Renault Virage Reviews

Renault only offers a handful of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles in Australia but it claims it will thrive under the recently imposed federal government emissions regulations.

While the Renault Duster is only just arriving on Australian shores now, its original European sibling has received a minor update.

Renault has revealed a new-generation version of its Clio hatchback at this year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany.Claimed to be “boosted in every way”, this sixth-generation Clio has been redesigned inside and out. It’s still based on the CMF-B platform that also underpins the likes of the Renault Captur and Arkana, as well as the Nissan Juke.Outside there is an emphasis on diamond shapes, especially at the front, referring back to the Renault badge. This includes motifs on the front grille and the daytime running light signature.Around the sides there are alloy wheels that are up to 18-inches, hidden rear door handles, plus either matte or gloss black wheel-arch cladding.At the back there are four separate tail-light units which are claimed to be inspired by sports cars, plus a highly raked rear window.Measuring in at 4116mm long, 1768mm wide and 1451mm tall with a 2591mm wheelbase, the new Clio is 39mm wider than the previous-generation model.Inside there is a new cockpit design that, depending on the trim, features two 10.1-inch screens configured in a V-shape. There is also textile on the dashboard and integrated ambient lighting that spills on the door cards.Renault claims to have made a conscious effort to incorporate more recycled materials. More than 33 per cent of materials are sourced from a circular economy, plus at least 85 per cent of the car is recyclable.Boot space is up to 391L, depending on the powertrain, and the sill height has been lowered by 40mm compared to the previous-generation model.There are four powertrains available – a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 85kW and 190Nm with a manual or dual-clutch automatic, a three-cylinder petrol-LPG engine that produces 89kW and 200Nm with a dual-clutch automatic, as well as a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 119kW with a clutchless multi-speed dog-box transmission.The latter of these engines is claimed to consume 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle, which is less than the previous-generation Clio hybrid. Up to 80 per cent of urban driving is claimed to be able to be done on electric power alone.The new-generation Renault Clio is set to be available to order in Europe before the end of 2025.At this stage it’s unclear if it will come to Australia. "No plans at this stage," said a Renault Australia spokesperson.The French carmaker hasn’t offered the Clio locally since 2020 since it cancelled plans to introduce the previous-generation.However, Renault has said it plans to introduce six new or refreshed models over the next 18 months in Australia.

Renault has just launched the global version of the Dacia Duster SUV in Australia, but there are big plans for the model over in Europe.

The Techno is the flagship trim in the Australian Renault Duster line-up.

The Evolution is the entry-level trim in the Australian Renault Duster line-up.

Australia doesn't get the full-blooded Dacia Duster, but Renault has just launched the next best thing. With the option of all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, does this Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Crosstrek rival offer enough to make it stand out from the crowd?

The funky Renault Duster SUV has only just started arriving in Australia but the company has admitted initial supply will be tight.

Renault is currently experiencing a sales slide in Australia, though it claims to have a slew of new products coming soon, which may turn this around.

This feature was once a mainstay in luxury cars and a huge selling point for mainstream vehicles … not anymore. Renault is the latest brand to ditch leather from all its cars by the end of the year.