Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

The Clio is more adventurous in design but likely to be more affordable, opening the way for serious sales against Volkswagen here without resorting to dollar deals with rental companies.

Webber's experience and guile at the wheel of his Red Bull car kept the Mercedes of German Nico Rosberg at bay in a race that saw a start-line collision, penalties, further crashes and was twice hit by rain -- including over the final laps.It was Webber's second win in the glamorous Mediterranean principality - he also was victorious there two years ago, when he fought for the world championship to the final round - and it has made him a strong title chance this season.It was the eighth GP victory of Webber's F1 career and he is now just three points off the championship lead.Read full story here. 

Things changed when the Renault Latitude landed in Australia last year.For the first time, the French maker had a car that didn't sit alongside 'quirky' in every sentence, or hang its future on a hatchback tail borrowed from J-Lo. The Latitude looks and drives like a run-of-the-mill mid-sized family sedan, not something oddball from France, and Renault Australia also managed to end its earlier battles against high-priced hopefuls with a bottom line from $36,990. The Carsguide crew has spent more than 2000 kilometres with a Latitude to compile a local report card, with solid Bs in most areas but a "Must do better" bottom line because of the classy competition in faces in Australia.VALUEThe basic Latitude has everything you need for family motoring, and a few surprising bonuses. The leather seats and side blinds are great for child-friendly motoring and a satnav system with built-in speed zone alerts, thanks to TomTom programming, works for everyone. The pricing plan works because the Latitude, despite its Renault badge, is a global hybrid. It picks up a mechanical package from Nissan and is built by Samsung in Korea.But, to put it into perspective, the Latitude has the same bottom line as the classy and well equipped Kia Optima Platinum and costs more than a basic Honda Accord Euro. In a mid-sized class that's loaded with contenders, and class, the Latitude is still struggling to win friends and only 208 cars were delivered through the first 11 months of 2011, compared with 17,637 for the Toyota Camry.TECHNOLOGYThere is nothing special about the Latitude, although the long-termer comes with the solid diesel engine and six-speed automatic that gives it great economy and long legs for touring. The chassis picks up Maxima bits and that shows with good handling and ride comfort that's good, but not as great as we remember from cars such as the Laguna.DESIGNThe Latitude is very conservative by Renault standards, and doesn't really sit all that way in a family of cars that is dominated by chic little Megane models. But there is nothing wrong with the shape or space, or the boot, or the dashboard layout and controls.SAFETYRenault was one of the world's first carmakers to commit to five-star ANCAP safety and, without including a big crash in the test program, there is nothing to fault. The car sits well on the road, the brakes are strong, and you know it has an ESP safety net for bad weather or some sort of silliness by someone else.DRIVINGLiving with the Latitude is easy, and enjoyable. It's no sports car, but it gets along nicely, works well for a family, and will puddle to the mall or handle a long country run. The diesel engine has plenty of shove, even with bicycles on the back end and fun stuff filling the boot, and is averaging around 8.2 litres/ 100km despite spending most of its time in the city and 'burbs. The car is quiet, the aircon works well, and the headlamps are good, but the seats are a major disappointment. They lack support and cushioning, which means the Latitude starts down the list for any trip over two hours. The biggest shortcoming in the Latitude is nothing to do with the car, but its position and its opposition. It just doesn't have enough zing or attitude - whether that's the bland styling or the lack of 'Renaultness' - in a class where there is lots of class. Our current favourites include the Ford Mondeo, the new Camry and - for value - the Skoda Octavia. So the Renault is doing the job, and still has some time left to impress, but it's not the first choice for a mid-sized winner.VERDICTThe Latitude is good, but not great. In a class with standouts like the Ford Mondeo, and even the new Toyota Camry, it's going to be a slow burn - at best - in Australia.

The Twizy can’t come here because the Australian government says it’s a quadricycle, so it can’t drive on public roads. But that hasn’t stopped it from being on the VIP invitation list for New York. The Twizy travelled to the US east coast for some quality time out after starring in a video with top hot DJ David Guetta in Los Angeles. And the little Twizy’s holiday itinerary is packed with the best sightseeing activities NYC has to offer – morning jog in Central Park, art shopping in Soho, food tasting in China Town and a night-time promenade under the lights of Times Square – you name it, this urban baby will see it. We’re hoping the hotel valet at The Standard Hotel has made special A-list arrangements -- perhaps the penthouse suite in the carpark. On its first night in the Big Apple, Twizy kicked up its heels for a night on the town, sashaying down the red carpet at a gala dinner. New Yorkers – normally a hard-to- please crowd – seem so far impressed with the sleek little number. The Renault Blog says, “Twizy got a lot of attention & even received a few love declarations.”  NYC may be enjoying the company of the Twizy, but Renault doesn’t plan to launch Twizy in the USA anytime soon. Although the Renault Blog hints, “just wait and see” – whatever that means.  

