Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

Struggling to get on the local radar with buyers, the French auto giant is launching new models left, right and centre with the latest, a new Scenic small people mover, due next month.All this activity makes you wonder what else Renault has up its sleeve – plenty apparently.The new Scenic II replaces a model that was Renault's top seller here so the pressure's on.Though typically Gallic in styling, the earlier model was practical, economical and went fairly well for a small bus. There was also an all-wheel-drive RX4 model. None is mentiomned in the new model literature.Scenic II needs to hit the ground running but that might be a big ask given the polarising "bustle-back" styling – a la Megane hatch.The new five-seat Scenic II snuck into the public domain in a pre-release program through Renault dealers before Christmas. It caused barely a ripple on the vichyssoise (soup).The pre-release was designed to showcase what Renault Australia says "is the Scenic II's sensational new design with its innovative interior and expressive exterior style."It hits the showroom with a recommended retail price starting at $29,990, and is available in three variants: entry-level Authentique, mid-spec' Expression and range-topping Dynamique.They all use a 98kW/191Nm, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine lifted from Megane with either a six- speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Five speed autos seem to be off Renault's agenda and auto adds $2300 to the price.Scenic II offers a comprehensive range of features including aircon across the range.The usual array of cruise control, power front windows, in-dash CD player and flexible rear-seating system is listed as standard equipment.Where Renault makes no mistakes is with safety and Scenic II offers dual front and side airbags, curtain airbags and front and rear seatbelt pretensioners. There is also a range of important passive safety features such as ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist.The vehicle was awarded a European NCAP crash test rating of five stars – the highest, with a score of 34.12 points out of a possible 37.1.This makes Scenic II one of the safest vehicles for occupant protection in the compact MPV class.It's built on a Megane platform and there is room for a seven seat, Grand Scenic variant that will arrive later in the year sharing the same powertrain as the five seater. Sources say the third row in the Grand is tight and suitable for children only.Renault Australia is reported to be looking at a turbo version of the Scenic II – for what purpose is unclear.All models have a digital instrument display and a deep dash incorporating a gear shift or selector in the centre console.Numerous interior storage compartments are dotted about the cabin.Both rear seat rows fold flat for increased luggage capacity.Reports out of France suggest a good ride with slightly more body roll than Megane hatch due to a higher centre of gravity but tidy dynamics overall. We'll have to wait and see on that one.The suspension is a simple strut front, torsion beam rear.Drive is to the front wheels and the steering has a leisurely 3.2 turns lock to lock.The vehicle needs premium unleaded and is claimed to deliver about 8.5L/100km average fuel economy which might be optimistic given its 1400-1530kg weight depending on the model.There is only one direct competitor, Holden's Zafira at around the same money. Hyundai's unloved LaVita was dumped some time back.

It's just the ticket ... or not ... after all, that's the whole point.So much oomph in Renault's Clio Sport 182 Cup but so few places to use it. Legally, anyway.There's a whole lot of engine (two-litre, 16-valve) packed into a tiny terrier and it's soooo easy to speed. But set the cruise control to the right mode and all your worries are gone.The car just won't go over what ever speed you punch in – except in the case of an emergency.(Can they adapt this gizmo to children?)The features don't stop there, though ... a "five-speed gear box, ventilated discs up front with ABS, electronic brake distribution and traction control with ESP" (everyone needs a bit of that) top the list.Translation: Road grip is great, corners are not scary or hairy and if you're travelling up Willunga Hill in fifth gear, you'll still be accelerating.Now here's one to really grab you (pardon the pun) ... an anti-hijacking precaution. The doors lock automatically when you accelerate away from the kerb.The Clio Sport may be small but it's big on image and impact. Start with the lowered suspension, twin exhausts, leather seats, drilled alloy pedals and unique "charcoal" finish alloy wheels. Some think they look dirty. I say "gritty" and they add to that "bad boy" image ... even if it's just a little bad boy.The Clio is perfect for young yuppies with no puppies. Two-door cars, like this one, are not child (or friend) friendly and the lack of windows in the back gives the young guys a perfect opportunity to complain.Things are pretty squeezy in the back seat and the stiffer sports suspension makes for a harder ride; 14-year-olds don't like bumping their heads on the roof. But with just two people, you're in hot-hatch heaven.All the effort seems to have been put into the front compartment. It looks great for starters – all black and chrome with leather, and Alcantara trim, a groovy dash and idiot-proof stereo and climate controls.And these are seats you sit in, not on. And the all-important question? Drink holders?Those in the front are a bit awkward, tucked in below the centre dash, but the rear side-panel mounted holders, big enough for bottles of water, make up for them.LOVE IT LEAVE ITRenault Clio Sport 182 Cup LOVE ITGreat size. Easy to park. Wheel-mounted radio controls save searching for small dash buttons. The oh-so-cool wipers with an action mimicking a dance step Michael Jackson would envy.LEAVE ITIndicator and wiper controls are hard to see. No windows in the back. 

