Car News- Moto

Renault Koleos 2.0 dCi Review

The Renault Koleos is a compact SUV (J) which was first presented as a concept car at the Geneva Motorshow in 2000, and then again in 2006 at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. The Koleos was designed by Renault and developed by Nissan, with the majority of the production coming from the Busan plant of Renault Samsung Motors.

A facelifted version of the Koleos is available as of 2011

First generation (2008-Present)

The Koleos is a new addition to the Renault compact SUV market, after selling the Scénic RX4 and the Kangoo, but it has never produced a true crossover SUV. A Koleos concept car was shown in the media as long ago as February 2000.

The Koleos's body design is based on the Renault Koleos and Renault Egeus concept cars. Some of the Koleos's competitors such as the Citroën C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007 were also presented by the time it was launched. ADAC of Germany awarded five stars to the Koleos in a crash-test done in 2008

In August 2010, the Koleos was withdrawn from the United Kingdom, due to poor sales of under 2,600 units

Top Gear car review: Renault Zoe

WHAT WE SAY:

The next step in Renault's Z.E range is the most important yet. The Renault Zoe seems up for the challenge

WHAT IS IT?

What a pretty, conventional-looking, supermini-sized electric car the Zoe is. Well, yes, it certainly is – but that’s not why you’ll buy it. the fact it’s so affordable is. normally something we make excuses for with electric cars, this time price becomes the key USP: they start, with the government plug-in grant included, from just £13,995. Ordinary supermini money, then, for a far from ordinary supermini.

Like the Nissan Leaf, this is an EV that’s been designed as one from the ground up, rather than being converted from an existing car like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV et al. Renault’s thus been able to idealise the design, placing things where they should be rather than where they’ll fit and, more importantly, ensuring it ekes out maximum range from those floor-mounted batteries.

This results in yet another draw – the biggest EV driving range of any pure electric car currently on sale. Official figures say 130 miles, 30 per cent more than a Leaf. as this is the biggest worry most have about running an EV, could the Zoe thus turn out to be a tipping point?

DRIVING

The first models will be driven later in the year but the statistics suggest we’ll like what we discover. The electric motor produces 88hp, but also puts out 162lb ft of torque, from zero rpm. This will mean wheelscrabbling immediacy in town and, thanks to an 88mph top speed, decent legs when out of it, too. The chassis, as we say, has been optimised for EV basics, so we expect Renault to have maximised the inherent low centre of gravity. Indeed, there may even be an element of Renaultsport tuning in there: the crack hot hatch team did the chassis for the Twizy, and that’s an absolute hoot. It’ll be lovely to think they’ve also had a say at this…

ON THE INSIDE

The Zoe’s interior is again all-new and all the talk of ‘wellbeing’ in the press material suggests it’s gone for the calm, elegant, welcoming approach.There’s even an active charcoal air filter to ensure the grubby exhaust emissions emitted by pesky normal cars don’t infiltrate the haven.

Practicality should be good. Renault says this is a full five-seater and being able to perfect the design from the start ensures it also has a decent boot: 338 litres is pretty eyeopening, actually, given how a VW Golf has 380 litres

OWNING

To aid recharging, Renault has fitted a ‘Chameleon’ charger, that will swallow any voltage. But it won’t be their own batteries customers are topping up. Part of the reason the price is so low is because batteries aren’t included. Instead, they’re leased, for around £70 a month. See it as a sort of mobile phone contract, says Renault. Fingers crossed customers see it this way.

Source: topgear.com

Renault Wind 1.2 TCe review| Car News

The Renault Wind is a roadster by the French automobile manufacturer Renault. The Wind was originally a concept car unveiled on September 2004 at the Paris Motor Show as a 2+1 roadster.

On February 2, 2010, Renault announced that the Wind would enter production. It was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, 2010. The production version is a 2 seater, as opposed to the 2+1 seating of the concept car.

In February 2012, Renault retired the Wind, Espace, Kangoo, Modus, and Laguna lines in the United Kingdom. For Continental Europe, the Wind remained available until June 2013

The concept Wind's design is like other Renault vehicles such as the performance versions of the Clio and Mégane. The production Wind, however, is heavily based on the Twingo, evident in its overall size and stance, and also its semi-circular door handles exactly the same as those on its Twingo counterpart. The steering wheel and pedal assemblies in the concept are adjustable and fold away automatically when the door is opened for easier access. Producer is Erdenechulun.

The Wind features a one piece metal roof, that rotates 180° backwards (much like the Ferrari 575M Superamerica), as opposed to being made of several pieces like many other metal roof convertibles. Renault claims that it takes 12 seconds to fold the roof away, which is comparable to most other convertibles

There were three model trim lines: Dynamique, Dynamique S, and the limited edition "Collection". The Dynamique trim line was the most basic, with 16" alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard features. The Dynamique S trim was above this, with 17" alloy wheels and climate control. And the Limited Edition "Collection" trim had the biggest range of features, including: a gloss black retractable roof and red and chrome dashboard inserts.

In the United Kingdom, trim levels included: Dynamique, Dynamique S, GT Line, and the top-of-the-range Collection.

Top Gear car review: Renault Twizy

WHAT WE SAY:

Renault appears to have detached itself from reality. Doesn't stop us from thinking the Twizy is genius

WHAT IS IT?

Renault Twizy already has the largest range of electric cars on sale in Europe. Now, it’s also to offer the cheapest mainstream electric car we’ve yet seen, too. Indeed, it’s so cheap, it’s actually one of the UK’s cheapest four-wheeled vehicles of all, with entry prices coming in well below £7,000. What’s the catch? There are two: one, it’s an electric car whose batteries are not included – you have to lease them instead, with contracts starting from £45 a month. Two, it’s not actually a car, but a quadricycle, as defined by its limited size, weight and top speed.

