It’s almost 40 years but the funky Renault 5 is back, reinvented to bring some sparkle to the world of compact electric vehicles. Due to go on sale in Europe later this year, Renault Australia is hoping to get its hands on the car for our market — but there’s no date yet. The original Renault 5 achieved more than 5.5 million sales across five continents, from 1972 to 1985. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric remains faithful to the 2021 […] Read more
Renault has rejoined the Australian electric commercial van market with its new Kangoo E- Tech. It replaces the previous fully-electric Z.E. Kangoo which was on sale here between 2017 and 2022. Renault has been a pioneer in electric mobility and a leader in electric commercial vehicles in Europe since 2011 with the Z.E. selling around 70,000 vehicles as well as nearly 200 here. Kangoo E-Tech is available in both short- and long-wheelbase variants and with a range of option packs. The SWB variant will arrive in February 2024, priced from… Read more
Renault Australia has announced details of its all-new Renault Megane E-Tech, the French company’s first fully-electric compact to arrive on the local market. Under what Renault has tagged a ‘Renaulution’ the Megane E-Tech is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles to be built on the brand’s advanced CMF-EV platform and styled within its new ‘sensual tech’ design language. As well as being emission-free the E-Tech comes with improved sustainability features including an electric motor containing no rare earths and the use extensive recycled material throughout including recycled… Read more
Renault Arkana is a stylish mid-sized SUV that arrived here in 2021 effectively replacing the short-lived Kadjar in Renault’s three-model SUV range. It sits between the compact Captur and the family-sized Koleos. It’s slightly larger than Kadjar in all exterior dimensions but with almost identical engine outputs. Renault Arkana comes in three variants: Zen, Intens and R.S. Line. There’s a single drivetrain combining a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. STYLING Arkana joins an increasing trend in the evolutions of SUVs with a smoother sloping… Read more
The original design concept for the R12 described it as a high-class, medium sized car for the 1970s. The Renault R12 was a front-wheel drive vehicle powered by a 1289cc engine which was built, over its model life in three body styles: four-door saloon, five-door estate and a three-door panel van. The saloon and estate were available in two versions: TL and L. In the R12’s introductory year Renault was the third largest motor manufacturer in Europe. The R12 was powered by a four-cylinder engine rated at 40 kW. This… Read more
Renault has freshened up its Koleos mid-sized SUV with significant upgrades to the Life and Zen model lines, and the addition of a new Zen 4×4 variant. Koleos is an important vehicle for the French carmaker, accounting for nearly a third of Renault’s passenger and light commercial range. The Koleos powertrain is unchanged with all variants powered by a four-cylinder 2.5- litre petrol engine, producing 126kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4400rpm, mated to an X-tronic CVT automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is listed at 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres from… Read more
Through many trials and tribulation, Louis Renault became the leading French car manufacturer, triumphing over Andre Citroen during the 1920s. As early as 1900, Renaults had adopted a sloping coal scuttle bonnet which became a distinguishing mark of the company’s products. The engines ranged from a 1.1-litre two-cylinder through a quartet of fours of 2.1 to 7.4 litres, followed in 1908 by a 9.5-litre six. Except for the taxi-orientated twins, the emphasis was on prestige until World War I. Following that war, Renault offered three updated fours, accounting for most… Read more
The Renault Captur R.S. SUV is now on sale in Australia. Sitting at the top of the R.S. Line it has a sporty look. It rides on 18-in R.S. Line diamond-cut alloy wheels and a specific front bumper design that’s said to be “an F1-inspired aero blade”. It has dual chrome exhaust tips, gun metal grey trim and front and rear skid plates. R.S. Line badges lets others know what you’re driving. Inside are chrome R.S. Line door sills, carbon-look interior trim, alloy sport pedals, red and grey contrast stitching… Read more
Renault Clio is a small French car that has a long history in Australia, although it has fallen from favour in recent years. It’s really enjoyable to drive with excellent handling, it talks to you through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants. They have a lively, dare we say French? attitude. Ride comfort is very good for this class. Rough Australian backroads are generally handled with ease, we have driven extensively in France in Renaults and can report that the country has a fair share of backroads… Read more
The Renault Koleos Black Edition joins the Koleos range for model year 22, sitting between the Koleos Zen and Koleos Intens 4×2. “The Koleos Black Edition marks a design highlight in the wider range,’” says Glen Sealey, General Manager, Renault Australia. “While SUVs are, by far, the most popular vehicle choice for families, that doesn’t mean you have to leave style out of the buying process. We feel the Black Edition allows for style and practicality in one compelling package.” In addition to the Zen variant’s, the Black Edition gains… Read more
