Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

THE “under new management” sign has been hung out at Renault Australia. In the third relaunch of the French brand in Australia in recent years, new boss Justin Hocevar promises new models, a 400 per cent increase in financial investment from the parent company and a “fresh” management team.The former Mini boss also brings with him a couple of his former Mini colleagues, immediately jumping into the deep end with the Australian International Motor Show, annual budget reviews, a national dealer meeting and the media launch of four new models – Megane Hatch, Megane RS250, Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and Fluence sedan, a joint venture with Nissan.“These are the basis of the recovery of our brand in Australia,” Hocevar says. “Renault has been underestimated for too long in Australia.” According to the latest sales figures, the company is “underestimated” by about 30 per cent.VALUEHocevar says the new models arrive with “more equipment, but not inflated price tags”, simplified two-trim variants (Dynamique and Privilege) and charming Euro styling. Renault has announced a drive-away price of $25,990 for the Megane Hatch Dynamique manual listed at $22,990. The CVT auto adds $2000.Compare that with the 2003 launch of the Megane which started at $31,990 for the two-litre Dynamique with five-speed manual. The entry model 1.6-litre model was $25,990.Renault spokesman Sylvain Martin-Villa says the new Megane Hatch comes with “a lot of standard equipment” not included on the original model such as six airbags, cruise control, ESP, hands-free key card and music-streaming Bluetooth which is standard in all the new models.The top-spec Privilege adds leather upholstery and trim, sunroof, sat nav, rear parking sensors and is listed at $29,990.The Coupe-Cabriolet comes in Dynamique only, with sat nav, heated seats and a folding glass roof from $45,990.The Mégane Renault Sport 250, which features in the latest Need for Speed computer game, arrives in Cup from $41,990 and Trophée from $46,990, adding Recaro seats, remote key, tyre pressure monitor and 19-inch alloys.The Fluence sedan will sell for the drive-away price of $25,990 for the Dynamique manual. It is listed at $22,990, the CVT is an extra $2000 and the top-spec Privilege with CVT and sat nav is listed at $29,990.TECHNOLOGYThe Megane Hatch, Coupe-Cabriolet and Fluence share the two-litre four-cylinder engine with power figures of 103kW (102kW in the Megane Dynamique manual) and 195Nm of torque, married to a six-speed manual or a six-step CVT, although the Coupe-Cabriolet is CVT only.The RS250 also features the two-litre engine, but turbocharged to 184kW/340Nm mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential. It also comes with Brembo brakes, lowered and stiffer Cup suspension and a performance data monitor that displays lap times, engine performance, G force and more.There are no diesel Meganes available at launch. “Diesel doesn’t fit our philosophy,” Hocevar says. “Customers want high-revving engines and we don’t want to dilute the business case at the moment with diesel.” He says the high demand in Europe for diesel would create supply problems here. “The Australian diesel market is increasing, but it’s still not high,” he says. However, Hocevar says a diesel Megane will arrive in the next 12 months when the new double-clutch gearbox is available.STYLING“These are still not conservative designs,” Hocevar says. However, the Megane Hatch has gone on a diet and finally loses its controversial flabby bottom. “It’s a less polarizing design,” Hocevar admits.The hatch now looks more like a Peugeot 308 hatch. CC is marked by a glass sunroof and a boat-like rear end. Renault claims the roof goes in 22 seconds, but it takes about five seconds more and must be done while stationary.The RS250 looks better from the rear with its massive diffuser and centralised single exhaust pipe that should please the hot hatch fans. Inside, it’s a little gaudy with yellow seatbelts, seat stitching and tacho.The new Fluence is an elegant small sedan with a generous 4.6m body length and 2.7m wheelbase creating a lot of space for five people. Inside, it is identical to the Megane, except for a larger rear seat, more legroom and, of course, a boot.SAFETY All new models have a long list of safety features such as six airbags, automatic headlight and wipers, ESP, ABS, emergency braking assist and on the CC there is rollover protection.There are also energy-absorbing bumpers to protect pedestrians.DRIVINGWith four cars to get through in one day at the national launch in country Victoria, it was difficult to gain detailed impressions. However, the Megane Hatch distinguished itself as quiet and comfortable with solid road manners and the ability to boogie when the roads get a little twisty.It’s always had sporty front-wheel-drive handling characteristics, but now with a little less understeer and torque steer. It also handles the sudden jolts in road surfaces a little better. The CVT makes the engine scream when pushed and you are better advised to use the six-step selector for shuffling through the “gears”.Inside is a pleasant environment with plenty of soft touch surfaces, especially where you rest your elbows. However, the seats are short in the base and the winding mechanical adjustment is archaic. The switches and controls are typically quirky like most French cars such as the audio controls on a stalk hidden behind the steering wheel. Surprisingly there is no passing indicator function that flashes two or three times. Front-seat passengers will enjoy the high “command” position and the sense of space.The Fluence makes the Megane almost seem harsh. It is eerily quiet, refined and rides with the composure of a much bigger car. Steering is ultra-light at low speed for easy parking and firms up as speed gathers with a nice weight and feel. While the CVT still makes the engine scream, it is fainter in the Megane. Inside, it is identical to the Megane, except for stacks of leg room front and back.In Coupe format, the CC has more structural integrity than most folding hard tops. It handles without drama and there are no groans or creaks from the roof joins. The glass roof only has a gauze cover which is not enough to shield passengers against the sun’s harmful rays, glare and heat.The top goes down when stationary in 27 seconds, not the claimed 22. Once down, the dashboard and steering vibrate and the weight of the folding roof with its heavy glass in the boot makes the front light and the steering vague.We experienced the RS250 only on the Broadford motorcycle track, a challenging, undulating circuit with off-camber and blind corners. Hocevar says “this is how it should be driven”. The RS250 joins the recently released Clio Sport 200 Gordinio edition in Renault’s venerable sport stable that goes all the way up to Mark Webber’s work car. “This is not just stick-on badges, but ground-up reworking,” says Hocevar.On the track, even hard-core sports machines can feel soft. Here the RS250 feels sloppy, the brakes soft, the steering vague and it’s simply too quiet until it’s hitting the rev limiter. It would probably be quite good on the open road where the bumps can unsettle more highly strung hot hatches. At least the LSD ensures there is little wheel spin, while there is virtually no torque steer.VERDICTRenault has hit the spot with pricing, features, styling and refinement. Megane Hatch is now a much more approachable design and the Fluence should win some customers in the growing small-to-medium sedan category.There has always been a market for Renault Sport products, but the RS250 will win few converts, even though it looks the part. It remains to be seen whether the company can restore some faith in this quality Euro marquee.New Renault modelsMégane Hatch: Dynamique man. $22,990 ($25,990 drive away), Dynamique CVT $24,990, Privilege CVT $29,990Megane Coupe-Cabriolet: $45,990Megane RS250 Cup: $41,990Megane RS250 Cup Trophee: $46,990Fluence: Dynamique man. $22,990 ($25,990 drive away), Dynamique CVT $24,990, Privilege CVT $29,990

