Renault Reviews

The brand has re-launched more times than it perhaps cares to recall, but the Renault crew keep chipping away at the Australian new car market, with a new five-year warranty and some attractive finance deals to spark interest in the French brand.One of the key weapons for the breed is the new Megane range, a sleeker, svelte beast to replace the angular big-bottomed model. The sedan part of the Megane has been slotted into a sub-range - called Fluence - and it's built by the company's Korean arm.VALUEThe Fluence Privilege is the top-spec sedan, starting from $29,990, and gets an electric glass sunroof, continuously-variable auto, electrically-adjustable folding heated exterior mirrors, 17in alloy wheels (with a similarly-sized steel spare) and the very chic and pocket-friendly Renault smart card key.There's also black leather trim, a leather-wrapped reach/rake adjustable steering wheel and gear shift, height adjustment and lumbar support for the driver's seat, dual zone climate control air conditioning with rear vents, satellite navigation, Bluetooth link for phone and music, power windows and 60/40 splitfold rear seats.TECHNOLOGYAt first the auto-locking and unlocking system can catch a rookie Renault driver unaware - if you've locked the car with the lock button on the key-card, then you have to unlock it the same way. But if you rely entirely on the hands-free unlocking, then the car automatically locks itself as you walk away.The tech-heads will like the Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music player, but with the back-up of a USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary jack - enough plugs for several devices, but perhaps not enough storage in the centre console for all of them.DESIGNAs Renault models go there have certainly been more controversial in the looks department, as well prettier production cars, but the new Fluence is less likely to offend the eye. The four-door sedan won't stir emotions to the same extent either way, but it's not an uninteresting sedan.The cabin has good room - at least in the front half - and Renault says there's more storage space than before, including a cooled glovebox. There could be a little more in the centre console, which possesses miniscule cup holders, but by contrast the boot is large at 530 litres (more than a Holden Commodore) although the lid is held by old gooseneck hinges which intrude on the space a little.SAFETYThe Renault has - as you'd expect from one of the first brand's to ever score a five-star crash test rating - no shortage of safety features for its $30,000 pricing. There's stability control, anti-lock brakes, dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, lap-sash seatbelts with load-limiters (plus pre-tensioners for the front seats), automatic lights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.DRIVINGAs not much of a fan of CVT I was pleasantly surprised at the Fluence's drivetrain - there was less of the "rev-flare" than I expected and the powerplant provided more forward impetus than its numbers suggest. The seating front and rear is comfortable - although the cloth sports seats of the sports-hatch RS250 Cup feel better-cushioned - but adults in the rear will want to be closer to jockey-size than basketballer, as headroom (like it is in the hatch sibling) isn't great.The smooth and quiet drive in the Fluence is only let down by jittery ride quality over smaller road imperfections - something easily found on Australian roads.Some Renault folks blamed the top-spec wheel-tyre package with low profile rubber but I'm not sure that's entirely to blame. The payoff is decent body control in corners, but the light power steering, which is fine for inner-city wheel twirling, is dead in the bends.The quality of the interior materials has improved and - unlike previous Renault experiences of old - everything seemed to work. The brand's fondness for the remote control stalk for sound system behind the steering wheel is admirable, but it's certainly something that will require considerable time behind the wheel for familiarity.The sound system button on the dash are on the small side and having to use a remote control for the satnav is a bit complex - the satnav screen is easy enough to see but it needs a bigger cowling to limit the reflection on the windscreen at night and sunlight issues during the day.The big-rump remains, which is great for cavernous bootspace but the high bootlid makes rear sensors a must-have - thankfully they are standard. The sedan's gets analogue instruments instead of the hatch's digital readout - the latter is easier to read - and the hatch also gets the auto-filter recirculation system that's not on the sedan.VERDICTThe price is keen and the features list is also competitive, which means Renault has given itself every chance - with good warranty and finance offers as well - of making a greater impact on the Australian market than it has thus far. Sales so far this year suggest the Australian buying public are taking a shine to the new-look Renault range - including the Fluence sedan - and it's easy to see why.