Convertibles, cabrios, roadsters, call them what you will, are OK for Aussie conditions but definitely not the go on hot days.The notion of "fun in the sun" driving is wrong because it ain't fun blistering away in a car under a searing sun.This issue and being caught in a flash thunderstorm have been addressed by fast opening and closing roofs of either metal or vinyl.It's cool to have a roofless car that's for sure, great for the ego, an image maker. And on cooler days, in the evening or early morning they are a treat.Renault has entered the fray with something different – a glass roof cabriolet.The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet's roof is in two pieces and folds quickly into the boot leaving minimal luggage space. With the roof up, the boot is a good size.It's a four seater of sorts with the rear pews suitable for kids due to a lack of legroom.Access is by large doors and there's plenty of room inside the Megane for two and head clearance is good thanks to a manual a seat though head clearance could be an issue for taller drivers or people with a bouffant hairstyle.The Megane shares its face with other Meganes (sedan and hatch) but pretty well all other body panels are unique on the Coupe-Cabriolet.Underneath, it's all standard Megane – a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, five speed manual or four speed auto transmission, front wheel drive, electric power steering, strut and torsion beam suspension, all mainstream stuff.Power output is 98kW with 191Nm of torque. It is adequate to push the 1430kg Megane along at a decent clip with the manual obviously having more punch.Safety is a high priority these days and the Megane doesn't fall short with a five star European NCAP crash test rating – the highest.And Renault has ensured Megane Coupe-Cabriolet buyers will be pampered with an extensive range of luxury equipment like leather upholstery, rain sensing wipers auto headlights, good audio, climate control and plenty more.Renault persists with the annoying card and push button ignition system.It is a stylish car from all angles but the consensus around the office was that women more than men would like the styling.And that's precisely where Renault is pitching this $47,990 cabrio – at wealthy women. Just like most of the other players in the market.