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar says the company has quadrupled its spending in the country to arrest a 30 per cent decline in sales so far this year.“Renault is investing proactively for growth in Australia,” he says.  He says an example is the Australian preview of the new Latitude which is slightly larger than the Laguna it replaces yet slightly cheaper."There will be two variants from the high $30,000s to the top spec in the low $40,000s,” he says.It will arrive early next year in petrol, and diesel variants with a host of features including sunroof, leather upholstery, electric seats with memory and massage functions, a satnav system with rear view camera, keyless entry, air purifier with freshener, multimedia connection box, Bose sound system, automatic parking brake, rear sunblind and auto headlamps and wipers.“We are not chasing huge volume with this model but there is a loyal Renault following who like a family car with features and dynamics,” he says.The Latitude is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol V6 with 12kEW of power and 235Nm of torque and has 9.7L/100km fuel consumption.  Hocevar says the new Fluence will become a volume seller alongside the new Mégane Hatch and Koleos compact SUV.The 4.6m sedan will sell for the drive-away price of $25,990 for the Dynamique manual.  It is listed at $22,990, the CVT is an extra $2000 and the top-spec Privilege with CVT and satnav is listed at $29,990.The sedan is a joint venture with Nissan and shares the Megane Hatch chassis and drivetrains.  The Megane Hatch not only loses the flabby bottom, but gains better ride and handling.  “It’s a less polarizing design,” Hocevar admits.Renault has announced a drive-away price of $25,990 on the Dynamique manual which is listed at $22,990. The CVT auto adds $2000 and the top-spec Privilege CVT with satnav is listed at $29,990.The two new sports models are the Mégane Renault Sport 250 Cup and Cup Trophée.  They are powered by 184kW turbocharged engines and come standard with a limited slip differential and Brembo brakes. They join the Clio Sport 200 Gordini Edition in traditional blue with white stripes that went on sale last month.The Mégane Renault Sport 250 Cup which features in the latest Need for Speed computer game, is priced from $41,990 while the Cup Trophée versions start from $46,990.To further emphasise the company sporting traditions and play on Mark Webber leading the F1 titles in a Renault-powered Red Bull racer, the Renault stand also features an eye-popping Mégane Trophy racer powered by a mid-engined 3.5-litre V6 and featuring Mercedes SLS-style swing-up gullwing doors.   

