Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

And it hopes it will change the brand’s minnow status here, following in the path of Europe – where it is the biggest van seller. The French company is hoping that will be helped by the introduction of a new generation Master van which has a payload of up to 1650kg.This is a big van, sitting above the small Kangoo and mid-sized Trafic, and the long wheelbase version can fit three standard Australian pallets. The medium wheelbase model can still fit two. The cargo area measures 10.3 cubic metres for the medium wheelbase Master, while the number for the long wheelbase version is 12.5. To make for easy loading with a forklift, the rear barn doors open up 270 degrees.The Master comes with one sliding door (on the left side), which is 1200mm wide, while a second sliding door is available as an option. Its payload rating starts at 1596kg for the automated long wheelbase model and runs up to 1645kg for manual medium wheelbase model. Renault Australia decided to fit a steel bulkhead to the Master along with a locally-compliant cargo barrier and standard equipment.It comes with electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-skid brakes and a front driver and passenger airbag. Extra protection is available in the $1890 Safety and Security Pack, with a seat-mounted head and thorax airbag for the driver, automatic headlights, alarm, heated rear windows, automatic windscreen wipers and cornering headlights.Pricing starts at $43,990 for the manual medium wheelbase model and runs through to the long wheelbase with automated transmission for $47,490.The new Master is powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, with 107kW (up 19kW) and 350Nm (up 50Nm) that goes through the front wheels. It is fitted with a six-speed manual as standard, while an automated six-speeder is available as a $2500 option. This is an automated transmission, rather than a torque convertor type automatic.The all-important fuel consumption figure comes in at 9.0 litres per 100km for the manual and 8.5L/100km for the automated version. The numbers are the same for the medium and long wheelbase variants. When it comes to emissions, the manual master generates 238g/km and the automated version generates 226g/km.Renault says it has improved running costs with a new fitted for life timing chain, coolant that now lasts for 60,000km or 48 months, an exhaust particulate filter that requires no maintenance and brake pads that are designed to last 20 per cent longer than the previous model.The warranty is also fleet friendly, coming in at three years or 200,000km.Standard comforts include a sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, manual airconditioning and cruise control. There is also an additional Premium Pack available for $1490, which includes a Tom Tom satellite navigation unit that sits above the rear-view mirror and a rear view camera that is mounted on the back of the sunvisor.The Master is a relaxing van to drive. It is far quieter than you might expect, thanks to a refined engine and the bulkhead, which stifles a lot of the road noise. Its interior is car-like with high-quality surfaces and plenty of hidey-holes and places to stow folders and coffee cups. The rear doors swing wide, opening all the way to the bump stops located on the van exterior. There are a dozen tie down points on the interior of the cabin.Engine performance is spritely, although we werent carrying a full load. There is no rear drive option, which is preferred for bigger loads. The high mounted satellite navigation is not ideal, you have to take your eyes off the road and to view the rear view camera you have to flip down the visor. Overcome these niggles and the Master is well worth a look.

Kids aren’t usually a factor in Car of the Year judging.  But child friendliness rates highly with women buying cars – and with women judging cars.The countdown has been kicked off to decide the Women’s World Car of the Year, and the kid factor is one the judges pay a lot of attention to.“Statistics show that women drive children in cars significantly more often than men – and that means women need to take that into account, both when buying and as judges of cars,” WCOTY president Sandy Myhre said from New Zealand.“Any woman who has grappled constantly with child seats and belts and children considers those things when looking at buying a car.  Men might too but the fact is, women drive children in cars more than men.“Women would not consider that aspect in a Porsche 911 more than a bloke. The point is, it can be considered in these awards - and that is one of the points of difference in these awards.”Myhre points out that significant research into buying habits show that in addition to buying for themselves, women have a major influence in household purchase decisions for big ticket items.Ford Australia, for example, says their research shows that women are behind the majority of purchases of the Territory SUV – either as single women buying one, or in influencing the joint decision with their partner. “A report from Mattingly & Associates in Australia concluded, in part, that businesses that didn't understand this influence would be hard-pressed to stay in business.  That report was aptly called 'When I've Made Up Our Minds',” Myhre says.However, the kid factor is just one of the criteria by which the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year will be judged.There are four categories in the Women's World Car of the Year – Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. Points are allocated to each of ten criteria: driveability, engineering, comfort, child friendliness, style, interior, storage, dashboard efficiency, carbon footprint and colour range.The 20 judges from eleven countries have submitted their own personal short list and more than 300 cars were suggested. These individual choices were then whittled down to form a master list of 32 in terms of popularity. Judges will now allocate points for these cars from a criteria list.The announcement of the winning cars in each category and the supreme winner will be made before the end of March. The supreme award trophy and category certificates will be presented to the car companies concerned at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012 – the Paris Motor Show – in September. The supreme trophy will this year be made in The Netherlands. Category-winner certificates will be designed at Peartree Studios in Colerne, UK.The first winner of the Women's World Car of the Year was the Jaguar XF in 2010 and the trophy made in South Africa was presented at the Jaguar boutique showroom in Knightsbridge, London. In 2011 there was a dead-heat between the Citroen DS3 and the BMW 5 Series. The two trophies made in India were presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. 