And boy, is it small – just 2.3 metres long and 1.2 metres wide (but similar in height to a Twingo). It seats only two, the interior is back to basics and you don’t even get doors as standard. But who cares. Just look at it. Is this the coolest electric car yet launched?

DRIVING

The electric motor, powered by a lithium ion battery, puts out just 20bhp. Doesn’t sound like much, and it’s not, but a low 450kg kerbweight helps the Twizy make the most of it. A 0-60mph time isn’t quoted because it can’t reach 60mph, but then it doesn’t need to. The fact that Renault quotes a 0-30mph time (a scant 4.4secs) tells you all you need to know about where it is designed to perform.

And yes, it zips up to 30mph with alacrity, easily quick enough to keep up with traffic – and just about narrow enough to mimic a motorbike and nip through lanes of stationary cars. It’s just 1,191mm wide and can be parked nose-on to the kerb, like a Smart. Amusement doesn’t come from the usual sources – you’re not going to be raving about the steering or cornering ability – but you will love the feeling of being in it.

ON THE INSIDE

Renault assures us the body has been designed to deflect wind away from the cabin, making the lack of standard doors nothing like the issue you’d expect. Maybe – but no amount of aero trickery can offset a night’s rainfall, and could make the difference between viability and this being no more than a car for bikers. Our advice: wrap up warm. At least those inside are well protected, with side impact bars and a driver’s airbag, plus a four-point harness in the front. And because it offers full rollover protection, those inside don’t have to wear helmets, despite the open cockpit design.

OWNING

Renault offers batteries on a monthly contract, with varying lengths and annual mileages available, a bit like a mobile phone arrangement. This helps cut the initial purchase price of the Twizy and so is the key to its sheer affordability. The battery range itself is around 60 miles and Renault fits a three-metre spiral lead onboard so you can plug it in anywhere.

Source: topgear.com

Renault Master review

Renault’s large panel van, the Renault Master has a vast model range, a well-thought-out cab with plenty of storage space

The Renault Master range was launched in 2010 on a shared platform with theNissan NV400 and Vauxhall Movano. The range is comprehensive, with numerous different body styles in the front and rear-wheel-drive line-up with 4×4 conversions also available. Load capacities now extend up to 17m3 in the L4 H3 panel van version and gross vehicle weights of 2.8, 3.3, 3.5 and 4.5 tonnes are offered.

Debut, Core and Sport are the trim options and all models are powered by the same 2.3-litre diesel engine, available with power outputs of 108bhp (dCi 110), 123bhp (dCi 125), 133bhp (dCi 135) or 163bhp (dCi 165). A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, operated from a dash-mounted gearshift. Alternatively, the Quickshift6 automated transmission, based on the same gearbox, offers clutchless, automated changes.

Renault’s flair for interior design gives the Master a well thought-out cab with a wide choice of storage spaces (150 litres in total) and ideas for drivers who use the cab as a mobile office. Build quality may not match that of the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter, but the Master feels well put together.

Soure: autoexpress.co.uk

Renault Trafic comment

The Renault Trafic is a light commercial vehicle produced by the French automaker Renault since 1981. It is also marketed as the Nissan Primastar and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro in Europe. Previous versions of the Renault Trafic have been sold by Chevrolet and the original generation is now sold in India by Tata Motors.

Vauxhall has confirmed that they will produce the next generation Vivaro at the GM Manufacturing Luton plant in 2013.

First generation (1981–2001)

The original Renault Trafic was sold from 1980 to 2000 and was somewhat revised and updated during its lifetime. Originally the van had some variations in the front end shape depending which engine was fitted, with the original 1397cc motor fitting behind a flat grille, and the diesel engine and larger 1647cc petrol engines requiring an extended plastic grille and deeper bumper. The 1721cc OHC engine replaced the 1647cc OHV in the mid 1980s, which fitted under the shorter grille but required a small lump in the bonnet.

The diesel and 2.1 petrol carried on with the extended grille. In 1990 the Trafic underwent a major front end facelift with rounder shape and a plastic bumper, the new longer body shape covering all varieties of engine. In 1995 the Mk1 Trafic got its final facelift, with new grille, new tail lights, large double rear view mirrors and a new interior with modern dashboard and multi-adjustable seats. This version was also sold as the Opel Arena from 1997.

Winnebago

The chassis and cab of the 1980s models were used as the base vehicle by Winnebago Industries to build the Winnebago 'LeSharo' from 1983,[3] and Itasca Phasar. In order for the chassis and cab version to meet United States safety and emission requirements, this version was sold with Renault's J6T/J7T: 2165 cc badged as 2.2L.

Campervan Variants

The Mk1 Trafic became popular for professional conversion into budget family motorhomes due to the flexibility of the design and the generous internal space for what was a relatively small van. Popular converters were Auto-Sleepers and Holdsworth (now defunct). Other motorhome builders using the Trafic Mk1 as a base include Elddis, Eriba and Autostar.

Renault Kangoo Z.E. Driving electric is Renault

If you are looking for a transportation solution for environmentally friendly business, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. is a perfect choice for cost savings combined with convenience and comfort.

In addition, low car design focus with a wide body for increased stability and traction, particularly in the corners. New braking system with performance improvements that make it easy and precise control when on the road.

Finally, the electric motor provides a whole new driving experience - no noise. Just a charging station at home and public charging stations, Renault Kangoo Z.E. will become a trusted friend on the way to the lighting