In other words, the likes of the ‘usual’ suspects – including the Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus RS and Mazda3 MPS.  Once it goes on sale, it could easily emerge as the frontrunner.  The RS 250 builds on the sporting prowess of the brilliant Renault Sport Megane RS 225, offering more power and a wealth of additional high-performance hardware.Peak power goes up from 165kW in the RS  225 to 184kW, while torque grows 40Nm to 340Nm in the RS 250. Zero to 100km/h is six seconds neat – almost 0.2 seconds faster than the RS 225.The RS 250 boasts a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels (with drive delivery reigned in by a limited-slip differential) via a six-speed manual transmission only. Top speed? Well into ‘But officer …’ territory, at about 250km/h.Borrowing heavily from the trend set by Audi and Mercedes-Benz (and latched onto instantly by HSV locally) the Megane RS 250 gets LED-based daytime running lights. There’s also a switchable ESP system with two operating modes: ‘street’ and ‘track’ with the latter setting allowing more leeway into the yaw domain before intervening.Styling? Monumentally in-your-face, typically French, and likely to polarize opinion into ‘beautiful’ and ‘ugly’ camps.  Regardless, nobody will ever think the Megane RS 250 is too subtle, matching voluptuous curves with contrasting black accents front and rear, black wing mirrors, red brake calipers and F1-style rear diffuser with integrated central exhaust.It’s unlikely you’ll forget the kind of car you’re in, once inside an RS 250. If you do, quick glances at the sports alloy pedals, sports-inspired steering wheel, high-restraint front buckets and dinnerplate-sized tacho with shift light (plus an audible warning) will probably remind you - often.

The Gordini designation is a tribute to Amedee Gordini, who developed almost 200,000 Renault vehicles over a 20-year period, and who achieved some of the brand’s most formative and greatest sporting achievements – including a memorable first, third, fourth and fifth places in the 1964 Tour of Corsica Rally, all in Renault R8 Gordinis.This modern tribute was thought to be limited to just 500 examples, all destined for the UK market, but the vehicle’s presence in Sydney could herald a positive change for enthusiasts Down Under.You get: F1-style 'blade' in the lower grille area, twin racing stripes, contrasting wing mirrors, and 17-inch Gordini alloy wheels. Three colours were made available: Malta Blue, Pearl Black and Glacier White. Renault would delete the stripes upon customers’ request.The interior is treated in grey leather with contrasting details and a Gordini-embossed logo, with sundry details – including a really neat contrasting trim job for the steering wheel, highlighting the straight-ahead position, racing-style and sport pedals.The tacho is highlighted in white, with black gloss highlights used to good effect elsewhere.Two suspension options are available – a standard ‘sport’ setup and an even stiffer ‘Cup’ setup as an option.Complementing the sports styling and ‘Perfohub’ steering technology is a fade-free Brembo brake package and a high-performance 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a generous 150kW peak power output.