It is the first car to be designed by the company as a fully electric vehicle from the ground up. But perhaps even more importantly, Renault is keen to make the car affordable for everyone -- even in Australia, which fails to match overseas governments in offering incentives for electric vehicles. Renault has been spotted testing a heavily disguised version of the car on Australian roads. Zoe is packed with the latest technology and boasts several world premieres geared to enhancing user-friendliness, range and connectivity. Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Zoe goes on sale in Europe this autumn. Zoe is first mass-market electric vehicle to be homologated with an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) range of 210 km. It is also the first vehicle equipped with Range OptimiZEr that improves the real-world range, depending on driving conditions. For example, in suburban use, the owner will achieve between 100 km and 150 km. It is capable of being charged at any level of power in between 30 minutes and nine hours thanks to the Chameleon charger. Zoe features Renault R-Link, a multimedia system featuring a seven-inch touch screen tablet, navigation and connected services. Renault boss Carlos Ghosn said the car shown at Geneva represents the model's final design and will spearhead the Renault zero emissions range. In addition to its compact size, attractive styling and affordable price tag, he said it showcases Renault's technological excellence when it comes to electric vehicles. "Zoe also heralds the beginning of a new era of electric mobility for all and confirms our commitment to electric vehicles," he said. "It marks an important step for Renault which has a 110-year history of making major innovations a concrete reality for ordinary motorists."  

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the 2012 Renault Koleos.

...With three years of free scheduled servicing, for any eligible vehicle ordered in April and delivered before May 31st 2012. These vehicles already boasting the longest factory warranty of any European brand. The offer applies to retail customers as well as buyers with an ABN, Renault General Fleet Buyers and National Fleet Buyers, and includes both petrol and diesel models in the range. Over at Peugeot, all model year 3008 models now carry Peugeot's class leading Assured Service (capped price) plan already on the 508 and 308. Peugeot Assured Service offers customers the peace of mind of knowing in advance what their 3008 service costs will be over three years (or 60,000 km). The service fee is $330 per scheduled service under this plan. Meanwhile Holden has launched a new capped price servicing scheme to reduce servicing costs across a range of popular new models, including VE Series II Commodore, Captiva, Cruze and the new generation Barina. HoldenWise Capped Price Servicing offers customers significant savings and value for money for standard scheduled services across the three-year/60,000km capped price service period. HoldenWise Capped Price Servicing applies to the Series II Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and Ute range, Cruze hatch and sedan, Captiva 5 and 7, Barina Classic, new generation Barina hatch and sedan, Barina Spark and Caprice. The new generation Colorado LCV will also be eligible for capped price servicing when it's launched later this year.  

The Citan, which is due to arrive in Australia in the middle of next year, is not a new stand-alone model but is heavily based on the Renault Kangoo. While the mini van has its own distinctive face, its Kangoo likeness is clear from the familiar body. This is not a cheeky clone though. It’s all part of an agreement between Mercedes and Renault that will lead to the Citan being built alongside the Kangoo on a Renault production line in France. The Citan has its own face and a fresh interior, but shares many other components with the Renault. Mercedes has announced there will be two diesel engines and supercharged petrol unit although it is unclear if the powerplants are shared or unique. The Citan will come in three lengths: 3.94 m, 4.32 m and 4.71 m. It will be sold mainly as a cargo van, which is a size smaller than the existing Vito. A special five-seater crew version based on the longest model called the Mixto, which seats five and has a removable second row, will also be offered from launch. Mercedes-Benz is not ready to state the exact payloads of each model, but says the maximum gross vehicle weight (the weight of the van and the load) will be 2200kg. Looking at the comparable Renault models, this should mean a maximum payload of around 850kg. All models will come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), daytime LED running lights and height adjustable seatbelts. Up to six airbags will be available, but it’s not yet clear how many will be fitted as standard. The panel van version will come with a wall behind the driver and passenger to prevent any cargo entering the cabin area.  

