Renault has accidentally revealed the first two official teasers dedicated to the next generation of the Clio (the fourth.) The two snapshots were allegedly taken from some internal documents presented at Renault’s general shareholder meeting in Paris on Friday, April 27. The images show the front and the rear quarters view of the new French B-segment’s outline. The car has been created by Laurens van den Acker, who has given us a glimpse of Renault’s new design strategy with the electric Zoe. The new Renault Clio will be unveiled in October at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Renault introduces its new sedan Talisman at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, a car that can be considered as the French counterpart of the Samsung SM7. The model is basically identical to the SM7 with just a few slight differences on the front end - where we find a brand new grille - and a set of smaller wheels. The Talisman will be produced in South Korea and exported to China starting mifd-June, with a price of 38,652 Euros.

Measuring 4.95 meters in length, the new 3-box sedan from the French carmaker looks well-proportioned and boasts a quite rounded design. At the moment there are no news concerning the engine range of the Talisman, but it is expected to feature something similar to the 195 hp 2.5-litre V6 and the 290 hp 3.5-litre V6 of the Samsung SM7. On a side-note, the name Talisman had been previously used by Renault for a 2001 concept car which anticipated the design of the Mégane. Making a special appearance at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show is also the Captur Concept, that Renault introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Renault continues its campaign to promote the Twizy with a music video by David Guetta entitled “The Alphabeat”. In the video the famous French DJ drives the small electric car to an exclusive club, where the dance floor uses a futuristic system to generate electricity through the movement of people dancing. The film focus is mainly on electric mobility and renewable energies.

The Renault Twizy is proposed in three different variants: Urban, Colour and Technic. The Renault Twizy Urban, the lower powered version, is limited to 45 km/h and has an output of 10hp with a price of £6,990. The batteries range stands at 100km and are leased for a monthly fee of £45.

The most powerful version of the quadricycle, the Technic, comes with 20hp and is able to reach 80km/h; it is offered at a base price of £7,400. The car weighs 450 kg and can be customised with accessories such as side doors, rear parking sensors or Bluetooth and USB connections kits. It is available in the UK from today.

View the full Renault Twizy photo gallery

Here is a new, longer wheel-base version of the Renault Kangoo Maxi - dubbed ‘Grand’ - that will be made available in both 5- and 7-seat configurations. Basically, the Renault technicians have turned the commercial version of the model into a proper MVP, which really boasts plenty of space: with all the seats up the load capacity of the cargo area is 400 litres, a figure that goes up to 930 with the last two seats down and even to 3,400 litres with all the seats folded. Besides, for those who need to store really long and bulky objects, a foldable front seat is also available as an extra option.

The Grand Kangoo comes with a slew of storage spaces spread all across the passenger compartment and provide for an extra 145 mm of leg room for the occupants of the last row of seats. The model comes with sliding door - each one of which allows for a 636 mm wide entrance - while the mid row of seats is fractioned 60/40-split and can fold flat with just one quick and easy movement. The two separate rear seats in the third row are identical to Scénic’s second-row seats, then they should be comfortable enough for two adults.

This new MPV will initially be available in two trim configurations - Authentique and Privilege - and will come with a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine available in power steps of 90 and 110 hp: the average fuel consumption of the former is rated at 5.1 litres/100km with 135 g/km of CO2 emissions, while the latter is credited with 5.5 l/100 km of fuel consumption and 144 g/km of CO2 emission. The Grand Kangoo will go on sale in Europe at the beginning of April, with the prices for the French market varying between 20,750 and 23,250 Euros.

View the full Renault Grand Kangoo photo gallery

Renault introduces the new Megane RS 250 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition, an exclusive version of the French hatchback designed to celebrate the Australian Grand Prix, which will open the new Formula 1 season on 18th March. The sports car features a gloss black finish and fixed glass roof and 19-inch burnished alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone RE050A tires.

The braking system is designed by Brembo. Inside, photos not yet available, the hatchback stands out for black leather Recaro sports seats and satellite navigation system. Just 50 Megane RS 250 will be released and sold in Australia only, at the price of just under $ 50,000 and it will include xenon headlights and front and rear parking sensors.