IF you lost some of that weight around your rear end, you would probably handle better. Well, the same goes for the new-generation Renault Megane. It has lost the flabby rear end, smartened up its appearance and gained better handling and improved ride.Megane now comes in several different formats from family hatch to hairdresser-friendly hard-top convertible and a couple of hot hatches for the backwards-baseball-cap wearers, so there's something for almost everybody.VALUEAs well as the rear end, prices for the hatch have been trimmed. They now start at $22,990 for the Dynamique manual two-litre Hatch with a drive-away price of $25,990. That's the same price as the 2003 entry model 1.6-litre model before on-road costs.That pitches it right into the ballpark of other two-litre five-door hatches such as the top-selling Mazda3 (from $21,330), the new Ford Focus (from $21,990) and Hyundai i30 (from $20,590). Not bad considering you get some French flair thrown in plus standard equipment not on the original model such as six airbags, cruise control, ESP, hands-free keycard and Bluetooth.But it's a quantum leap to the Coupe-Cabriolet at $45,990 whose class competitors are the two-litre turbo-diesel-powered Volkswagen Eos ($46,990-$48,990) and 1.6-litre petrol Peugeot 207CC (from $33,490-$56,490).The hot hatches are priced at $41,990 for the RS250 Cup and $46,990 for the RS250 Cup Trophee, which is a far cry from the very worthy Focus XR5 ($36,490) and Mazda SP25 ($29,255-$31,575), but more closely aligned with the Honda Civic Type R ($39,990) and long-time class-leading VW Golf GTI ($40,490).TECHNOLOGYThe 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a two-litre four-cylinder engine in Megane Hatch and Coupe-Cabriolet. It has output of 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, which is capable but no match for the new Focus with 125kW/202Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or one of the best six-step continuously variable transmissions we have come across. The Coupe-Cabriolet comes with CVT only.Turbocharging lifts the power in the RS250 to 184kW/340Nm with a six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes. The technologically clever cabriolet roof goes up and comes down in 25 seconds, but cannot be operated while moving.DESIGNThe trimmer rear end of the hatch is a far less polarising design than the previous model. It's quite an attractive car inside and out with plenty of French flair. In three-door hot hatch format, it is scintillating with its swoopy roof and dazzling body lines. However, the Coupe-Cabriolet is almost laughable having no sense of proportion with the cabin pushed way forward and too much rear end.The glass roof is the only stylish redeeming factor, but in all practicality it is a liability in our hot climate. The thin "flyscreen" will not help keep out the heat.SAFETYMegane has always been a top safety car with a class-leading four-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the first model in the late '90s thanks to its safety cell. 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. Forward visibility is good in all, but rear visibility is limited.DRIVINGOnce you get past the quirky controls, including the maddening stubby audio stalk behind the steering wheel, the hatch is quite a comfortable and pleasant place to conduct the business of driving.The seats are not the usual lounge-chair French seats but are comfortable and supportive and the steering wheel is sporty and the cockpit inviting. There is good room for four adults and a convenient cargo area. It's a quiet and refined ride with plenty of steering feedback and excellent road manners.The two-litre engine is lively without being startling and the economy is a healthy 8.2 litres per 100km and an even better 7.9L/100km for the CVT model. If you want more power, the hot hatches have plenty, but they are sprung way too hard for the output. I expect such spleen-blendering suspension in a Subaru STI which has almost 20 per cent more power, not the Megane.Meanwhile, the Cabrio weighs a whopping 200kg more and really feels the lard. It's like driving with two front-row rugby forwards sitting in the back seat; not that they'd fit as there is no leg or head room for a fully grown adult. That hard-top roof also creaks and clicks where it joins the windscreen which is annoying over potholed roads The most surprising combination was the hatch with CVT.When pushed hard it screams as expected, but if punted around town doing the daily battles with traffic, it is a clever transmission that does what its told. plus it has better economy than the manual.VERDICTStyling and pricing are much better for the new Megane hatch and it should persuade some buyers from Japanese or Korean brands. But those same two factors let down the Coupe-Cabriolet and the hot hatches.

AUSTRALIAN motorists love compact SUVs which have taken over as the new family vehicle. The segment is one of the few experiencing growth and it's no wonder with 25 models available with a range of variants with diesel power, manual and automatic transmissions, plenty of cargo space and room for a family of five and even their pooch.Today every maker needs a compact SUV in their range. Over at Volkswagen Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says:. "The Tiguan is one of the volume sellers in our plan to become a significant player in Australia."The current Tiguan's about to be replaced by a second-generation model and is in short supply as is the Toyota RAV4 so they couldn't make this comparison of five compact petrol-powered automatic SUVs that includes top sellers, a European and the two emerging Korean models.We asked the Tranter family - Ross and Julie and their children, Joshua, 7, and Samantha, 5 - to come with us for a drive through city traffic, highway touring, rural roads and a picnic in the country in our full-day comparison test. They own a Mazda2 and admit that in a couple of years they will look at an upgrade, possibly to a compact SUV.VALUEPricing and feature fit-out is keen in this highly competitive category. Our five vehicles are mid to high spec, according to what was available from the manufacturer, but they only vary in price by $5000 from the Hyundai ix35 at $35,490 to the Subaru Forester at $40,490 which comes with a comprehensive info/navigation/entertainment system with reversing camera.The Renault Koleos is listed at $36,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with a leather package ($2500) that includes black leather seats, electric driver's seat, heated front seats and quick-release rear folding seats. It also comes standard with a built-in Tom Tom navigation system, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a chilled glovebox.The top-spec Kia Sportage Platinum is fitted out at similar levels to the Hyundai. It costs an extra $1230 but adds rain-sensing wipers. Both have rear parking sensors, sunroof, rearview camera, auto headlights, fog lamps (front only on Kia) and heated side mirrors.In the middle is the X-Trail at $38,490 with roof rails, auto climate