We've had a crack at the front wheel drive petrol Renault Koleos Dynamique and the $41,000, 4x4 diesel Dynamique model and now must decide which we prefer. That's easy, the petrol "fronty" wins hands down because it costs less and is nearly as functional as the 4x4. Having said that, people still want or need a 4x4 SUV and as such, the Dynamique dCi diesel Koleos we drove could fill the bill. It's certainly different looking (but underneath pretty much the same as Nissan's X-Trail). Out of Renault/Nissan's Korean factory, Koleos is well-built and has an innocuous appearance. It won't wow you but won't offend either. GOOD STUFFWhat is really good about the Koleos dCi is the `spex' - it's jam-packed with goodies including leather, satnav, a proper six-speed auto, rear park sensors, hands free entry and ignition, auto wipers and lights, hill start assist, decent audio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, multi media connection box, climate control, cruise and more.It really is a generous package for the price. Renault's clever Easy Estate rear seat folding system is handy as is the clamshell two part tailgate. TECHNOLOGYPower comes from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with variable geometry turbo and other technology to boost efficiency. It's good for 110kW/320Nm the latter from 2000rpm. There's a three mode drive system, with auto, lock and 2WD (front) - straight out of X-Trial. The only transmission available is a conventional six-speed auto with sequential shift mode on the selector. It's capable of sipping fuel at 7.6-litres/100km giving a big touring range. The engine features two balance shafts to quell vibes. DESIGNThere's a fairly conservatively styled dash with easy-to-use switches and a TomTom satnav in pride of place. It decided to stop working on test saying "no GPS signal." which we found annoying. The audio is pretty good and the seats are comfy being the right shape and size. But there's a fairly grey look to it all - overpowering. It's roomy for five, has a good size load space and a full size spare under the rear floor. We'd rate the interior better than Japanese but not as good as German and some Koreans. DRIVINGTurbo-lag (tardy acceleration) is a problem off idle especially when you pull out in front of oncoming traffic at an intersection expecting immediate response to get you out of the way. Leads to some white knuckle moments. On the other side of the coin, when the engine hooks up and drives it's pretty good especially on the highway. It's smooth and economical. The auto is good too and we got to use 4x4 `lock' once on a muddy road - not a problem. We like the fact that there's a particle filter in the exhaust and the Koleos passes stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations. Ground clearance is 186mm and the hill descent control would be handy off road. The ride is comfortable and overall dynamics are competent.VERDICTWe're not sold on the new look but it's an improvement. The diesel needs better off-idle launch but Koleos goes well and has plenty of kit for the money - a good, safe (five star), economical compact family wagon.

Of the 666 cars for 15 markets worldwide, only 40 Angels & Demons have been allocated to Australia, with the car priced from $39,990. Its `bad boy' exterior is complimented by the acclaimed Cup chassis and 151kW of grunt to take you beyond the daily grind.The Clio RS Angel & Demon is a debutante in more than one way, introducing a pair of enticing matt body colours to Renault's line up in Australia: the angelic Matt Hologramme Grey or devilish Matt Toro Red. The exterior is enhanced by gloss black 18-inch Interlagos wheels, with red Brembo brake callipers. The wheels display the R.S. badge in the centre and are shod with Bridgestone RE050A tyres  a first for Renault Sport in Australia.These asymmetric, ultra-high-performance tyres incorporate dynamic sporty handling and a quiet, comfortable ride to meet the rigorous demands of prestige performance vehicles. The matt body colours are complimented by a gloss black roof, upper tailgate, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, F1-style blade in the front bumper, door handles and exterior door mirrors. The rear-side and tailgate windows are dark-tinted to complete the roguish style. An optional Angel & Demon tattoo can be grafted onto the left hand side of the rear quarter window pillar to identify this limited series.