They look great, but when it is time to put the fabric roof back up, some can look tired and tatty.Mercedes-Benz started the folding metal-roof trend with the previous model SLK and SL. Peugeot joined in with the 206CC and 307CC and Daihatsu produced the Copen.The latest coupe convertible is the Renault Megane.The new Megane has an automatic folding metal hard-top that drops into the boot. The Karmann-designed roof also has a glass panel, but most of the harsh light can be blocked courtesy of a retractable screen.The four-seat Megane drop-top starts at $47,990, against the Holden Astra convertible ($45,990) and the Peugeot 307CC ($49,990).It has the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the Megane hatch with 98kW and 191Nm. A six-speed manual is standard. The four-speed automatic with manual shift mode is $2200 extra.Standard equipment includes leather seats, cruise control, airconditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, CD sound with steering-wheel controls and a glass roof panel.An optional $1290 LX pack adds 17-inch alloy wheels and premium six-CD sound.ON THE ROADCONVERTIBLES are either tuned for sport or comfort and it takes less than a minute in the Megane to discover comfort is the focus. The suspension is soft and the car tends to wallow over some bumps.The Megane is a comfortable summer cruiser. Its metal top is well-designed and several passengers thought this Megane was a regular coupe until the roof started folding.Owners of drop-tops with fabric lids can tell you that even with the roof up it can be noisy inside.The black rag-tops can also heat-up the interior on really hot days when the sun is too bright to have the roof down.Folding metal hard-top cars such as the Megane don't suffer from these problems. Even when the roof is down, the Megane is fairly quiet, even at highway speeds.Its 2.0-litre engine lacks punch and torque. It can also feel harsh, especially through the pedal and works hard at 2800 revs when cruising at 100km/h.It would be better with a manual, but our test car had an automatic that was not good. Sometimes the changes were smooth, other times it slapped into the next gear.The auto also has an annoying habit of being quick to change down when coasting downhill.At least there is a manual shift mode, so you can make it change when you want.Cabin comfort is good, and seats providing adequate support.The Megane is a four-seater and there is enough room for adult passengers, as long as it is not a long journey.

Not the car itself, but the colour.In the mid-1960s, Renault performance tuner Gordini turned out some pretty sharp and fast editions of the Renault 8.To distinguish the cars, a special colour was available – an eye-jarring bright blue that would have been a shocker to a conservative 1960s kind of world.Well, it's back. Not in a Gordini, but in its spiritual successor, the Renault Clio 182 Sport.Cute in a toy shop sort of way, the Clio three-door wears the Sport badge thanks to a bigger two-litre engine and substantial changes to the suspension and brakes compared with the already pleasant entry-level Clio.This engine gives the Clio a torquey heart making it a very easy car to punt around the suburbs and city.So strong is the powerplant that gear skipping is expected and third-gear corners considered as excessively revving the engine.The five-speed manual box is short, sharp and precise, while the steering is direct and boasts excellent road feel and the brakes are strong and show little fade.It's what the Renault 8 Gordini was in the 1960s – a production car body with more oomph.Expect this to have a firm ride on the road and you'd be pleasantly surprised. The seats are comfortable and the suspension compliant, though the handling is extremely surefooted.The interior is also vast, with good rear-seat accommodation and a high ceiling. But what enhances this airy and light interior is the huge glass area.Don't be modest when touring in the Clio because the side glass drops right down to your elbows. The driving visibility is probably the best of any car – it's just a little daunting that the occupants are equally as visible.On the track that torquey engine and crisp gear change combine with remarkable roadholding to make this a fun machine.It's actually hard to provoke understeer despite this being a front-wheel drive. The back also hangs on so the progress through a corner is predictable with the Michelins refusing to release their grip on the asphalt.At a shade more than 1000kg, the $32,000 Clio Sport is a featherweight fighter.The feature list is pretty good, with climatic airconditioning, four airbags, ABS, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control – though awkward to use – and a CD player.The upholstery is alcantara which, like the rest of the interior, is black. The seatbelts are a pale grey. Do these colours match? No!The exterior gets aggressive with a lowered body, twin big-bore exhaust tips and fat 16-inch alloy wheels. This is really a fun car for the enthusiast that is as good on the track as it is toddling to work.