Renault will soon market the new Twingo Mauboussin, a limited special edition conceived to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Available in a Tourmaline Brown metallic paintwork, this model displays some elegant decals that make the Parisian jeweler’s touch immediately recognisable. Needless to say, this exceptional Twingo is all about luxury and of course, it comes with 15′’ Dark Gunmetal Pirate alloy wheels.

On the inside, Mauboussin’s signature style is even more evident and the logo appears on the seats - made with a mix of fabric and leather - and on the floor mats. To make the deal even more exclusive, customers will also receive a Mauboussin pendant watch called “1960, je t’aime”.

The Renault Twingo Mauboussin is fitted with either 1.5 l turbodiesel dci eco2 (85 hp) or a petrol 1.2 LEV 16V eco2 (75 hp) and it’s going to be marketed only in France, Italy, Austria and Marocco at a starting price of €15,800 (including VAT) for the turbodiesel and of €13,500 (including VAT) for the petrol.

Check out the full Renault Twingo Mauboussin photo gallery.

The new, facelifted Renault Twingo RS is about to enter the market. The most sporty model of the range has been administered the same kind of treatment of the other ‘quieter’ versions, thereby it boasts a new front end with four separated head lights and two extra lights at the back. Besides, the ‘RS’ receives a front spoiler inspired by Formula 1 cars, a trunk spoiler, a little diffuser, diminutive air outlets on the wheel arches and 16″ ‘Emotion’ alloys. Renault will also offer a Design Pack Dark Grey which adds gray/Dark Metal accents on the front spoiler, on the wing mirror shells and a chrome strip on the foglight frames.

In the cabin we have yellow stitching on steering wheel, seats and instrument panel covering, Brilliant Black inserts for dashboard, console, radio, tachometer and side air vents and then white elements for the upper steering wheel, seats, rev-counter and air-conditioning controls. The model comes with the same 1.6-litre petrol engine of the previous version, credited with an output of 133 hp at 6,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 160 Nm at 4,400 rpm, while average fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 l/100 km and CO2 emission at 150 g/km.

The technicians of the Renault Sport division have also developed two kinds of chassis: the one called ‘Sport’ comes as standard while the one called Cup, available upon request, provides for a ride height reduced by 4 mm. A Gordini version of the Twingo RS is also in the cards and will be available with the following color options: Malta Blue, Ice White, Nacrè Black and Bright Red.

View the full Renault Twingo RS facelift photo gallery

Renault releases a new large photo gallery of the restyled Scenic and Grand Scenic, now featuring a heavily revised front end, upgraded interiors and two additions to its engine line-up: a 1.2-litre TCe delivering 115 hp and with CO2 emissions of 105g/km, and a 1.5-litre Energy dCi producing 110 hp and 135g/km of CO2 emissions, both of which credited with an average fuel consumption of 4,1 l/100 km. The new model still boasts plenty of space in the cabin and receives a substantial upgrade in terms of electronic equipment. The new Scenic range is in fact equipped with the Visio System, which boasts - among other features - the Lane Departure Warning and the automatic adjustment of the high-beam headlights in accord to the oncoming traffic.

Firstly introduced at the recent Brussels Auto Show, the new Scenic will gradually go on sale in over 40 countries around the globe, thereby confirming its versatility. Together, the Scenic and Grand Scenic top their segment in Europe, with more than 400,000 units since the launch of the current generation toward the end of 2009, while almost 3.9 million units have been sold since the introduction of the original Scenic, back in 1996. To find out more about the new Scenic range, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic photo gallery

Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic ‘2012 Collection’: even more dynamic, fuel-efficient and comfortable

• Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic, Europe’s number one compact MPV range, to undergo renewal in January 2012.
• Dynamic new lines for even more motoring enjoyment, plus enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency (with CO2 emissions as low as 105g/km) thanks to the introduction of two new ‘Energy’ engines.
• New technologies for business users and ordinary motorists: Visio System, hill start assist, motorway-mode indicators and Fleet Management System.
• The range features an equipment upgrade, while prices in France start from €21,350 (for Renault Scénic Collection 2012) and €24,850 (Renault Grand Scénic Collection 2012). The success enjoyed by the Bose® Edition limited edition version in 2011 has led to it becoming an equipment level in its own right. Order books in France open on December 1, 2011.