Double-clutch automated manual transmissions have been around for a few years now and Renault has just introduced a six-speed unit. It calls the new transmission Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), and it’s the main reason we took another look at the Megane diesel hatch.TECHNOLOGYDouble-clutch transmissions make super-quick gear changes – faster than humanly possible – and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic.However, to feel these transmissions working at their best you need to use a lot of right foot to get off the line cleanly, which immediately detracts from the fuel efficiency.In Megane hatch under review, the six-speed EDC transmission is linked to a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces peak torque of 240 Nm at a low 1750 rpm, and 110 kilowatts at 4000 rpm. Power is run through the front wheels and there is no sign of torque steer even under hard acceleration. Renault claims the EDC transmission saves 17 per cent on emissions when compared to a conventional auto.DESIGNNo one could ever accuse the French of producing boring cars and the Megane hatch is living proof of a beautifully sculpted five-door hatch. It is short but rakish and looks great on the road thanks to short front and rear overhangs.At 4.3 metres long it could play the role of a family car for two adults and two kids.In the Privilege the front seats have power height and reach adjustment, while the steering wheel also has height and reach adjustment. The seats are pretty comfortable though and there's good leg room for rear seat passengers. The rear seat is a bit narrow and better suited to two adults than three.The rear seat is a 60/40 split and folds forward to greatly increase cargo space. All seats in use there's 360 litres of luggage space. We used the Megane Hatch diesel for a weekend trip away to Grafton in the northern rivers area of NSW and our luggage hardly put a dent in the boot space.SAFETYRenault was the first company every to score a five-star rating on the Euro NCAP testing and continues to be a leader in the field. As well as the ability to help occupants survive a crash, Renault is also big in primary safety, boasting Electronic Stability Program and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist. EQUIPMENTThere are two specification levels, Dynamique and Privilege. Megane Privilege gets a significant package to justify the $5000 difference between the two spec levels. These include black leather upholstery, electric glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and Arkamys four-speaker/four-tweeter sound system with single CD/MP3 player with satellite controls on the steering column.We can't say we love the ergonomics. The start/start button is in a user-unfriendly spot in front of the gear shifter, while the air conditioning buttons and audio controls are far too low. This is compounded by the satellite audio controls hidden behind the right spoke of the steering wheel. These almost seem designed to distract the driver from what they should be doing – concentrating on the road.What they have got right is the cruise control which is on the face of the steering wheel and simple to use. However, the cruise control master switch is on the centre console. Go figure.DRIVINGRenault Megane hatch has refined road manners with excellent cornering and braking and makes an excellent cruising machine. The diesel engine is at its best when cruising with the car routinely having fuel consumption under 5.0 litres per 100 km. In our week we covered more than 600 km at 5.3 L/100 km, a fair bit above Renault's claim of 4.5 L/100 km, but no more removed from reality than the fuel figures claimed for most other cars. The combination of a stunning French style, the convenience of a new-design automatic transmission and a pretty low price for the prestige of a owning a European car seems sure to guarantee the latest Renault Megane strong sales Down Under.Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-dieselPrice: RS 250 Cup 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $41,990 (manual), RS 250 Monaco GP 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $48,990 (automatic),  Dynamique 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $22,990 (manual), $24,990 (manual), Privilege: 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $29,990 (automatic),  Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: Privilege dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: $32,490 (automatic)Warranty: Five years/ unlimited kmEngine: 1.461 litres, Four cylinders in line. Compression Ratio: 15.2:1. 81kW - 240NmSafety Equipment: ABS Brakes, ESP, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags.Transmission: Manual Transmission: Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutchDimensions: Length: 4295 mm, Wheelbase: 2641 mm, Width:1808 mm, Height: 1471 mm. Turning Circle: 11.1 metresWeight: 1366 kgTowing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailerBrakes: Front Brakes: Ventilated disc Rear Brakes: DiscThirst: Diesel Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 4.5 L/100kmGreen: 8.5/10. Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