control and cooled/heated cup holders.All come with what are considered essentials in a family car these days - remote locking, cruise control, comprehensive stereo connectivity for Bluetooth phones and iPods, fog lights and climate airconditioning.Resale values are similar, but slightly better for the Renault and Subaru at 54 per cent and the lowest was the X-trail at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of all these models are four-cylinder petrol engines of similar capacity. Even though the Hyundai and Kia share a 2.4-litre engine compared with the 2.5-litre units in the others, power and torque are almost the same across the group.Power varies only 5kW from 125kW in the X-Trail to 130kW in the Koreans and torque 9Nm from 226Nm in the Koleos and X-Trail to 235Nm in the Forester. All models also offer a diesel variant which are worth considering for economy if you're doing long distances and for their driveability. The Forester transmission is an old-fashioned four-speed auto, while the Koreans have six-speed torque-converter automatics; the X-Trail and Koleos have continuously variable transmissions with six selectable steps.Most are front-wheel drive switching to all-wheel drive when they sense rear-wheel slip, while the Subaru is permanent all-wheel drive. All have hill descent control and hill-start assist, but only the Renault, X-Trail and the Koreans have a locking diff function.Economy is fairly close across the group but interestingly the X-trail is the best at 9.1 litres per 100km compared with 9.5L/100km in the Koleos which runs the same engine, but weighs about 80kg more. The Koleos also requires 95Ron fuel.If towing is important, the X-Trail and Koleos have 2000kg capacity compared with 1600kg in the Koreans and 1400kg for the Subaru.DESIGNThe group can be split into two on styling - the boxy Nissan and Subaru versus the more curvaceous Hyundai, Renault and Kia. It comes down to taste, but the Tranters liked the "modern" look of the ix35."I like a car with a lot of curves," says Julie.To us the X-Trail and Subaru are starting to look a little old-fashioned, even though both have had major makeovers only a couple of years ago. Of the "rounded" models the Kia has a little more pizzazz with LED daytime running lights and coupe-like rear roofline.Statistics for cargo space never give a real-world indication of how much luggage can be fitted, but with picnic baskets, esky and our photographer's kit bags loaded, all seemed to hold a fair bit of gear. The Renault is the only model with a split rear tailgate which Ross liked, but Julie thought it would make it more difficult to reach luggage items at the back of the cargo area. However she liked the underfloor storage area with slide-out tray in the Nissan."I'd probably use it as a permanent storage area for sunscreen, the kids' hats and snacks," she says.The X-Trail's cargo floor was the only one in the group not carpeted, a virtue according to Nissan for outdoor types. In the cabin, the Nissan again looked a little tired, while the others appeared modern and fresh, although the Renault is a little quirky and difficult to get used to all those knobs and controls. The Tranters found cabin space good in all but praised the Subaru for having the best legroom space in the rear for the kids in their booster chairs.SAFETYAs a fire and rescue officer, Ross Tranter places a strong emphasis on safety."There are things I've seen at crash scenes that I'd rather forget," he says.The Tranters own a Mazda2 and bought the top spec just for the extra airbags in the back, so they were impressed that all models, except the XTrail, get a five-star safety rating with full-length curtain airbags and stability control.They also commended all for their good forward visibility and praised the Kia and Hyundai for their reversing camera conveniently located in the centre mirror. There was high praise, too, for the high driving position of all, which at least gave them a feeling of safety.All vehicles come with three anchor points in the rear, but the Tranters found the Subaru was the only vehicle that was easy to fit the seats as the belt clasps were not spaced wide enough in the others. On the theft safety front, the Subaru also has Data Dot protection.DRIVINGIt was the Tranters' ninth wedding anniversary but they enjoyed our test loop through Brisbane city and out into the country for a picnic, then later McDonalds for the kids. Stepping up from their Mazda2 to the compact SUVs was easy for the Tranters who commented that they liked the high seating position and good forward visibility of all models.They liked the Subaru: easy to drive, plenty of room in the back for the kids, a big boot and a quiet and comfortable ride. They found the Hyundai a bit noisy on some surfaces, comfortable with a lot of extras they enjoyed but they didn't feel it was as stable as the Nissan in the dirt. Praise came for the Renault's handling and steering feedback."I didn't feel like I wasn't in total control at any time. It's not wanting for power either. I could put my foot down and it was there when I wanted it," Ross commented. Julie found the Renault's quirky controls a bit confusing to start with. And Ross didn't like the Kia's seat. "It has good support down low but not up high."We found the Koreans' automatic gearboxes had to work hard to keep things humming along, while the Forester, Koleos and X-Trail felt more lively and responsive, even the Subaru with its four-speed box. We're no great fans of continuously variable transmissions, but the CVT boxes in the Renault and Nissan are among the best we have driven and kept the revs in the sweet spot for difficult terrain.Most of these will tackle a rough bush track and even a beach, but be aware they are not meant for heavy duty off-roading. Subaru is fitted with Yokohama Geolanders which we have found the best compromise between highway and track. The Forester also has the best ground clearance at 220mm while the Koreans have the lowest at 170mm (Hyundai) and 172mm (Kia), but you should take into account a load and passengers will reduce these clearances.VERDICTIf rough country roads were on our agenda, we'd pick the Subaru or X-Trail as both vehicles not only handled the terrain with poise but also gave a feeling of being solidly built and reliable. The Renault has the same X-Trail underpinnings and urges you to have a go at the rough stuff thanks to a pretty slick engine/transmission combination and slightly more compliant suspension. It is a much under-rated vehicle with only 310 sold fo far this year.Most of the vehicles in this class are suburban run-arounds doing the grocery, school and sports ground circuit. Here, the modern styling of the French and Korean models look the part. For the record, the Tranters liked the style of the Hyundai but when it came to family practicalities their vote unanimously went for the Subaru for its space, comfort and quiet ride.SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS PREMIUMPrice: $40,490Engine: 126kW/235Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.3L/100km  