An even more assertive personality to win over customers

The forceful, fluid, dynamic lines of the Collection 2012 versions of Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic will enable motorists looking for a spacious interior to enjoy attractive, dynamic exterior styling, too. The revised front end is both modern and status enhancing, while Scénic’s new rear lights add a particularly dynamic touch. The upgrade continues with the availability of LED daytime running lights, gloss black features and chrome details (at the front, plus tailgate strip and side moulding insert), plus a new range of wheel trims and aluminium alloy wheels. Grand Scénic’s more horizontal front-end lines and longitudinal roof bars contribute to the model’s even more imposing looks. The range also features two new body colours: Grenat Red and Majorelle Blue.

Two new interior trims have been added to the catalogue (a new beige trim for the Expression and Privilège/Initiale equipment levels, plus a new dark charcoal trim for Privilège/Initiale versions), while the upgrade continues with the availability of new fabric upholsteries and a new leather/Alcantara ‘pack’.

Meanwhile, following the success enjoyed by the Bose® Edition Scénic and Grand Scénic in 2011, this limited edition version has now become an equipment level in its own right to round off the range with a distinctive, more extensively-equipped high-end version which combines sporty elegance with a unique audio experience.

New ‘Energy’ range of engines for performance and fuel efficiency

The two new ‘Energy’ powerplants that can be specified for Collection 2012 versions of Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic deliver even greater driving pleasure and frugal fuel efficiency thanks to several innovative technologies derived from Formula 1 (Stop&Start, braking/deceleration energy recovery, etc.).

From January 2012, Scénic and Grand Scénic will be the first Renault models to be available with the new Energy dCi 110 diesel engine which combines record low CO2 emissions (105g/km), a 12 percent saving in fuel consumption (down to 4.1 litres/100km) and higher torque (260Nm at 1,750rpm; a gain of 20Nm) compared with the existing 1.5 dCi 110.

Also available will be the diesel Energy dCi 130 (114g/km, 4.4 litres/100km, a 20 percent fuel consumption saving over the 1.9 dCi 130 engine it supersedes) which will provide Scénic and Grand Scénic with the class’s best two diesel engines, for enhanced driving pleasure and the market’s lowest fuel consumption.

From spring 2012, the Scénic/Grand Scénic line-up will also include the brand new Energy TCe 115 petrol engine which boasts low CO2 emissions (135g/km) and a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption (a saving of 1.6 litres/100km) compared with the 1.6 16V 110hp.

Thanks to these engines, Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic will play an important part in achieving Renault’s target to become Europe’s number one manufacturer with regard to the CO2 emissions of its range, without detracting from performance.

Affordable technologies for improved comfort and a more reassuring ride

Enhanced everyday safety, facilitating life for drivers and maximising occupant wellbeing continue to be priorities for Renault.

Scénic and Grand Scénic will be the first Renault models to feature the Visio System which assists the driver’s vigilance and night-time vision thanks to two key functions. a lane departure warning system (a camera detects if the drivers strays out of lane and triggers an audible signal) and an automatic headlight function (the same camera detects the lights of nearby vehicles and/or the presence of street lighting to automatically switch from dipped to main beam, and vice versa).

Driving and travelling comfort have been further enhanced by the addition of new features which come as standard equipment. Hill-start assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away on a slope, while motorway-mode indicators warn other motorists when the driver is about to change lanes by flashing three times following a slight flick of the indicator stalk.

The Collection 2012 versions of Scénic and Grand Scénic carry over technologies that have helped forge the model’s success, from the tailor-engineered sound of the Bose® audio system to Carminat TomTom® navigation and associated LIVE services (HD Traffic, etc.).

Business users have not been forgotten, either, since Renault has contributed to facilitating the work of long-term lease companies and fleet operators thanks to Fleet Asset Management. This unique, optional service provides business customers with some 30 daily data feeds (distance travelled, fuel consumption, oil level, etc.) to help them optimise fleet and cost management.

Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic: number one in their segment in Europe

Scénic and Grand Scénic, are manufactured in Douai, in northern France, where they benefit from the most exacting production standards to guarantee the highest level of quality. Together, Scénic and Grand Scénic top their segment in Europe, with sales in excess of 400,000 units since the launch of the current generation at the end of 2009. Almost 3.9 million units have been sold since the introduction of the original Scénic in 1996.

Collection 2012 versions of Scénic and Grand Scénic will initially go on sale across Europe in January 2012. They will then become available in their different markets across the world (notably Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Russia and China) in the course of 2012.

Prices and equipment lists (French market)
Despite the equipment upgrade, prices start at €21,350

Renault releases three half-minute long video commercials for the restyled Twingo, which will hit the showrooms in just a few days. Sharing the same “Times have changed. The Twingo too” slogan, all three videos have been created by Renault’s advertising partner Publicis Conseil (which uploaded the videos in its youtube page) and are as entertaining as they are cheeky: check them out after the jump.

The 2012 Twingo will come with the following engine options: a 1.2-litre TCe delivering 100hp, a 1.2-litre 16-vavles unit delivering 75 hp and a 1.2 dCi diesel engine available in 75 and 85 hp power steps. All the audio systems in the New Twingo range will feature Bluetooth functionality and audio-streaming with USB connectivity as standard.

via | CarScoop

Renault Twingo “Tattoo” ad:

Renault Twingo “Big Day” ad:

Renault Twingo “Bad Boys” ad:

The partnership between the Daimler Group and Renault-Nissan is making another step forward as it has been announced that Nissan’s powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tennessee, will begin to produce Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder gasoline engines for Infiniti and Mercedes vehicles. The plant is capable of producing up to 250,000 units per year and will mark the first production of Mercedes-Benz engines in the North America Free Trade region. The Tennessee plant’s strategic location and logistics links ensure a direct supply of engines starting in 2014 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, built at Daimler’s vehicle plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Renault released the first official pictures of the restyled Megane for the year 2012, which will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. In comparison to the current model, the re-designed front end is the part that receives the most significant modifications, now featuring modern LED daylight strips - which varies in shape according to body-type and version of the car - and some chrome details.

Aesthetics aside, the revamped Megane also gets new additions to its engine range. To start with, there is a new 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 115 hp and 190 Nm of torque, which boasts an average fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 115 g/km. Then we have a couple of new diesel units: a 1.5-litre (codenamed dCi110) delivering 110 hp and 260 Nm of torque and a 1.6-litre (codenamed dCi130) with an output of 130 hp and 320 Nm. In terms of fuel consumption, the former is rated at 3.8 l/100 km and latter at 4 l/100km, whereas CO2 emissions are 95 g/km and 104 g/km respectively. It is worth mentioning that the 1.6 unit is the most performing engine of that displacement in its class, with maximum torque already available at 1,750 rpm. The RS version gets an extra output of 15 hp and 20 Nm, boosting its total output up to 265 hp and 360 Nm for the limited edition Trophy version.

All variants of the 2012 Renault Megane get an upgraded multi-media system, while new options include a leather-Alcantara package for the cabin and the so called Visio system, which includes automatic high-beam headlights and a lane departure function that alerts the driver when crossing the centre line. To find out more about the Megane, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Renault Megane model year 2012 photo gallery

Renault Mégane Collection 2012: ‘Energy’ driven

Renault has introduced changes across the brand’s quality flagship Mégane range with the release of the model’s ‘Collection 2012′ line-up.

Front-end looks have been made more contemporary thanks to the incorporation of LED daytime running lights, while the impression of quality has been further heightened by the addition of gloss black and chrome styling details which symbolise the line-up’s overall improvements.
Mégane Collection 2012 also stands out as the most fuel-efficient car in its class thanks to the introduction of three new engines: Energy dCi 110, Energy dCi 130 and the brand new 115-horsepower Energy TCe 115. The latter is the most powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine in the market, yet it returns exceptionally low combined-cycle fuel consumption (5.3 litres/100km, equivalent to 119g of CO2/km), providing this version of Mégane with a range of about 1,000km to put it on a par with diesel models.
For extra comfort and safety, Mégane Collection 2012 features driver aids like Visio System® and Hill Start Assist which first became available for Collection 2012 versions of Scénic.
Mégane Collection 2012 will go on sale from March in Europe, then in the course of the year elsewhere in the world (notably Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Russia and Argentina).

