model. There is only one dual cab model, which has a wheelbase of 4332mm. You can choose from two single cabs, one with a standard length of 3682mm and a long version that has the same wheelbase as the dual cab, enabling a tray of up to 5500mm to be fitted.Standard equipment includes dual airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, aiconditioning, a chilled glovebox, electric windows and central locking. Options include factory trays, made from steel or aluminium, satellite navigation and a rear-facing camera.

VW's Polo GTI pioneered the path and we'll soon feel the need for some RenaultSport speed in the new Clio, as well as the Peugeot 208 GTi and Citroen DS3.But the Ford Fiesta ST shows the most promise. And it should also set the value standard with a starting price of $25,990 when deliveries begin this month.It's one of the baby cars that is converting youngsters from the former go-faster hero cars, the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, into something smaller, cheaper and more relevant. A slick-shifting front-drive baby makes more sense today than a fire-breathing AWD monster developed for forest racing.The arrival of the second-generation ST part of an update deal for the Blue Oval baby that will bring affordable performance to the smallest member of the Ford family, as well as mirroring the ST surge in the Focus line -- but for nearly $10,000 less.The Fiesta ST cannot come soon enough as Ford Australia searches for good-news stories for its showrooms in the wake of the death sentence for the locally made Falcon and Territory. The compact Kuga is already on the road and the SUV tiddler, the EcoSport, is coming soon.The fast-and-friendly Fiesta does the job. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is a direct-injection four (134kW/240N) developed by Ford's RS division in Europe, which has been responsible for a string of hits including the wham-bam Focus RS that sold out in double-quick time in Australia. Even with the extra urge, there is a 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy to 6.2L/100km.There is capped-price servicing. It's got everything from grippy Recaro bucket seats to carbon-fibre trim, 4.2-inch infotainment screen, push-button start, aircon and rear parking radar. Ford's Sync emergency-aid system is standard, making an SOS call on the driver's mobile if the car's airbag is triggered.There are obvious changes to the springs and dampers for a car that sits 15 millimetres lower than a regular Fiesta, with beefier brakes including rear discs and a sports-tuned, twin-pipe exhaust that promises WRX-style audio entertainment.There are inevitable body bits but also three-position stability control and electronic vectoring of torque to the driven wheels. But don't go shopping for an ST if you want an easy-going Fiesta -- it's six-speed manual only. If the Fiesta ST proves as enjoyable to drive as the bigger Focus ST, it is a certain winner here. And good buying, too.Ford Fiesta ST -- deliveries start this monthPrice: from $25,990Engine:1.6-litre turbo, 134kW/240NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 6.2L/100kmRIVALS Price: from $30,000 (arrives early 2014)Engine: 147kW/275NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 6.3L/100Km, 144g/km CO2 (Euro) There is a touch of Godzilla about the turbo RS baby, which makes a powerful and rewarding case on road and track. A preview drive in France this year was great fun but the price will go against it. Price: from $27,990 (on sale now)Engine: 132kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed twin-clutch auto, FWDThirst: 6.1L/100km, 142g/km CO2 It might not have the all-out eagerness of the bigger Golf GTI but the Polo is a sweet little package. It's a refined car with enough edge to bring a smile but will struggle against its punchier new rivals. Price: from $29,990 (later this month)Engine: 147W/275NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 5.9L/100km, 139g/km CO2 Pitched as the spiritual successor to the 205 GTi from the 1980s. We question whether it has the driving enjoyment or the value in a class that's ever getting more competitive. Price: from $28,990 (on sale now)Engine: 141kW/230NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 7.5L/100km, 175g/km CO2 Regardless of the performance package, the Corsa is an old car. The OPC work is good across the Opel family but the Corsa is not cheap and this German brand is still scrabbling for traction in local showrooms. Price: from $29,740 (on sale now)Engine: 115kW/240NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 6.7L/100km, 155g/km CO2 Almost unknown in Australia but about to benefit from a DS push by new Citroen management. The DS3 trades on great looks but doesn't have the punch or price to challenge the Fiesta. 

