Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

Renault takes their range out into the desert to see how many panels they can damage.           

And a very painful solution. We don’t advise trying this method to unfreeze a car door lock this winter, unless you’re keen on getting chilblains on what could be a very embarrassing area to explain away.          

Could the Global Financial Crisis ultimately result in the most fundamental shift in motorsport – for Ferrari to be no longer interested in Formula One? There has not been, and probably never will be again, two entities within one sport so intertwined. Formula One without Ferrari is almost unthinkable. But it could happen.It is not because Ferrari are in any financial difficulty and need to tighten their belt. It is actually the contrary. The whole Ferrari model is about being in a position to be able to hire the best, have the best facilities and the budget to do what they need to do to win. The current changes to regulations do not align with that model, and more importantly they do not align with the fundamental principle and philosophy of why Ferrari is Ferrari.Why be associated with a sport that essentially becomes a handicap event? And yes, the limit to a budget in Ferrari terms is a handicap. Ferrari infrastructure, brand, business model and corporate knowledge and philosophy would all have to fundamentally shift to work within the budget cap. The required change management to shift an entity with the history, success and sheer size of Ferrari Formula One makes this a handicap of mammoth proportions.Current indicators are that Ferrari is considering dropping out of Formula One and concentrating their efforts in other areas. This may be gamesmanship. If it was to happen the biggest loser would undoubtedly be Formula One. Sure, F1 could regain Lola — which is a positive — but there are also question marks over Mercedes and Renault. Without Ferrari, the championship becomes a lot less stable and many, many followers will follow Ferrari to another championship.Luca Di Montezemolo has been invited to start this year’s LeMans, and Stefano Domencialli will be attending with him. This is undoubtedly a power play on Ferrari’s part to tell Formula One management that if the series no longer suits their objectives they are prepared to move on. And it is a move that could actually suit Ferrari. After all they make their money from road cars (plus merchandise and marketing) and the LeMans Series look a lot closer to road cars. The history is also there … Ferrari’s record with GT classes is as strong as open-wheelers. The threat is not an empty one.Max Mosley says that the Ferrari board will back the initiatives put in place by Formula One management to cap costs, he feels the saving of a $100 million dollars is too inviting for them not to support the initiative. This makes as much sense as his occasional dress sense. Ferrari’s corporate value is in the multi-billion dollar area. Its national worth is priceless. Leaving aside those two points however: the current business model works, they simply don't need to tighten their belts that much, there is no benefit to them. Ferrari also run a university to feed talent into the factory, even laying off the amount of workers that Brawn had to after their first win would not sit well with the Ferrari board or the Italian Government.Montezemolo questions the current regulations and budget caps on two fronts;* What he calls the grey regulations — where a rule such as the current diffuser issue can be interpreted, and where that interpretation even when it is outside the intended design intention can result in teams expending millions playing catch-up when it becomes legal.* The unenforceable nature of the budget cap. It is here that Ferrari is probably in the best position to exploit and interpret rules. Could the FXX and 599XX style programs be used as test beds for Formula One parts and therefore reverse the idiom of race developments finding their way to road cars? Or are the FXX and 599XX programs development mules for future GT racers? The questions we pose are:* Will Ferrari move their efforts to FIA GT and LeMans Series - feel free to tell us your opinion below…* Or take our Poll (above) 

Renault Australia marketing manager Craig Smith doesn't expect to see the Clio Renaultsport 200 and Renaultsport 200 Cup until at least early 2010.That's despite the pair of hot hatches opening up battling in the UK last week with June deliveries."When we get the 200 depends on sales of the 197," he says."We have some existing 197s available plus we have 40 of the R27 version which are going to dealers this week."So we'll watch the sales of these and then make a decision about importing the 200."The Renaultsport models are part of the new-look Clio line-up that starts with the three-door Extreme.Well upmarket from the oddly-named base model Extreme, the two Renaultsports get more aggressive styling with F1-style frontal aerodynamics, new alloy wheels and rear diffuser.The chassis also gets a new front suspension design with revised suspension and steering settings.All this is moved by a more powerful engine.Renault claims improved low-down torque, economy and emissions and the best power-to-weight ratio in its class at 124kW per tonne.The 2-litre normally-aspirated engine has 150kW of power — up by 2.2kW compared with the 197 — at 7100rpm. The low-end — below 3000rpm — torque is up by 20 per cent over the 197 thanks to a new cylinder head and fine-tuning of the engine mapping.The first, second and third gear ratios have all been shortened for punchier acceleration.This engine drives through a manual six-speed gearbox (TL4) and claims maximum torque of 215Nm at 5400rpm (compared with 5500rpm for Clio Renaultsport 197).Clio Renaultsport accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Clio Renaultsport 200's aerodynamics include a new frontal blade, front-wing air-extractors and a rear air diffuser — a development that Renault claims is unique for this segment.The air diffuser works by receiving the air from the flat underbody and then accelerating the air speed as it leaves the vehicle's surface.Combined with the shape of the diffuser it creates a zone of depression under the car to suck the chassis to the ground.Renault says that unlike a rear wing, diffusers generate significant downforce without resisting forward movement."On a track, at 130km/h, lift is reduced by almost 40kg," Renault says.In response to customer demand, the suspension settings for both the standard car and the hard core, Cup set-up have been revised.The standard 200 chassis gets more comfort over its 197 predecessor because of new damper settings that are 15 per cent softer, and the use of hydraulic double-effect dampers.The front roll bar is up to 21mm diameter from 20mm and Renault has chosen specifically-developed Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres at 215/45R17 for more precise steering response.The new alloy wheels are 1kg lighter which also improves steering response.Compared with the standard Clio, the Cup version gets uprated dampers that are 15 per cent stiffer; stiffer springs (uprated 27 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear); a 7mm lower ride height; an improvement in torsional rigidity by 10 per cent; and a higher-ratio steering rack (7.5 per cent quicker).The Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup weighs 1204kg which equates to 124kW per tonne.