More modern front-end looks

Mégane Collection 2012 has undergone a number of small styling changes compared to the model’s original lines which proved such a hit with customers. The front end has a more modern feel, while LED daytime running lights provide a distinctive new lighting signature. The bumper features a gloss black finish with chrome highlights, and the selection of wheels has been entirely revised. The sum of these modifications mirrors the attention that has been paid to quality, an area which Renault sees as a priority. Meanwhile, the cabin comes with new interior trims, including a two-tone leather/Alcantara pack available in a choice of three finishes (depending on market) The Bose version is now an equipment level in its own right, while the personality of the specific GT and GT-Line finishes has been strengthened thanks to specific ‘boomerang’-shaped LED lights, visible red upholstery stitching and a sports steering wheel incorporating thumb rests, plus Renault Sport-badged door sill guards and dashboard trim strip which serve as a reminder that the GT and GT-Line versions belong to the Renault Sport family. Last but not least, the list of body colours available for Mégane Collection 2012 has been extended with the addition of Majorelle Blue and Pearlescent White.

Mégane Collection 2012: ‘Energy’ power under the bonnet

Mégane Collection 2012 is the first Renault model to be available with the three new Energy engines which combine both motoring enjoyment and fuel efficiency. They are the fruit of new-generation downsizing and call on Renault’s experience in F1 to form unprecedented technology packages for this level of range, including Stop&Start complete with deceleration/braking energy recovery (see Energy sidebar). Thanks to their carefully-tuned acoustics, these engines produce a discreet, cushioned sound, with noise levels halved compared with the engines they replace.

Renault Energy TCe 115 - the return of petrol engines: the Renault Energy TCe 115 is the first Renault petrol engine to feature direct fuel injection and turbocharging for fuel-efficient performance. This new 1,198cc block is poised to replace the 1.6 16V and boasts both extra power (up 5hp to 115hp) and peak torque up 40Nm to 190Nm, with 90 per cent of this figure available from 1,650rpm. Its flexibility and acceleration from low revs are consequently similar to those of a diesel engine. In addition to being the market’s best-performing 1.2-litre petrol powerplant, the Renault Energy TCe 115 is particularly energy efficient, with fuel consumption down 25 per cent. Versions of Mégane Collection 2012 powered by this engine consume just 5.3 litres/100km (NEDC cycle), a saving of almost 1.5 litres/100km and a record for a petrol car in this class. CO2 emissions are down to 119g/km, while the car’s range exceeds 1,000km, which is similar to the distances associated with diesel models.

Mégane Collection 2012 will also be available with the two best diesel engines in their class, both of which combine driving pleasure with the market’s lowest fuel consumption.

New diesel Energy dCi 110: the Mégane range’s best-selling 1.5 dCi engine has undergone a significant metamorphosis with the introduction of technology first introduced in 2011 on the Energy dCi 130, not to mention record low fuel consumption which has been reduced by almost 12 per cent, under 3.8 litres/100km. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions below 95g/km and makes Mégane one of its segment’s top three models in terms of energy efficiency. There has been no corresponding fall-off in performance, however, since peak torque is up 20Nm to 260Nm, which is available from as low as 1,750rpm.
Renault Energy dCi 130: this 1.6 litre diesel engine delivers 130 horsepower and 320Nm of torque, making it the market’s most powerful powerplant for its size. It is also a pleasure to drive thanks to crisp acceleration performance from as low as 1,750rpm. Under the bonnet of Mégane, it returns NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.0 litres/100km, which is a 20 per cent saving compared to the former 1.9 dCi 130 engine. CO2 emissions stand at 104g/km, enabling it to qualify for the ‘eco subsidy’ available in France.

Useful, affordable technologies for an even more reassuring drive

More than ever, enhancing everyday safety, making driving easier and maximising travelling comfort are seen as priorities for Renault.