CO2: 220g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1400 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr, unlimited kmService: 12,500 or 6 mnthsResale: 54%NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-LPrice: $38,490Engine: 125Kw/226nM 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmisson: CVT, 4WDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.1L/100km  CO2: 214g/kmSafety: 4-stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr/100,000km, roadside ass.Service: 6 mnths/10,000kmResale: 50%HYUNDAI ix35 2.4 HIGHLANDERPrice: $35,490Engine: 130W/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 219g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr, unltd kmService: annual or 15,000kmResale: 52%KIA SPORTAGE 2.4 PLATINUMPrice: $36,720Engine: 130kW/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 221g/kmSafety: 5-stars, 6-airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd kmService: 1-yr or 15,000kmResale: 52%RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUEPrice: $36,990 ($40,290 as tested)Engine: 126kW/226Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: CVT, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.5L/100km  CO2: 228g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd km, roadside assistService: 1-yr or 10,000kmResale: 54%SHOWROOM SUCCESSSALES success in the highly competitive compact SUV category is fickle, changing every month. Nissan X-Trail was the leader in June, Hyundai ix35 in May, Subaru Forester in February, April and July, Toyota RAV4 in January and March.So far this year Subaru Forester is the top seller with 7574, even though sales are down 13.1 per cent on last year. This repeats its top-selling success in the category since 2008. The new Hyundai ix35 was second with 6806, RAV4 third (6472), X-Trail fourth (6430) and Dualis fifth (5156). Despite the Renault Koleos being a Nissan X-Trail with French dressing, it has sold only 310 so far this year to rank 20th out of 25 models in the category.The compact SUV segment is one of the few recording growth with an increase of 2.1 per cent so far this year while the SUV category is down 2.9 per cent and the total new vehicle market is down 5.9 per cent. The only faster-growing categories are luxury SUVs (317.4 per cent) and utes (6.2 per cent).SAFE AND GREENOWNERS of any of our tested vehicles can rest assured they are safe and green. They all have six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes as a minimum, while some have more driver aids such as Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management which adds steering assistance in low-traction situations. All get a five-star crash rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program, except the X-Trail which was last tested in 2007 and scored four stars.The Australian Green Vehicle Guide gives all vehicles better than average scores for greenhouse air pollution and economy. The Kia and Hyundai score closely because they basically have the same drivetrain. The Hyundai scores 6 greenhouse rating out of 10 and 8.5 for air pollution gaining four stars. The Kia scores a 5.5 greenhouse rating because its CO2 levels are 2g/km higher. Next is the Subaru with 6 for greenhouse emissions, 6.5 for air pollution for 3.5 stars and Koleos with 5.5, 6.5 and 3.5 stars. There are no results listed for the X-Trail.Most of these models have been around for a while in some shape or form and are good buying second-hand. Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are the only used compact SUVs rated as a "safe pick" by the Automobile clubs of Australia. In their recent annual buyer's guide to used car safety ratings, they gave five stars to the Forester (02-08) and CR-V (02-06). Four stars were awarded to the Kia Sportage (98-03), Toyota RAV4 (06-09), Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (01-06), CR-V (97-01), Forester (97-02), Suzuki Grand Vitara (99-05) and RAV4 (01-06).

The number of small delivery vans has grown dramatically in the past few years. Like Doctor Who's Tardus they're bigger inside than you think and often fit the bill better than a larger van, with offerings from VW, Holden, Peugeot and Renault — to name a few.VALUEFor $25,990 driveaway Renault's recently updated Kangoo runaround represents excellent value. For the same price you can have either the 1.6-litre petrol version with a four-speed auto or the 1.5-litre turbo diesel with a five-speed manual transmission.DESIGNThe new Kangoo is built on the Scenic people mover platform and offers a greater level of driving refinement, not to mention a surprisingly high driving position. Longer and wider than before, the diesel can swallow 3.0 cubic metres and carry a payload of up to 800kg, compared with the previous model's 2.75 cu m and 530kg. It's also significantly more than the petrol version's 650kg.Unlike some competitors, however, it comes in only the one length or wheelbase with a single sliding side access door. The kerb-side sliding door provides 635mm of access, while the rear barn-style doors open wide for bulkier items. Six tie-down points are provided in the rear.A driver's airbag is standard along with four-wheel disc brakes, with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). Sadly, electronic stability control remains an option and is available only with the petrol model. Bluetooth and cruise control with a speed limiter are standard. The equipment list is generous and you can stream audio from your Bluetooth phone.A load area liner and load area lighting complete the package. Kangoo comes with a 3-year 150,000km warranty which includes roadside assistance.TECHNOLOGYKangoo's 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine generates 63kW of power at 3750 revs and 200Nm of torque from a low 1900 revs. Offering class leading fuel economy of 5.2 litres/100km, with a 60-litre tank it has a range of well over 1000km. The engine is quiet and smooth thanks to a double flywheel damper, multi injection cycle and specially designed engine mounts.DRIVINGOur test vehicle the 1.5-litre turbo diesel was a real surprise packet, small and manoeuvrable and quite nippy. The elevated driving position, big windows and large exterior mirrors provide plenty of vision and the large wide opening doors make getting in and out a snack. Unlike larger diesels there's a limit to the amount of torque available and this means having to change down on steeper hills.We got 5.9 litres/100km over a distance of almost 500km during testing. Because the cabin is not physically separated from the load area the van is quiet noisy inside and it is difficult to strike a balance between hot and cold with the airconditioning.The seating position is comfortable, but the steering wheel is not reach adjustable and height adjustment for the driver's seat is optional, with a parcel shelf overhead for storing items. A bar behind the driver provides some protection from the load moving forward in the event of an accident.The new model is larger than before. Loads of up to 1218mm wide will slide between the rear wheel arches.