Volvo rates as best-of-the-best in a new listing of the safest cars in Australian showrooms, with Mitsubishi tailing the field. The Swedish maker has done the job with its newest model, the impressive new XC60, edging out a classy bunch of five-star cars. But Mitsubishi's outdated Express van trails in a miserable

Just days after the cancellation of the British Motor Show, the first major international casualty of the global economic downturn, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has decided to shorten this year's Tokyo show in October by four days.The decision for the 41st running of the event comes with a growing number of no-shows.In addition to America's big three _ Chrysler, Ford and General Motors _ the list of cancellations for 2009 runs to Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Lamborghini, Hino Motors, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso (trucks and buses) and Nissan Diesel.All have blamed the economic slump and the list is expected to grow.Chinese and Korean carmakers will also stay away.That is why JAMA, which earlier this year seriously considered cancelling the show altogether, has also decided to downsize the area used from the normal four halls to possibly as few as two at the giant Makuhari Messe site in Chiba prefecture, one hour east of Tokyo.But all is not lost. According to one source close to Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker will inject extra effort into this year's show in an attempt to stimulate the market.The Toyota source says the production version of the V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar will be held back from its planned debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show to star in Tokyo, while the company will also reveal a car rumoured to have been put on hold _ the Toyota-Subaru joint-venture rear-wheel drive sedan that employs an Impreza platform and drivetrain.Toyota will also display a full range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as the latest EV and battery technology.Originally scheduled to run from October 23 to November 8, the show's new closing date will be November 4. 

New car prices are on the rise, demand is on the decline, used prestige cars have become hen's teeth and yet interest rates are spiralling to historic lows.It's a difficult market for the new car buyer who's chasing value.So we've come up with the list of the six best light cars and sports cars: Ones that will hold their value more than others over a five-year period.And just to show you how better these cars are compared with others, we've included the model that is expected to devalue the most.Australian-built cars provide a comparison. For example, the base-model Ford Falcon is expected to retain 27 per cent of its value after five years, slicing more than two-thirds off its $37,690 purchase price to $10,176. Toyota and Holden products are similar.Glass's Information Services' Operations manager, Chris D'Sousa, devised a future value list that forecasts what new models will be worth in five years.It's used mainly for fleet buyers — government, councils and big business — though has implications for private motorists.Rather than crystal-ball gazing, Mr D'Souza says there's a lot of analysing of data from a broad field."Forecasting includes 20 indicators and to that is applied an adjustment factor," he says."For example, we knew the VE Commodore was coming so values of the then current VZ Commodore were adjusted downwards early."We use the data of 40,000 cars each month and then adjust for odometer readings, condition, the type of model, the options and so on."These are some of the factors that are used to determine future value."Private buyers can determine the future value of their next car by visiting www.glassguide.com.au and clicking on the yellow VW Beetle. LIGHT CARS: 1. RENAULT Clio Sport 197:new $36,490after 5yrs — $15,690retained value — 43% 2. PEUGEOT 207 (range):new from $26,990after 5yr $11,336retained value — 42% 3. VOLKSWAGEN Polo GTi:new $26,990after 5yr $11,336retained value — 42% 4. FIAT 500 Lounge:new $28,990after 5yr $12,176retained value — 42% 5. SUZUKI Swift:new $19,990after 5yr $7996retained value — 40% 6. MAZDA2:new $20,860after 5yr $8344retained value — 40% 7. KIA Rio hatch:new $16,990after 5yr $5267retained value — 31% Sports cars have traditionally held their heads higher on the resale list because of their emotive value.Buyers yearning for an exotic sports car generally wait until one falls in their price range and often that means a used example.So prices are stronger than, say, sedans. However, all are not equal.Note that the Top 6 in this list are, with the exception of the RX-8, all convertibles. The RX-8 enters this fraternity partially because it is a four-seater sports car.Unusually, an Alfa Romeo makes it into the Top 6 with the Spider 3.2-litre V6. However, in the same breath, one of the lowest in the list is also an Alfa — this time a GT Coupe. SPORTS CARS:1. BMW 125i Convertible:new $79,644after 5yr $36,636retained value — 46% 2. MAZDA MX-5:new $49,835after 5yr $22,426retained value — 45% 3. ALFA Romeo Spider 3.2new $92,990after 5yr $41,846retained value — 45% 4. NISSAN 350Z Roadster:new $75,490after 5yr $33,971retained value — 45% 5. MAZDA RX-8:new $58,084after 5yr $26,138retained value — 45% 6. VOLKSWAGEN Eos:new $50,430after 5yr $22,694retained value — 45% 7. ALFA Romeo GT Coupe:new $69,990after 5yr $19,597retained value — 28% COMPARISON CARS:FORD G6E Turbo:new $56,390after 5yr $18,045retained value — 32% HOLDEN Calais Sportwagen:new $57,290after 5yr $18,333retained value — 32% HOLDEN Commodore Omega:new $36,890after 5yr $11,067retained value — 30% TOYOTA Camry:new $28,490after 5yr $8262retained value — 29% TOYOTA Aurion Prodigy:new $39,990after 5yr $11,197retained value — 28% FORD Falcon XT:new $37,690after 5yr $10,176retained value — 27% 