The three-door hatch is part of a new range of hot hatches from Renault, which includes a Clio Sport 182 Cup (add $2000 for stiffer suspension, lower ride height and charcoal-coloured wheels) and its bigger brother, the Megane turbo-charged Sport.Revisions to the engine give the Clio Sport 182 an extra 7kW of power – now up to 131kW – and peak torque (200Nm) is reached at 5250rpm, 150rpm earlier than before. Now, 80per cent of this is available from 2000rpm.Torque is noticeable underfoot in all gears, with fifth gear able to carry the car from lower speeds.The Sport has a hotter exterior than the tamer Clio models and subtle changes from the previous model include the sporty twin exhausts that protrude from the rear and the different-coloured alloy wheels.The twin exhausts produce a noticeably sporty note.The five-speed close-ratio box takes a bit of getting used to but third and fourth gear encourage high-revving fun.The wheelbase has been increased by 13mm and the track widened by 12mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. The greater track sees the Clio remain stable and have lots of grip under most driving conditions.Under harsh acceleration on rough bitumen, the Clio will tend to torque-steer, though it's nothing that can't be controlled by a slight lift of the right foot.The Cup provides even more grip than the standard 182 Sport. The stiffer suspension and lower ride height means there's minimal body movement, even under heavy load.Larger bearings in the wheel hubs also contribute to increased stability in the Cup.The lower position of the steering-arm attachment points sees the Cup react quicker and more decisively than the 182 Sport, with steering quicker as well.Despite the firmer suspension and lower ride height, the Cup is no bone-rattler – the spring rate in the Cup has been increased by 20per cent, with matching damper settings for this version of the Clio providing even more incisive behaviour.The rear spring rates have been stiffened by 15per cent and the damper settings by 10per cent.Brake-wise, the Clio's 280mm vented front and 238mm solid rear discs do an admirable job but tend to fade slightly when used quickly and repeatedly.The Clio's interior is a pleasant mix of quirky and sporty, with drilled pedals, sporty Alcantra leather seats and funky gauges.The size of the boot was a pleasant surprise, with none of the weekly load of shopping having to ride shotgun.The standard safety features include driver and passenger front adaptive airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, front and rear anti-intrusion side bars, an electronic stability program and latest generation anti-lock brakes.Comfort features include remote-operated central locking, power windows and mirrors, air recycling and particle filter, height and recline adjustment on the front head restraints, leather steering wheel and height adjustment on the driver's seat.The Clio Sport 182 also features six-speaker AM/FM stereo with single CD, cruise control with speed limiter, audio controls mounted on the steering column, climate-control airconditioning, vanity mirrors and a chilled glove box.

There are two models, the Sport and the Sport Cup. The only difference is charcoal coloured alloys, lower ride height and firmer suspension on the Cup, oh, and $2 grand more on the sticker.Though not in the same performance league as a WRX, the Sport offers possibly more driving excitement because it is such an athletic little beast. You can really drive the thing and be rewarded by its stability, response and feel.The engine has more wick and is now rated at an impressive 131kW/200Nm output. It's naturally aspirated so when you push the throttle, it goes, no waiting.And rev, sheeesh, the high compression 2.0-litre twin cam loves to spin and fairly howls near the 7000rpm redline. But there's no real need to go there because it has plenty of pick-up everywhere.Part of the secret here is size and weight. The Sport is a small car, a three door hatch capable of carrying four. It weighs 1090kg and has an impressive power to weight ratio. The 0-100kmh sprint is a 7.0 second event.A five speed manual is the only transmission and it is short geared to the point where you might be looking for another cog. But as it stands, the gearing provides excellent acceleration even if the throws between ratios are too long and the stick is too far forward for tallish drivers.The passage of gases through the engine is aided by twin cams and 16 valves while out the back is a funky looking, wide-spaced dual exhaust.The thing handles like a slot car especially with the Cup's firm and low suspension. It jiggles a bit but that is a characteristic of hot hatches.The suspension is Macstruts all round, steering is power assisted rack and pinion. Stability gains have been made on this model by lengthening the wheelbase and widening the track. The wheels are pushed right out to each corner.This is the sort of car that would be ideally suited to club gymkhanas and even club motor racing events. You just want to get in and enjoy the drive. It drinks premium unleaded but sips lightly most of the time. The 50 litre tank gives a range of about 550km.I found the flat steering wheel annoying as it forces a straight arm steering position. The sound system is OK even though it has six speakers but the drilled alloy pedals are extremely cool.Standard equipment is impressive and includes goodies like climate control, automatic xenon head- lights and leather upholstery.Like all Renaults, the Sport Clio rates highly in crash testing. There are four air bags, electronic stability program and ABS in the safety inventory. 