There's much to like about a hook-up between the French and the Japanese. The Nissan Renault team has produced a worthy compact SUV range in the updated Koleos, it's just a shame they've priced themselves out of contention, particularly when considering the opposition.We've spent some time in the turbodiesel Dynamique and - without looking at the pricetag - there's plenty to like, but bring in the damage to the hip pocket and the dynamic abilities of it's immediate opposition and it's a different argument.VALUEThere's a decent features list that includes dual-zone climate control, rear passengers get vents at the rear of the centre console, there's a six-speaker Arkamys sound system with USB input or an optional eight-speaker Bose unit (including a woofer), satnav and Bluetooth phone and audio link.The Koleos also has reach'n'rake adjustable steering, leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats with powered adjustment for the driver, a trip computer, rear side retractable sunblinds, power-adjustable and heated external mirrors, a full-size spare wheel, several 12-volt sockets and 17in alloy wheels.TECHNOLOGYThe diesel Koleos runs a 110kW/320Nm two-litre particle-filter equipped turbodiesel with a "normal" torque-converter-equipped six-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT that is teamed to the petrol-powered vehicles.The little four-pot engine has two balance shafts to counteract engine vibrations and runs common-rail direct fuel injection (running at 1600-bar, says Renault) using piezo injectors and a variable-geometry turbocharger to help reduce lag.The Koleos takes much from its Nissan cousins on this front, with a rotary-switch to flick between 4WD modes - front wheel drive, auto (front-drive biased but varying the torque as required) and locked mode, which puts the drive 50/50 front to rear below 40km/h for the rare moments when you'd take something from this segment off the bitumen.There's also hill start and hill descent assistance systems on the 4Wd Koleos models.DESIGNMost of the design budget for the new Koleos was spent on rhinoplasty, with the updated snout a nicer and less-polarising look than that of the outgoing car.The split rear tailgate will be welcomed by some and loathed by others - it makes for a wide-open load bay (which has remote levers to drop the backrests from the rear) and it's a good place to take a pew for tailgate parties, but shorter folk might lament the long stretch into the cargo area.The seats are comfortable but the front buckets need a little more lateral support. Some of the driver's controls for the sound system and phone (on a stalk behind the steering wheel) are not easy to decipher quickly, although the satnav buttons on the centre console are less difficult to use.There has been plenty of thought put into the storage with the snug-but-comfortable cabin - any space that could be used for storage has been (Renault says there's 70 litres of in-cabin stowage), with other helpful touches including the child-monitor mirror, folding tables for rear seat occupants and side sun blinds.SAFETYRenault was the first brand to score five stars under the NCAP regime and it has plenty of safety gear to maintain that crash-test cred - anti-lock brakes with emergency assist function, traction and stability control, the aforementioned all-wheel drive system and dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags all on the list.All seatbelts are equipped with load-limiters and the front seatbelts are also endowed with pretensioners.There's also a cruise control with speed limiter function, automatic wipers and headlights, and in the event of crash, Renault says the car's doors unlock automatically, the ECU stops the fuel injection system and the hazard lights turn on.DRIVINGThe Koleos has picked tough territory into which it has waded - established players like Subaru, Mitsubishi and now VW have diesel offerings.The VW Tiguan and Mazda's CX-5 promise to redefine diesel engines, the latter with its new Skyactiv-D drivetrain. Toyota's RAV4 doesn't do diesel and neither does Jeep's renewed offerings in the segment, but the Renault feels a little leisurely when compared to its opposition.The payoff comes with reasonably good fuel economy, which was 8.9l/100km when we finished our stint in the car - not far off the claimed 7.6l/100km and suprising given the Koleos was largely used in surburbia.Dynamically it's a cruiser too, endowed with a reasonable ride comfort but not with the dynamic ability that the Volkswagen or the Mazda bring to the fight.With 186mm of ground clearance listed in the specs, it isn't a number that's going to mean peace of mind if you're getting into rougher terrain.That said, the all-wheel drive system does a good job of maintaining grip in loose conditions and it is not shy of getting its wheels muddied more than the soft-roader brigade.VERDICTThe Koleos has plenty of gear and (I think) improved looks but is up against renewed and all-new models in the segment. It's a competent and comfortable machine but is pipped for on-road dynamics by the Tiguan and the new CX-5.If you want to get it dirty doing more than traversing a long unsealed farm driveway then the Koleos can cut it. It also completes metropolitan duties without any issues but it's not a segment-topper.2012 Renault Koleos Dynamique dieselPrice: from $40,990Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kmResale: 50% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 7.6l/100km, on test 8.9, tank 65 litres; 200g/km CO2Safety: Equipment six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction control.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 110kW/320Nm 2-litre common-rail direct-injection particle-filtered turbodiesel four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed auto, four-wheel drive.Body: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4520mm (L); 1865mm (W); 1710mm (H); 2690mm (WB)Weight: 1789kgTyre size: 225/60R17Spare tyre: full size

And it's one we might get here if Renault Australia continues on its path to greatness and more choice for prospective Renault buyers. The upgraded pocket-rocket burst onto the scene on 2nd April in Europe when ordering opened, priced at 13,565 (A$20,841) on-the-road. The facelift  brings a new frontal visual identity combined with the added visual drama of a new dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. This detail, which now runs across the full RenaultSport range, alludes to Renault's success in Formula 1. From the back, the halo model in the brand's city car range sports several model-specific additions including a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches. On the inside, the performance aura of the hot Twingo continues with RenaultSport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls. Aside from its new body-colour F1-style blade, core equipment on the latest revised Renaultsport includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric gloss black door mirrors, stability control (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo's versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats. Several options are available among them 17-inch alloy wheels or the even more striking RenaultSport Liquid Yellow i.d. paint . The unique-in-class RenaultSport monitor telemetry system is also available. Engineers haven't  tinkered with the car's mechanicals, so its performance and grin-inducing driving characteristics remain intact. Its 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated powerplant still puts out a feisty 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque available at 4,400rpm. Its top speed is a respectable 125 mph, with 0-100kmh dispatched in an impressive 8.7 seconds. Although the new range offers one version of the 133 with the standard RenaultSport chassis, an optional Cup chassis is available that includes a ride height lowered by 4mm, stiffer springs and dampers, 17-inch Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels and wider 205/40 R17 tyres than its predecessor. In keeping with its potency, Twingo RenaultSport 133 features plenty of stopping power, with 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs. Despite its impressive performance credentials, the revised Twingo RS uses less fuel and generates less carbon dioxide.