And it's highly likely to arrive here before the end of the year. The new version is boosted by an extra 15 horsepower and 20Nm of torque. The extra go comes via a new 'Sport' mode in the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system that changes the exhaust note and frees up all 265 horsepower, close to 200kW.Among other changes are several new options: Renaultsport 'Red Design Pack' (red striping on front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings), rear parking camera with front parking sensors and Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and auto high/low beam). One new colour is introduced for 2012 - Arctic White.The Cup Chassis Pack, likely to be the sole Aussie 265 model, features 18-inch alloys in matt black fitted Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, stiffer springs/dampers/anti-roll bars.The 265 boasts improved performance stats dispatching 0-100kmh in 6.0 seconds exactly (instead of 6.1 for the 250). Its 360Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000rpm.Renaultsport's wizardry has seen the engine's maximum turbo pressure uprated to 2.5 bar, up by 0.2, together with the air intake being revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures. Elsewhere, the new model retains the essence of the current Megane 250 Renaultsport recipe.A host of new techo features includes the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to switch between two power settings.New for 2012 is carbon grey Renaultsport cloth with red stitching. The seatbelts are red, as is the stitching throughout the cabin, while the door panels have a carbon fibre effect finish. Figure hugging Recaro front seats with a Carbon grey cloth and synthetic leather edging and yellow detailing are available.

For as little as $27,490, you can get a "small" five door hatchback that returns 4.5-litres/100km. It's a much more attractive package than any hybrid on the market in terms of performance, running costs and purchase price, to say nothing of looks.Renault's Megane DCi might have a small capacity, 1.5-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet, lifted from a light commercial vehicle, but it also has a six-speed dual clutch `manumatic' transmission and oodles of grunt from a low 1750rpm - just off idle. Two models are available and we were able to drive the up spec' $32,500 Megane Privilege. It's a good looking car offering plenty of interior room and a good size boot accessed through a large rear hatch. Easily one of Renault's best lookers, the distinctive Megane hatch is quite a large "small' car tipping the scales at 1366kg. The Privilege we drove scores premium Arkamy's audio (with inadequate bass response) Bluetooth phone and streaming, satnav, climate control, leather, a multi media connection box, full size 17-inch spare, alloys, smart key start and plenty more kit.It is a genuine competitor for VW Golf at less money and also otherpremium small cars.TECHNOLOGYIt's a single cam, eight valve, 1.5-litre four banger lifted from Kangoo van with 81kW/240Nm output. There's a particle filter in the exhaust helping achieve a Euro 5 emissions rating. On paper it's not impressive but in reality, the engine is a good'un offering plenty of response, super fuel economy, strong roll-on acceleration and clatter only at and for a short period after start-up from cold.What makes it is the six speed DSG gearbox, unusual because it is a dry clutch as opposed to a wet clutch (filled with oil). The dry clutch is better in terms of low speed operation and a reduction in friction loses.DESIGNNot as classy as a VW but neat and functional. Megane's interior is easy on the eye and comfortable for long drives. There's plenty of rear seat leg and headroom and the standard equipment in the Privilege is generous and appreciated but unnecessary except for the satnav. Some of the controls are not intuitive.DRIVINGRenault has a bit of a reputation for good handling, well, good overall dynamics and such is the case here. Megane diesel offers a high level of ride comfort from its strut and torsion beam suspension and yet corners flat with tenacity.It has strong brakes and good steering feel. Pity there's no paddle shift on the wheel. No complaints about engine performance whatsoever - it could be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel gauged on underfoot feel. An annoying creaking noise in the rear suspension blotted the scorecard.SAFETYFive star car with all that entails - six air bags, stability control, safety cell chassis, pedestrian safety.VERDICTDefinitely worth a look if you are shopping Golf, diesel Focus, Pug 308, even 1-Series and C30 diesels. Surprisingly good, better value in Dynamique grade.

The diminutive French hatchback will be the centre of attention throughout 2012.  To kick off celebrations the company has entered three original, Renault 5 Alpines in the 2012 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The three cars have been specially prepared for the Monegasque event by Renault Classic.  They were stripped and carefully rebuilt for the 2500km rally.  The front-wheel drive Alpines are powered by a 105kW 1.4-litre four cylinder engine, with a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes.  The cars weigh 870kg and have a top speed of 190km/h.  Three Frenchmen, Jean Ragnotti, Alain Serpaggi and Manu Guigou, have been selected to drive the cars from the start in Reims on to the finish in Monaco. It was Ragnotti in car (N19) that steered to second place overall in the 1978 Rallye Monte-Carlo.