"The runout of the current model has been so successful that our dealers are crawling all over us to get the new car as quickly as possible," Renault Australia's Lenore Fletcher said in France this week."There will be about 20 cars going into dealerships in the next two weeks, really just so that they can show them off."An on-sale date for the five-seater will be around the Melbourne Motor Show with the Grand Scenic following about a month later."Fletcher says that pricing is being argued with the factory and is unlikely to be settled until closer to the launch. Suggestions from others at Renault point to an entry-level five-seater at a tick under $30,000 while the Grand Scenic would need to arrive around $40,000."We will most likely have three specification levels and a single engine choice – the 2.0-litre petrol from the Megane – in both the five and seven-seaters," Fletcher says. "There is a possibility that we could also look at the 2.0-litre turbo but that would be some time further down the track."Styling for the Scenic has caught up with the innovative look of the remainder of the Megane family with its sharper lines and bustle-back rear end.Renault's Christophe Deville says: "The driver's eye level is exactly the same but the angle of the steering column, wheel and relationship to the driver's seat has been refined to make it less bus-like."The interior of the Scenic II is stylish with an acre of dash leading out to the raked windscreen. The digital instrument display is housed under the sweeping binnacle. While the readouts are small they are easy to read. A discordant note is the intrusive automatic gear lever, which is mounted on the dash. The designers have chosen a large leather dust pouch. It doesn't work.What does work is the huge bits-and-pieces bin between the front seats with a roller-door cover. The space is big enough to take a small handbag or a number of smaller items. There are various storage areas spread around the interior, which is light and spacious.Rear seat passengers in the five-seater are well treated for room. But the third row in the Grand Scenic is for small children only.The twin seats fold away to give a flat floor but when extended they are sited well forward, almost hard up against the middle row. While the three middle-row seats can slide forward it means less leg room for the second or third rows – or both.The Scenic II is a quality drive and is 4.2m long on a wheelbase of 2.7m. It is straight off the Megane platform and behaves as you would expect. The extra 200mm of height raises the centre of gravity and promotes slightly more lateral body movement.Ride quality is good with all but the very worst road undulations filtered by the standard suspension geometry – Macpherson front and torsion beam rear with outboard attachments and programmed deflection. The Scenic does not wallow and while there is a slight tendency to dive under braking it gathers itself and retains poise.With 3.2 turns lock-to-lock the steering is not sharp but it does offer reasonable feedback and a good sense of what is happening through the 15-inch front-drive wheels.There is little danger of being overpowered by the 2.0-litre engine's 98kW – peaking at 5500rpm with a redline just over 6000rpm – but the delivery is willing and with 191Nm of torque on tap the Scenic gets along nicely.What does let the engine down is the aural coarseness it displays from outside the cabin. Sound insulation from with the cabin is exceptional – aided by sound-deadening foam in the body and chassis cavities.The four-speed automatic has well-sorted ratios with a kick-down that is easy to induce. The lower gear will be held well up into the power band and a six-speed manual gearbox is an option.Anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force proportioning are standard across the range with ESP offered as an option in overseas models. Satellite navigation is another function that is likely to be an option for Australia.