There was something familiar about the new Renault Latitude that I couldn't put my finger on.After some digging, I realised it's a Renault version of the Nissan Maxima - with a proper six speed automatic in the 2.5-litre petrol V6. There's also a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four also with a six speed auto which isn't available as a Nissan.It comes in two grades, Latitude at $36,990 and Latitude Luxe at $42,490 and you can have the petrol V6 or turbo diesel for the same money - pretty good eh?But there was something else familiar and it's the look and feel of the Latitude which is uncannily similar to Hyundai's new i45 and Kia's Optima. That's because Latitude comes out of Renault's plant in Busan, Korea.We are fans of the i45 and Optima and the same applies to the Latitude which has a European flavour but at a Korean price.TECHNOLOGYWe drove the top of the range V6 Luxe and it was good but we'd put our money down on the diesel because it has a lot more torque and uses substantially less fuel.The V6 is good for 133kW/235Nm while the diesel cranks out 127kW/380Nm. The V6 offers smooth running and acceptable economy but at 1600kg, the relatively low torque output struggles at times.It's capably dealt with by the slick shifting six speed auto but the turbodiesel would be a lot better. The petrol gets a Euro 4 emissions rating while the turbodiesel is Euro5 and good for a creditable 6.5-litres/100km.DRIVINGIt's big for a medium size car offering generous rear seat legroom and a large boot complete with full size spare. It also has generous equipment with premium audio, satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, heated front seats, multi-media connection box, smart card entry and ignition and dual zone climate control on the base car.The Luxe gets more including a clever air ioniser and deodoriser. We like the auto on/off parking brake and the five star crash rating. We like the comfortable and controlled ride from the strut/multi-link suspension and we like the styling inside and out.It's different but distinctly European in looks and feel.VERDICTRenault is having a real crack at the local market with Latitude, Fluence and Megane all offering competitive pricing and generous spec' when compared to their competition - apples with apples. Definitely worth a look.RENAULT LATITUDEPrice: from $36,990, $42,490 as testedWarranty: 5 years/unlimitedResale: New modelService interval: 15,000km/12monthsCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, 127kW/380Nm; 2.5-litre petrol V6, 133kW/235NmBody: Four-door sedanWeight: 1600kg (petrol), 1620kg (diesel)Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 9.7L/100km (91RON petrol) 230g/km, 6.5L/100km (diesel) CO2 170g/km

Fluence? It's an odd sort of name and one that seems to be missing an `in' or perhaps an `af' at the beginning. But let's not sell Renault's stylish new Fluence short because it happens to be one of the better offerings from the French car maker. Reintroduced to Australia in 2001, it's fair to say that Renault has failed to make a major impact in the last 10 years.But, of late, it seems to have pulled out all the stops in what it describes as the "revitalisation" of the brand. With driveaway deals and offers of free scheduled servicing it could well be a last roll of the dice.For those not up to speed Fluence is the sedan version of the well regarded Megane hatch with its rouned bustle shaped back. The two cars share the same engines and many of the same underpinnings.But rather than the current Megane, Fluence is in fact based on Samsung's SM3, which in turn is based on the previous generation Megane. The Samsung branded car made its first appearance at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.PRICE AND FEATURESPriced from a driveaway $22,900 you can have either the Fluence or Megane hatch for the same price. Despite being described as small, Fluence is actually quite a large car, bigger and with a longer wheelbase than the Holden's Cruze. Our test vehicle, the $29,990 Privilege, is powered by a 2.0-litre engine paired with CVT style continuously variable auto.The car comes with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. As well as leather and climate air, a sunroof and satellite navigation are both standard with this model. Bluetooth is also included as well as AUX and USB connections for music players which can be controlled from the steering column.There's also cruise control with speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers, as well as fog lights and rear parking sensors. Fluence is offered with a five-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty -- the longest of any European brand. You also get five-years of 24/7 roadside assistance.The design of the audio/airconditioning modules is ordinary at best. Fluence is yet to be crash tested but is likely to score a full five stars for safety like other models before it.TECHNOLOGYThe four cylinder petrol engine, shared with Nissan's Dualis, produces 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, and will run on standard unleaded, although 95 is recommended. With a 60-litre tank, fuel economy with the CVT is rated at 7.7 litres/100km but we were getting about 9.2 litres. The CVT is designed to optomise power and economy, with no discernible gear changes.DRIVINGLike the previous Megane sedan, this one is a good size, drives well and has a good-sized boot with a full-sized spare. But rear headroom is compromised by the stadium-style elevated seating position.Inside, more thought needs to go into the instrument layout, like the location of the cruise/speed limiter switch marooned between the front seats. We'd also suggest ditching the remote control that goes with the built-in TomTom satnav system.VERDICTOverall Fluence is a more convincing offering but we were left wondering whether it has that "je ne sais quoi" that will attract people buy it? Time will tell . . .