As the manufacturer’s newest entrant in the compact off-road segment, the Koleos, launched last September, has helped swing the spotlight back on to Renault.As Renault is part of the Nissan alliance, the Koleos shares the best of Japan with the style of Europe. The off-roader is based on the Nissan X-Trail but takes a typically French path to its design and upmarket interior.Two models are available, the Dynamique and the Privilege, with prices starting at $29,990 for the petrol 2.5-litre front-drive Dynamique.The Dynamique is available in both front and all-wheel-drive configurations.Apart from the Nissan-sourced 2.5-litre petrol engine, the Koleos is available with a refined Renault 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in two states of tune, either 127kW or 110kW.In keeping with Renault’s high equipment levels, the car comes with keyless card and start button function, an automatic handbrake, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, dual-zone climate control, satellite audio controls, cruise control (with speed limiter), power windows, roof-mounted child-minder mirror, electronic child locks and adjustment of the exterior mirrors.Joining the Koleos at the Melbourne Motor Show will be the hot special edition Clio RenaultSport R27.The R27 boasts a Cup chassis that is 7mm lower than the ClioSport and gains 17-inch Dark Anthracite BeBop wheels that give it an even sportier feel and higher precision above the ClioSport.It is powered by 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine that delivers 145kW at 7250 revs and 215Nm at 5500 revs.The car will hit 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, yet it delivers a combined fuel economy cycle of 8.4 litres/100km. In keeping with the sharper chassis setup, the model gets Recaro sports seats equipped with side airbags.The new Laguna hatch and wagon will also be featured at the show. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

Some major makers will skip the biggest car event in Asia, and others are planning to spend less, but the organisers are pressing ahead.The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has just confirmed the show is on, even though Nissan led a push by a couple of Japanese brands for either a cancellation or a postponement until economic conditions improve.The American 'Big Three' - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler - will definitely not be in Tokyo in October.The uncertainty over Tokyo comes after trouble with shows in many major markets including Australia, which is moving rapidly towards a single national motor show from 2010.The turnout at the North American Motor Show in Detroit in January was well down on previous years, both in the number of manufacturers at the event and their individual spending.Some companies, led by General Motors, trimmed their Detroit budgets by more than $1 million.Chinese carmakers, Brilliance and BYD, even got prime real estate in the heart of the show - instead of being shown to the basement - for the 2009 event as the number of no-shows included Porsche, Mitsubishi, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki, Daihatsu and Infiniti, the upscale arm of Nissan."We feel that it would be self-defeating to launch concepts against the backdrop of the intense Big Three survival story," says a Nissan spokesman.Even Honda, which had its massively important new Insight hybrid in Detroit, avoided an official press conference to save more than $1 million on its show budget.GM has justified its decision to skip Tokyo by revealing it spent more than $2 million on its involvement in Japan in 2007.Chrysler, which exhibits are more than 60 major motor shows each year, is putting the emphasis back on the day-to-day display at its dealerships.The true picture for the Tokyo show is still not clear, but one source in Japan says he only foreign manufacturers who 'may' come this year are the only ones actually selling any volume in Japan, which means Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Even BMW is in strife.While some French and Italian carmakers remain upbeat about Japan they are unlikely to be at the show and even Brilliance and BYD, which took up the slack in Detroit, will not be at the show as they have no presence in Japan. 