Though similar in character, the newcomer is not only larger but is a turbo-car.Sport Megane looks the business with subtle go-fast goodies like 17in alloys, chunky rubber, optional glass roof with sunroof section, front and rear bumper aprons with additional driving lights and a really cool high-mounted dual outlet exhaust.Other stuff enhances the car's avant-gard styling but some people just don't like the looks of the Megane. -I do.The bustle back takes a bit of getting used to but, hey, you tend to fade into anonymity in most cars these days. Renault has "had a go" with the Megane.At $42, 990, the Sport Megane is stacked right up against the Subaru WRX on price.It has almost the same output at 165kW but is front wheel drive against the Rex's all wheel drive.Could be an issue with all that power going through the front wheels but apart from a few glitches, the car is a gem.Punch it hard around a bumpy corner and it becomes untidy but otherwise, the Megane sits pretty.There is a gorgeous rush of power from the 2.0-litre, twin scroll turbo engine that sees the Megane dash from 0-100kmh in around 6.0 seconds.But it's the roll-on response that really gets you.It feels like a grand tourer out on the open road and with 300Nm of torque on tap from low revs, gear changes are few and far between. It's a six speed box with ratios wider than you'd expect. That's to take full advantage of the engine's torque but the gear throws could be shorter.Sport Megane's dynamics are set to match the engine and that means big powerful four piston brakes, well sorted suspension and precise, firm steering. That's the operative word here – firm.It drinks premium unleaded and sips lightly for regular driving.Plenty of equipment means wheel time is more enjoyable. Features include a decent audio system, climate control air, auto on/off headlights, auto variable wiper speed.Like all Meganes, this one has a five star European NCAP crash rating and that means a full range of safety equipment.On the road, the Sport Megane is rewarding to drive, a bit unruly perhaps but with heaps of character. The cockpit features all metal pedals, semi race seats and a chunky steering wheel. There's a whistle from the turbo that becomes more intense when the second scroll cuts in.An option LX pack that includes six stack CD, a glass sunroof and leather upholstery costs and extra four grand.

The company this week introduced a tempter that should lift Renault's profile from nowhere to somewhere especially in the light of four other recent arrivals.The Megane Coupe Cabriolet completes six hectic weeks for Renault that saw the arrival of Master and (impressive) Kangoo vans and the high performance Megane and Clio sports models.Megane Coupe Cabriolet is a gorgeous thing with a stunning Karmann-designed and manufactured all- glass retractable roof thrown in for good measure. It gives an all season driving experience with the roof up or down, something no other car offers at present.Like retractable tin-top convertibles, the Megane's two piece roof is electrically operated and folds into the boot.Neat and tidy.The process takes a scant 22 seconds so sudden downpour syndrome can almost be avoided.Worried about the glass roof?There's no need because it's arguably tougher than steel and also knocks out 95 per cent of UV radiation. A dappled sunshade is provided for extra sun protection.The chassis is similar to Megane sedan and hatch with reinforcements in critical areas such as the windscreen and underfloor areas. It weighs about 150kg more but rides on a longer wheelbase. There are other chassis/dynamic adjustments throughout the car.The powertrain is a lift from Megane hatch – a 98kW, twin cam, 2.0-litre, petrol four cylinder driving through a six speed manual 'box or four speed automatic.There are plenty of goodies inside the Coupe Cabriolet as befits its asking price of $47,990, $2200 more for the auto.And it rates as the safest car in a frontal collision as tested by European NCAP which gives it five stars. Safety equipment includes six air bags and ABS.An optional LX pack ($1290 adds 17in wheels and a six CD stacker).Though pitched as a four seater, precious little rear seat legroom precludes adults from travelling in the back. The boot is generous with the roof up, less so when folded. A full size spare is included.The auto version tested proved impressive indeed, better than expected.It has a strong chassis and excellent engine response. There are no torque holes to fall into and the powertrain works smoothly and efficiently particularly kickdown.We drove (in the wet) with the roof on and off and it feels rock solid in both modes. The car's shape deflects light rain completely overhead and even allows a cap to be worn without worrying losing it.There's absolutely no windscreen shake and no rattles, groans or frequency vibrations that can plague this type of car.The ride/handling package is sporty with firmish suspension, electric power steering and (over) sensitive brakes.The car's fun to cruise in and you can turn up the wick and treat it like a sports car.Pretty well no luxuries have been left out and the interior looks modern and plush except for a quibble with some plastic surfaces.Distinctive rear styling pleases but the generic Megane front could do with a lift such as dual element headlights to differentiate the Coupe Cabriolet from Megane hatch.This car has plenty of competition and is priced right on the money for the segment. It looks a million bucks and has the added advantage of that all glass roof.