IF the music is too loud you're too old. The same goes if the springs are too stiff. While I can always turn down the volume on the audio, I'm simply way too old for the highly-sprung Renault Clio Sport 200 Gordini Edition. This is a car aimed more at the cashed-up youth market who can still get away with wearing American basketball gear.VALUEAt $39,140, it's not cheap for a manual three-door hatch, but it's more powerful and cheaper than the Mini Cooper S and Honda Civic Type R and a bit more expensive and less powerful than a Golf GTI. There is a stack of kit in the car with cruise and speed limiter control, multi-function trip computer, climate airconditioning, streaming audio Bluetooth, aux and USB inputs, full-leather trim, cornering lights and auto lights/wipers.TECHNOLOGYAlthough it bears the name of Renault's famous engine tuner, this is really an exercise in styling, rather than a tuning. It has the same engine output as the other Clio RS models.DESIGNIt's like stepping out in a nice suit while wearing brightly coloured sandshoes. It just doesn't work and I certainly don't fit the profile of the "average" Gordini driver. However, you would feel quite at home with the sports styling if your Calvin Kleins were visible over your jeans with the crotch hanging down around your knees and a baseball cap was perched sideways on your scone.This wasn't styled in an auto factory, but in pit lane: The Gordini badge shows up all over the place, there are two GT stripes running from front to back, drilled aluminium pedals, F1-styled spoiler, the steering wheel has a centering stripe like a rally car and "Renault Sport" lettering adorns the front and back windows like a race car.You can't blame Renault for plundering its sports heritage what with its current F1 position and its long history of rallying success.SAFETYIt has the usual suite of six airbags, ABS and stability control. However, the fact that stability control is "sports tuned" for late intervention and can be turned off completely means this car is destined for track days.DRIVINGI left my spleen somewhere on the pavement just down the road from work. I won't say it's a harsh ride but I'm sure you could run over a book of Braille and be able to read every word through the seat of your trousers. It doesn't help that it rides on "cotton-reel" 17-inch wheels with a 45 per cent tyre profile.This car is tuned for sport with lightning-quick steering (sans torque steer), a gearbox nearly as much fun as the Alfa Sud's and powerful, biting Brembo brakes. Despite the sport orientation, the gearshift is smooth and the clutch is light and manageable for daily traffic duties.The engine is torquey but also likes to rev and with the close-ratio gearbox you can short-shift or completely skip gears and still get along quite quickly.The driver is surrounded by race-tech styling, sports seats, drilled pedals and a sporty steering wheel. Unfortunately the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach, so tall people cannot get a good driving position without their knees getting in the way.The audio and Bluetooth controls are hidden on a stubby third stalk behind the steering wheel, making it difficult to grab the right button and accidentally bumping it and changing the audio mode.There is a surprising amount of boot space, but almost no rear legroom. Build quality is excellent and the pearl white paint of the test model is stunning.VERDICTThis is more of an impulse buy than a practical solution to daily commuting and transport. It is a plaything that will suit the young and excitable. Everyone should own a sporty plaything once in their life and this one certainly stands out visually from the pack.RENAULT CLIO SPORT 200 GORDINI EDITIONPrice: $39,140Warranty: 3 Year/100,000km with 24-hour roadside assistanceResale: N/AService interval: 10,000km or 12 monthsEngine: 147kW/215Nm, 1997cc, 4 ?cylinder petrolBody: 3-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4017mm (L), 2025mm (W), 1484mm (H), 2585 (WB)Safety equipment: ABS with electronic brake distribution, sports-tuned stability control, 6 airbags, cruise control, speed limiter, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, fog lights, cornering lightsWeight: 1281kgTransmission: 6-speed manualEconomy: 8.2L/100km (9.4L/100km on test), 195g/km CO2, Premium fuel (98 RON), 55-litre tank

You know a van has left a good impression during a test drive when you think about buying one. That's what happened when I tested out the new Renault Kangoo.I changed my mind when my dirt bike wouldn't quite fit - well, it would fit but the front tyre was touching the folded forward passenger seat. Of course, it is reasonable that it wouldn't fit given this is a compact van and larger machines like a Toyota HiAce or Hyundai iLoad would be better suited for dirt-bike lugging.The reason I liked the Kangoo so much is that the drive experience is very similar to a Renault car. There is a bit more road noise, even with the optional rubber cargo mat, but other than that it is pretty much the same.The interior looks like that of a Renault car, although the plastic is rock hard, and you get all the features such as cruise control, electric windows, steering wheel audio controls and a Bluetooth phone system with a streaming function that means it can play music from your iPod without it being plugged in.I had the petrol version, which uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 78kW and 148Nm, figures that aren't going to impress anyone. Still, there is adequate performance for getting about. It's not the smoothest engines in the world, but isn't too rough either.The only transmission is a four-speed automatic which does the job well enough.My fuel use worked out to 7.2 litres per 100km which is quite reasonable.I also tested out a diesel version. This has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel which generates 63kW and 200Nm and is only available with a five-speed manual. While it also doesn't set any records in terms of smoothness and quietness, it has adequate performance and uses just 5.9l/100km.The Kangoo is affordable at $24,490 and has anti-skid brakes, but the standard model only gets a driver's side airbag when at least two airbags should be standard. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is available as an option on the petrol model. 