Sporting bizarre paint jobs, the three strange little vehicles on the Renault stand at Paris motor show suggest that graffiti artists broke into the exhibition hall overnight. But it’s just the latest version of the French carmaker’s Twizy electric ultra-compact city car. We’ve seen it before as part of the ZE (zero emissions) quartet Renault showed at Paris in 2008 and in Frankfurt again last year. But what’s different this time is that it’s ready for the showroom. Renault says they are building two variants – a 6kW one that can reach 55km/h and their muscle hero with 14kW of power that races to a top speed of about 90km/h. The Twizy gets a range of up to 100km from a lithium-ion battery pack, which Renault says will be leased by the owner as an inclusion in the vehicle price. There’s no word on whether the paint jobs are standard or part of the options list.

It is already set for local sales, continuing the emphasis on hot hatches with a RenaultSport twist."In Paris they will have the Clio 4 and that will be the first of the production cars with the new design cues," says Rudi Koenig, managing director of Renault Australia."We have the Clio Sport in the current generation and will have the same in the next generation. Whether we get the rest of the range depends on the price. At the moment the Clio is not price competitive."Koenig says the Clio will follow the new compact Megane as Renault looks to recover lost ground in showrooms."Our sales haven't been as strong as we would have expected. The timing hasn't worked for us," he says."Our new models are coming from the last quarter. We'll catch up and have a good year next year."

It has showed off its all-electric DeZir gull-wing supercar ahead of this year's Paris Motor Show.  With Mercedes-Benz already well advanced on an electric SLS and customers lining up for the Porsche 918, the DeZir is in good company. Although just a concept at this stage the two-seater coupe will lay the foundations of the future styling cues of other Renault production cars. The DeZir project is being led by design head Laurens van den Acker.  It will be one of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design's new vision for the future. The "Z'' in the name DeZir refers to Renault's zero-emission signature.  The light-weight Kevlar coupe's recessed, linear styling of the front air intake and the entire rear-end not only convey an impression of lightness but have an important function as well. The front intake design efficiently channels cooling air for the batteries, which are located in the car's mid-section.  The car's front-end design also previews a new front-end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future. The electric motor is mounted in the car's mid-rear position for better weight distribution over the 21-inch front and rear wheels.  The vertically-mounted 24kW lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km/h. The engine develops 110kW/226Nm, which gives the car a top speed of 180km/h and zero to 100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds.  "DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature, Renault's head of concept cars, Axel Breun, says. The car has three different battery-charging methods.  A standard charge facility using a conventional household plug takes eight hours. There is also a 20-minute fast charging option or a fast batter exchange thanks to Renault's Quick Drop technology.  It also uses Formula 1 KERS kinetic energy recovery technology.  When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. The driver can then use this energy for a temporary power boost via a button located on the steering wheel.  Apart from the Kevlar body, the car uses a tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for the Megane Trophy race car. The double wishbone suspension is also shared with the Megane Trophy.  DeZirs aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser.  The car has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25.

SPACE and power are king when considering what makes a good snow mobile.  Sure, heated seats, good demisters, a great sound system and cup holders can make the trip less arduous.But these little luxuries are worthless if you can't fit the kids - or your mates - and all their snow gear and supplies as well.  So how does the Renault Koleos stack up?  Built on a Nissan X-Trail platform, the Renault soft roader is a solid performer and, apart from the ugly front grille, more attractive than the X-Trail.As a relatively nimble town runabout that heads to the snow once or twice a year it's a compromise of power and space that will appeal to many - particularly couples and young families looking for everything in one vehicle.  The rear luggage area is easy to access and will cope with a couple of large suitcases and two or three smaller bags (more if the rear seats are folded down).There are also storage bins under the front seats and rear floor and an extra large glove box.  A removable rear centre armrest means skis can be pushed through, although the model I tested is fitted with roof bars.  The cabin is snug, with seats that offer the perfect combination of support and comfort for a long trip.The scenery is also easy to enjoy, even from drivers seat, with panoramic windows all around and an electric sun roof to make the most of any winter sun.  Leg room in the back is a squeeze for larger adults on a long trip but, with airline-style rear seat trays, is perfect for kids and teens.The 2.5-litre premium petrol version I tested was underpowered for lengthy mountain climbs with a full load, but a turbo-charged two-litre diesel version is available and would provide more pulling grunt.  Safety features include six airbags, ESP, ABS, front and rear fog lamps, electronic park brake and parking sensors.The all-wheel drive 4x4 version tested also boasts hill-start assist and hill-descent control.  And then there are the little extras that help you arrive at the slopes fresh and ready to go...The list includes leather seats, sat-nav, Bose sound system, keyless entry, push button start, easy to use steering wheel controls, dual zone air conditioning, integrated side shade screens and even a wide angle child minder rear vision mirror.