But there are no travel documents for Australia yet. The local arm of the French brand has apparently made a New Year's resolution to focus on the current Megane range for 2012 and Renault Australia's Emily Ambrosy says the facelifted Megane is not likely to appear in Australia this year but wouldn't detail a 2013 timeframe. "We only introduced Megane hatch and RS250 into Australia at the end of 2010, for us it's still a relatively new vehicle to our line-up - because of that it is too early to confirm anything on timing, pricing, specification, or engines for our phase 2. We'll be focussing on our current product for 2012," she says. Renault head-office has introduced changes to the Megane range, the most comprehensive of which dwell beneath the bonnet. The French marque is introducing three new engines to the Megane on its home turf. The three new Energy engines have Stop and Start and brake energy recovery systems; the new Megane will bring with it the first direct-injection turbo petrol engine -  the Energy TCe 115 1.2-litre replaces the 1.6-litre 16V, producing  86kW and 190Nm of torque (up 4kW and 40Nm over the 1.6-litre engine), with fuel consumption down as much as 25 per cent to 5.3 litres/100km. Megane MY12 will get two diesel engines - the dCi 110 and 130. The diesel Energy dCi 110 1.5-litre engine is the top-selling powerplant according to Renault, with fuel use down by 12 per cent to 3.8l/100km, a 20Nm jump in torque to 260Nm, with around 82kW of power. The Energy dCi 130 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 79kW and 320Nm of torque, with a combined-cycle thirst of 4 litres/100km, a 20 per cent reduction. Small styling changes have been wrought on the front end, with the addition of  LED daytime running lights, a gloss-black bumper with chrome touches, as well as new-look wheel designs. The interior options have grown to include a two-tone leather/alcantara pack available in three variations, as well as a Bose version and GT models with LED lights, a sports steering wheel and red-stitched sports trim. Megane will be offered (at least in its home market for now) with the "Visio System" which uses a windscreen-mounted camera to control the use of high-beam (above 45km/h) when the level of lighting drops or when no cars are detected. The camera is also used by the lane departure warning system, which monitors the car's road position and indicator use and warns the driver if the systems decides the driver is drifting across lanes. Also on the features list for the new car is a hill-start assistance system, Bluetooth phone and audio link, USB input, satnav a rear camera, dual-zone climate control with an air quality sensor with automatic recirculation. The RS versions of the Megane also get an upgrade, with 11kW and 20Nm on offer when Sport mode is called up, as well as a revised soundtrack and interior trim improvements. The Renault Megane, manufactured in Palencia, Spain, is the brand's top-selling model in Australia as well as globally - sales exceed 235,000 units worldwide in 2011 and 730,000 units since its launch at the end of 2008. Megane MY12 will go on sale from March in Europe and then other markets - not including Australia - through the course of the year. Ms Ambrosy says the 2012 sales result of 3622 vehicles was the French brand's best Australian effort since 2002. "The brand was reintroduced it in 2001 and sold 1960, in 2002 they sold 4572, it tapered off after that - it's exciting for us as it shows the new direction and product, which is a very affordable proposition and great value," she says. The company has had an inconsistent history when it comes to quality and reliability but the new-generation product is aiming to change that. "We're showing people how reliable it is with the five-year warranty - we're happy with our warranty claims. Since the new Koleos was introduced in 2008, we've had a decrease of 57 per cent in warranty claims, it's a tremendous turnaround for the brand," she says. "We've just appointed a new LCV manager to drive that business, Renault LCVs are number one in Europe and has been for the last 12 years, they are great vans and we see huge potential in that area." The light-commercial side of the ledger also improved, with a 72 per cent increase to 615 light commercial vehicles sales increase with 615 Trafic vans, with more to come on that front from the new Renault Master this year. Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar was thrilled with the sales result. "This result is proof that our strategy of de-positioning our vehicles and providing greater value to our customers was the right approach for Renault Australia," he says.

... networked EV charging stations now installed in all our mainland capital cities. EV infrastructure provider ChargePoint has just completed two public charging outlets in Perth, adding to existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Adelaide and bringing the total number of the company's charging outlets up to 50. The move precedes this year's (2012) local introduction of electric vehicles ranging from the Nissan Leaf and Renault Fluence ZE. CEO James Brown says it is a sign of things to come. "With major car manufacturers moving rapidly to bring EVs on line, the country needs state-of-the-art infrastructure to support them and we are providing that," he says. "It is anticipated that several thousand charging stations will be located throughout Australia over the next three years as electric vehicles gain market share". ChargePoint says operating the open access charging stations is straightforward and only requires use of a free network card, available from ChargePoint (either online from www.chargepoint.com.au or by phoning 1300 300 885).