Renault won plenty of respect in Australia with its success in early rallies where it demonstrated a blend of rugged reliability and innovative design. Who could forget the R8, R10 and the wonderful 16?But that was a long time ago and the French brand has struggled in recent times, partly because it hasn’t had a consistent local presence. It is now backed by the factory through its alliance with Nissan, but when the Laguna was first launched in 1995 the company was in bed with Volvo and it was Volvo that made a somewhat abortive attempt to reintroduce it to the Australian market.MODEL WATCHThe Laguna was part of a new wave of models released by Renault as it fought back from the difficult financial times it went through in the 1980s.Unlike earlier Renaults the Laguna wasn’t particularly remarkable, it was much like the other cars coming from European factories and beginning to find their way to Australia with the market freed of tariffs.The Laguna was an attractive mid-sized five-door hatch with smooth, clean, but unremarkable lines.When it arrived here there was the choice of three up-spec variants, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder RXE with manual or auto transmissions, and the 3.0-litre V6, which was only available with the auto transmission.The interior was quite roomy. The front seats were height adjustable and trimmed in velour, the rear was a 60/40 split-fold bench for flexibility of use. Power adjustment was available for the front seats on the RXE, but standard on the V6, and charcoal leather was an option on all models.Given its position in the prestige segment it came packed with plenty of tasty fruit. Auto air headed the list, which also included power windows and mirrors, central locking, trip computer, and radio/cassette sound.The V6 also boasted standard cruise control, with options including a sunroof, CD stacker and a rear spoiler.Power for the entry level variant was provided by a torquey long stroke 2.0-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine, which put out a modest 83 kW at 5250 revs, but a more respectable 168 Nm at 3500 revs. Ninety per cent of the peak torque was on tap between 1750 and 5250 revs making the four a smooth driving unit, if not particularly spirited.The V6 was a more stirring driver with 123 kW available at 5500 revs and 235 Nm on tap at 4500 revs.Transmission choices for the four consisted of a rather vague shifting five-speed manual and a four-speed auto, the latter much better suited to the Laguna’s laid-back cruising personality.MacPherson Struts were employed at the front with the rear using transverse torsion bars located by trailing arms and shocks. Anti-sway bars were used at both ends.On the road the Laguna showed pronounced body roll, but it still clung to the tarmac with admirable tenacity, displaying mild understeer as the cornering speed rose.The ride was supple with good isolation from road imperfections.It’s power-assisted rack and pinion steering was comfortably weighted while still giving good road feel.Brakes were a combination of vented front discs and solid rears with ABS anti-skid electronics standard across the range, and got the job done without fuss.The base RXE rode on steel wheels with trims, but the V6 had better-looking alloys filling the wheel arches.IN THE SHOPFind a mechanic who is familiar with Renaults and you will have a much happier time. There are a number of specialist service outlets with expert knowledge of French cars, and they’re the best to service your car.Owners report that mechanics didn’t know much about the Laguna in the early days and the servicing wasn’t as good as it should have been so some were poorly maintained. The arrival of Renault dealers under the new alliance with Nissan has improved the knowledge of the product and the quality of servicing has improved as a result.Renaults are often owned by people who specifically went out to buy the brand, they’re less often bought be people who don’t know them or don’t care for them.That means they’re usually well cared for so they can be a good buy if you’re prepared to punt on a brand that doesn’t have a great recent history of stability in this country.Little really goes wrong with them, the engines, gearboxes and suspension seem robust, the interior stands up quite well.IN A CRASHAll models in the range had a driver’s airbag and ABS was standard making quite a solid safety net in the event in the event an accident situation arises.OWNERS SAYStephen Robards bought his Laguna V6 two years ago. The five-star safety rating was one of the Laguna’s attractions, he says, but he also likes its comfort, handling, low noise level, and fuel economy. On the downside he’s critical of the build quality and says it’s slow off the mark for a six, but comes on strong at the top end. He says servicing was a problem in the early days, but has improved since Renault has arrived as a factory operation. It has now done 70,000 km and in that time the cooling system has been cleaned out, a new radiator expansion tank and a reconditioned starter have been fitted.LOOK FOR• Unremarkable styling• Flexible hatch body• Smooth, supple ride• Modest performance• Auto better choice than manualTHE BOTTOM LINESmooth driving, comfortable, refined five-door hatch for the converted.RATING55/100