But peak motoring body the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries believes consumers are confused enough to warrant a broad-ranging education program about what ESC is and what it does.The Transport Accident Commission has already been running an ad highlighting the merits of curtain airbags and ESC. It has been endeavouring to lift awareness among buyers about what they do, via websites like howsafeisyourcar.com.au.But with Victoria moving ahead for the compulsory fitting of ESC to all passenger cars from January, the FCAI believes now is the time to increase awareness among car buyers.Despite TAC's efforts some carmakers like Honda believe consumers are still confused by the different acronyms used to describe the various systems. However, FCAI spokesman, James Goodwin, believes it will be difficult to mandate a single naming strategy."It comes down to marketing," he says. "All systems are different to some degree."Goodwin also believes it would cost too much to standardise the terminology on imported cars because the volumes are relatively small. Carmakers use different terms for the proprietary electronic stability program invented by Bosch and co-developed with Mercedes-Benz.Subaru Australia spokesman, David Rowley, says Subaru's own research shows a higher awareness among buyers of its own electronic stability control system, called vehicle dynamic control."Our customers tend to look in depth at the features of our cars," Rowley says. He backs an education program as “something worth considering" but balks at a name change. "A lot a brands have invested a lot of intellectual time in creating a point of difference with their various stability systems," he says.What they call it -Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Holden, HSV, JeepElectronic Stability Program (ESP) - Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Skoda, Peugeot, SuzukiDynamic Stability Control (DSC) - Ford, FPV, BMW, Mazda, Land Rover, Aston Martin, JaguarVehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) - ToyotaVehicle Stability Control (VSC) - LexusVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) - Nissan, SubaruDynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - VolvoElectronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) - Audi, VolkswagenActive Stability Control (ASC) - MitsubishiVehicle Stability Assist (VSA)- HondaAutomatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)  MiniMaserati Stability Program (MSP) - MaseratiPorsche Stability Management (PSM) - PorscheStability and Traction Control - FiatStabiliTrak -Hummer

The company is planning a long-needed product offensive over the next 12 months to reverse sales and finally entrench the importer as a fully fledged European competitor. Renault Australia managing director Rudi Koenig is blunt in his assessment of the French brand's performance in recent years, blaming a lack of product and prices."There are no more excuses," he says. "For the first time certainly within my tenure with Renault, we are bringing in serious product."When it launched back in 2000, the French carmaker boldly forecast sales of upwards of 6000 within the first couple of years. However, sales peaked in 2002 at more than 4500 and since then have hovered below 3500 despite a $20 million advertising spend in the early days to put its cars on buyers' radar.Last year it sold 2400 vehicles, down 24 per cent compared to 2008. Koenig is confident the company can improve this year but is not predicting wild numbers."The arrival of our new vehicles this year won't do much for sales because most of them arrive late in the year," he says.First up is the 2010 update for the Koleos in May, which gets satellite navigation as standard and other cosmetic updates. In June the Kangoo multi-purpose wagon arrives, followed by the Trafic van in July.The big hopes rest on the Megane hatch, which arrives in November, along with the Fluence sedan. However before the bread-and-butter hatch arrives the hot Megane RS250 hits showrooms in September and then a Megane Coupe-cabrio in October.Koenig says the product offensive has come about because Renault Australia has been able to source new cars from lower cost countries outside France. The Megane will come from Turkey and the mid-size Fluence will be built in Korea, where the Koleos is built.Renault sales peaked the in its first full year on sale in 2002 when 4565 vehicles were sold. Since then sales have hovered between 2400 and 3300, and are dependent on product launches.The arrival of the Koleos has been a saviour. Last year it was responsible for almost half of total Renault sales.