Renault is determined to be a big player amongst a host of European marques currently being imported to Australia. The French maker used to be huge in this country, building cars here for many years, and would like to return to its days of being a mainstream player downunder.Using the time honoured method of increasing sales, Renault Australia has cut prices on its biggest selling model, the Megane. It has greatly expanded the number of models on offer and, best of all, has introduced a high-performance station wagon.RANGE AND PRICESThe Megane GT 220 Sport wagon is a slightly detuned version of one of our favourite high-performance cars - the Megane RS 265 coupe. While the 265 is a semi-track model for the very serious driver, the 220 is aimed at the person looking for a family transport with a healthy dose of driving excitement.By the way the numbers 265 and 220 refer to the peak output of the engines in horsepower. The French, who invented the metric system, don’t use it when measuring power outputs of engines, preferring to use the imperial units of horsepower. May we cynically suggest that’s because 265 and 220 are bigger number than 195 and 162 (the power in kilowatts for the powerplants)?Renault Megane wagon is sold in Dynamique level specification with 16-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, roof rails, and rear parking sensors. It can be ordered with a petrol or diesel engine, but only with an automatic transmission in Australia.The Megane CC (Coupe-Cabriolet) with its folding hard-top is now offered in three models, previously there was just a single, rather expensive, one. In a new entry level specification the Megane CC begins at just $36,990, making it bargain priced in its class.For those looking for more, there’s a Renault Sport designed GT-Line as a package on the Megane hatch, station wagon and Coupe-Cabriolet. This has a sportier front bumper design, a honeycomb grill and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. Megane GT-Line is available in a signature Malta Blue colour, sometimes called French racing blue. Inside, the GT-Line Megane has sport seats and steering wheel.There’s also a standard wagon with good load carrying capacity. As well as back seats that fold flat, the front passenger seat can also fold flat. With the front seat down there’s a load length of 2550 mm.Renault Megane hatch comes in a new entry level specification, Expression. This has a recommended retail price of just $20,990 with a manual gearbox. Interestingly, the Megane Expression automatic has an rrp of $22,990 which is the same price as the outgoing manual model.DRIVE IMPRESSIONSWe spent a great couple of hours driving the GT 220 wagon in the hills behind Brisbane and were impressed by the engine responding with a minimum of lag, the endless torque provided once it was on song and the overall handling and ride package. As it’s less fierce than the Megane 265 coupe the wagon will make a competent daily driver.The GT-Line has harder suspension than the standard models. We found this to be rather firm, and created quite a bit of tyre noise on the rough and ready Aussie backroads we used on some sections of our drive program. So it might be best to try it for yourself before falling in love with the appearance changes.VERDICTA fully imported European machine for the price of an Asian car? That’s likely to spark a lot of buyer interest in the new and expanded Renault Megane range.

The things we do for love - beneath the mirror-glass, fish-tail wings, outrageous body kit and an interior that would make Liberace blush, is a plain-Jane Renault 21 hatchback.Spotted trying unsuccessfully to integrate in a backstreet in Reims, France, the unattended car appears to be a mobile billboard for a person adept at modifying and tuning Renault 21s. Good luck with that business.It's a car difficult to miss. Features include a boot that has become a clever sound box for an upmarket (over-the-top) audio and creating the box with a perimeter of mosaic mirror glass, then cutting a small hole for rear vision.The driver's scenery includes chromed instruments, diamante-studded dashboard edging with a jacquard-print dash covering - but no fluffy dice! Amidst the intricacies of fabrics and chrome and glass is a writhing pool of electrical wires and telescopic arms to hold iPads and iPhones.There's so much mirror glass that Reims must have a police force blinded by the eccentricities of the owner or chosen to turn its eye away from the glare. About two-million examples of the 21 were made from 1986 to 1994 in seven countries from China to Chile but this one - a post 1989 model - is more likely the product of Renault's Marseille factory. It replaced the Renault 18 and was succeeded by the Laguna.Oddly, the 21 goes down in history as one of the few cars built with either a transverse or longitudinally-mounted engine - the latter a by-product of Renault's inability to source a suitable high-torque transmission and solved by using the bigger Renault 25 gearbox.There was a slight difference in wheelbase but outwardly, it was almost impossible to pick cars with the different drivetrains. This Renault 21 sedan represents one person's devotion to the automobile. If you think you can top this, send in your photo. 

It may look like a Lotus Elise that’s just returned from the worst body shop in town but what you’re actually looking at is an early test mule for a new sports car platform being developed by French automaker Renault and British track car specialist Caterham.The two companies announced last November that they would launch respective sports cars based on a shared platform, with Renault selling its version under the revived Alpine performance brand and Caterham selling its version as part of an expanded road car program.The two cars will look considerably different to one another, despite them sharing much of their internals. The Renault version should adopt elements from the automaker's Alpine A110-50 concept car from 2012.The Caterham is expected to be the more performance oriented of the two, while the Renault will be more comfortable and luxurious. The spy shots show that the cars will be similar in size to the Lotus Elise but with a much wider track.Caterham is primarily responsible for the development of the chassis and testing while Renault is thought to be supplying the engines and other internal hardware. Renault will also be responsible for production of the two cars, which will take place at the former Alpine plant in Dieppe, France.The cars will be strict two-seaters and come with four-cylinder power, most likely with some form of forced induction employed (turbocharged 1.6-litre units have been suggested). The engines will be mounted in a mid-engine position and drive sent to the rear wheels only. Peak output should lie close to 201 kilowatts, enabling the cars to accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 5.0 seconds.Key targets, both in terms of performance and pricing, are the Porsche Cayman and Alfa Romeo 4C. A 2016 reveal has been confirmed, though concepts of both cars are expected before then.www.motorauthority.com