WHEN you think of French cars, you probably think of odd-looking hatchbacks with exorbitant prices and questionable reliability. They do well in Europe but less well here because the Japanese can bring them in cheaper, make them better looking and screw them together so they don't fall apart.But of course the French also make large cars. These have much higher prices and are even more expensive to fix. Furthermore, sometimes they are so odd even the French won't buy them.Citroen is generally cited as the mad one, although that would overlook the crazy heights scaled by Renault. A decade ago it came up with something called the Avantime, a bizarre combination of the worst bits of a hatchback and people-mover. It was big but had only two doors.Undeterred by an almost total absence of buyers it followed up with the Vel Satis, a large executive hatchback that swapped weirdness for ugliness. The French president was driven around in one. But he had little choice.After both cars flunked in Britain, it didn't bother trying to sell them here. For some time Renault's largest offering here has been the Laguna. This was a modest mid-size hatchback until Renault's design department caught up with it three years ago and made it very ugly indeed. Buyers responded by shunning it in droves.Now Renault has brought in another large car, the Latitude, which arrives to sit atop a rejuvenated range. It replaces the Laguna, although in reality the Latitude is substantially larger and even bigger than the defunct Vel Satis.Nevertheless, in Australian terms, it's still classified as a mid-size car and goes up against the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and Ford Mondeo, although it's a shade longer than all of them.Renault in Australia recently went through one of its periodic relaunches. Although it returned here a decade ago, it's still struggling to get traction and sales have been in decline. Its latest reinvention is the most thorough so far. As well as a swag of new cars, it has a new executive team and a different attitude to buyers. In the past it expected buyers to stampede Renault showrooms with cash, blinded into paying premium prices by the prospect of driving something so exotically Gallic. Hence its repeated disappointment.VALUEBelatedly, it has lowered the prices to compete against the mainstream, which is where the cars belong.The Latitude starts at $36,990 with the four-cylinder diesel, driven here, and a petrol V6 at the same price. The fully loaded version, with either engine, is $42,490. That's at least $2000 cheaper than the Laguna and right in the middle of mid-size prices. It could cause some buyers to detour on the way to the Mazda showroom.Equally confusing will be the fact the Latitude comes with an awful lot of kit. In the top-spec luxe version I drove it was hard to find anything missing. There's leather, sat nav, parking sensors, reversing camera, heated seats with massage function, triple-zone climate control, keyless start, electronic park brake, cornering headlights, foglights, a speed limiter and panoramic sunroof.A lot of these are options on similarly priced cars. In fact, a lot of them are options on more expensive cars.DESIGNThere's that especially French contribution to motoring pleasure, the fragrance diffuser, controlled by no fewer than three buttons on the dash. Talk about unique selling proposition ... All this is backed up by a decent amount of room inside. The rear seats are slightly higher than the fronts so the kids can see out, and they split-fold to access the 477-litre capacity boot.Buyer doubts will remain, of course, so Renault has added reassurance about reliability. Last month, it introduced a five-year warranty, the first European brand to do so.Unusually for a new French car, the Latitude hasn't taken very long to get here. It was revealed at the Paris motor show last September. In showrooms, barely seven months later is setting quite a pace.The main reason is that the Latitude engineers did not have to start with a clean slate. The car owes its origins to the Japanese half of the Renault-Nissan alliance. Underneath, it's the Nissan Maxima launched here two years ago. The Maxima is one of those middle-of-the-road cars that wins awards when all the points are added up but is so monumentally dull it's hard to imagine someone actually wanting one.The Latitude avoids blandness and tries hard not to offend. This is an advantage in a segment where good looks are in short supply. Next to a Subaru Liberty, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, the Latitude is relaxing on the eye. Inside, the 10 shades of black are broken here and there by a daring bit of chrome. It's all quite tidy and padded to the touch.DRIVINGIt's a relaxing drive, because there's little in its dynamics to tear you away from counting fenceposts. The steering lacks on-centre feel while its handling isn't precise enough to satisfy those for whom driving is a pleasure rather than a chore. The car's composure can get flummoxed by some surfaces and the way it tips into corners doesn't inspire a great deal of enthusiasm.The Latitude has the merits of a cruiser, especially with the diesel engine in the test car. It's a chuggy sounding unit, something the best diesels avoid these days, but gets better after it's warmed up and, while it won't convert petro-holics, it does have the right temperament for a long trip.It's also much more frugal than the petrol alternative, a 133kW 2.5-litre V6 shared with the Maxima, using a respectable 6.5 litres of fuel per 100km against 9.7.There's a manual mode in the six-speed automatic but it doesn't relinquish much control, rejecting downshifts and changing up at 4500rpm.So sit back and play with the toys. You'll need a little familiarity to grasp the fussy French logic to the controls, despite a demonstration, the radio had me fuming for a while, and there's a separate cluster of buttons for the sat nav. The ride isn't perfect (does anyone expect the French to lead on this quality any more?), but it's comfortable enough for long highway stretches."Good enough" pretty much sums up the car, too. It excels at nothing, and sells on value and equipment.In the two years since its sister, the Maxima, arrived it has failed to meet its showroom targets. Renault's goals for the Latitude are more modest, hoping to lure 200 buyers away from the default choices. That looks achievable. What it won't do is bring about wholesale change to the way.Read more about prestige motoring at The Australian.

Korea, Japan and France have each had a hand in the new Renault Latitude. The French brand's latest pitch into the mid-sized field is more controlled and on-target than anything that's driven under the badge in the past, and also comes with a $36,990 opening price that buries unfortunate memories of failures with the over-priced and under-done Laguna in the past.The Latitude still has to overcome buyer resistance, and it needs to answer plenty of questions, but it proves that new Australian management is not stopping after re-positioning and re-pricing the Megane at the start of the year. The Latitude is definitely a Renault, but not as we've known them. It's less 'French', more worldly, and that approach could work for a car that must go up against everything from the Ford Mondeo to Honda Accord and Toyota Aurion.VALUEA starting price of $36,990 looks good and there is a lot of good stuff in the Latitude. For a start, the bottom line is the same for both the turbodiesel and V6 petrol engines, and there is a Luxe package with plenty of added luxury for $5500. Building with Samsung in Korea means the list of basic equipment runs from leather seats and alloy wheels to sun blinds, keyless starting, a 3D sound system, satnav - a TomTom system including speed limits - and dual-zone aircon.The Luxe pack has a claimed $7000 of value, from Bose sound to a glass sunroof, massaging on the driver's seat, a reversing camera and even an ioniser for the cabin air. But the big value boost in the Latitude is the five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. "This gives us a flagship model. It has all the luxury features, but also gives us somewhere to move in the brand and moves us into the family market," says Justin Hocevar, managing director of Renault Australia.TECHNOLOGYMost of the technology is loaded into the equipment, not the mechanical package, including the ioniser. The Latitude is standard four-door sedan with two engine choices – the torquey turbodiesel and smooth V6 - and front-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic across the models. But there is some neat stuff hidden away, including the basics of the Nissan Maxima in the mechanical package and the V6 engine.DESIGNThe Latitude will sell in more than 50 countries and that means it is pretty bland. Not offensive, but not a head-turner. The shape ensures there is good space in the cabin - particularly rear- seat legroom - and a big boot.No-one can explain the silly little attempt at a spoiler on the boot, the cabin is effective without much personality, and it's impossible to look at the Latitude and not benchmark it against the classy job done by Kia on its latest Optima. The two cars even have something in common - a shiny black roof that's becoming a must-have item on wannabe prestige cars.SAFETYA five-star safety rating is one of Renault's brand pillars and that's what it is expecting from the Latitude. But it's yet to be tested and so we have to rely on the strength of the French company's body engineering, as well as six airbags, ESP stability control and some smart stuff including anti-pinch electric windows (to protect little hands) and a speed limiter. The brake assist also trips the hazard warning lights in a panic stop, something we've only seen in upscale cars in the past.DRIVINGThe Latitude is a relaxed drive. It's relaxed and comfortable, with some nice surprises from the clever satnav to rear sunblinds. The basics are good, the ride and handling is safe and predictable, and it is fit-for-purpose on the driving front. The turbodiesel engine has solid shove and if you want more then it's available in the V6. It's a sweet motor we've liked in the Maxima, although there is no temptation - not even shift paddles behind the wheel - to encourage anything sporty.Some of the quality looks a bit ordinary, at least compared to the classiness in the new Kia Optima, and it's not nearly as enjoyable to drive as a Mondeo. It's probably closest to the Camry and Aurion, although with the turbodiesel engine and more equipment at a value price.At the end, the Latitude is a much more sensible choice than a Laguna in the past, but it just doesn't have that 'French' look and feel you expect from a French car. That could be a bonus if Renault can lure people into showrooms on a value deal, but we wonder if the Latitude is different and classy enough in a class that's already packed with choices.VERDICTNice car, nice price, nice warranty, but not enough impact."A nice package at a good price, but it's lost the Renault feeling"