Like Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic, Mégane Collection 2012 can be ordered with the Visio System® which comprises a camera fixed to the windscreen behind the rear view mirror. It improves night-time vision and helps maintain driver vigilance thanks to two functions which it is the first system of its type to feature.
Automatically switches from main- to dipped-beam headlights: night-time driving calls for total vigilance, especially when it comes to optimising lighting in order to benefit from maximum visibility without being a hindrance for other road users. The Visio System® camera improves night-time vision by permanently scanning the road ahead. Whenever natural or street lighting is poor, and when no other vehicles are detected, it automatically switches to full-beam headlights at speeds of more than 45kph. Remembering to switch back to dipped beam is no longer a constraint and the Visio System® permits the driver to benefit from full-beam headlights between four and five times longer than is the case without the system. Visibility is enhanced (100 metres instead of 30 metres) and there is less risk of colliding with an obstacle.
Lane departure warning: the camera emits a warning if it believes that the vehicle has involuntarily changed lanes, an occurrence frequently due to drowsiness or a drop in driver vigilance, and a major cause of accidents, especially on motorways. If lane markings are crossed without the indicators having been being activated, visible and audible warnings are automatically activated.

Comfort has been further enhanced by a new Hill Start Assist function. This feature is combined with the electronic parking brake and keeps the brakes under pressure for a few seconds, giving the driver enough time to pull away without the vehicle moving backwards. Meanwhile, Motorway Mode indicators facilitate driving: a slight touch of the indicator stalk sets off three flashes to warn other road users that the driver is about to change lane. To assist parking manoeuvres, a camera located at the rear provides a precise image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings and depicts its trajectory to help drivers adjust their line. Last but not least, the dual-zone automatic climate control is now equipped with a toxicity sensor which monitors cabin air quality and automatically activates the air-recycling mode whenever necessary.

Mégane Collection 2012 continues to pack the technologies that have contributed to the model’s success. The brand new R-Plug&Radio+ audio range is now equipped with Bluetooth® hands-free telephony, connectivity and audio-streaming, as well as Plug&Music connectivity and USB/jack sockets which enable music stored on mobile devices to be controlled by the vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted fingertip control. Also available are Carminat TomTom® navigation complete with LIVE services (HD Traffic, real-time traffic information, etc.) and tailor-engineered Bose® surround sound.

Renault Mégane: the flagship of the ‘Renault Quality Made’ campaign

Mégane Collection 2012 cars are manufactured in Palencia, Spain, and benefit from rigorous production standards to guarantee impeccable quality. The model recently featured in a media campaign promoting quality ‘à la française’ and is destined to serve as a global flagship for the Renault group’s expertise in this domain across the entire range, from initial design to the showroom.

Jean-Pierre Vallaude (Senior Vice-President, Quality): “Mégane is a credible ambassador for the quality of Renault vehicles thanks to its outstanding reliability and perceived quality which have improved with every evolution of the model. Mégane is destined to become the worldwide quality benchmark for all Renault vehicles…”

As the Renault brand’s best-selling model, with sales exceeding 235,000 units worldwide in 2011 and 730,000 units since its launch at the end of 2008, Mégane today stands out as one of the most reliable cars in its segment. This reliability is recognised by the media (e.g. L’Automobile Magazine’s Reliability Top 100) and has been underlined by independent bodies such as Germany’s ADAC which have placed it at the top end of their respective classifications.

Following the pledge to continue improving made by Renault in 2003, Mégane III saw a 40 per cent reduction in reliability-related incidents during a car’s first year on the road compared to its predecessor.

Mégane III has benefited from reinforced design and validation processes which take both durability and ageing into account. At the design phase, for example, a list of 100 specific points was taken into account to ensure impeccable reliability and improve running- and appearance durability compared to Mégane II. Special attention was paid to reducing noise, improving sealing and the reliability of electronic components.

Mégane R.S. Collection 2012: extra horsepower and more torque for even punchier performance

Mégane R.S. Collection 2012’s R.S. Dynamic Management delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque. By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 265hp/195kW and up to 360Nm of torque (limited edition Trophy version) for even crisper acceleration response. Thanks to this Renault Sport innovation, it is possible to use Mégane R.S.’s potential to the full, notably on tracks. At the same time, the sound produced by Mégane R.S.’s engine has been revised to ensure a satisfying pitch at all revs thanks a more open exhaust design and a reinforced sound pipe.

In terms of looks, the front end is more expressive, while the F1-style front blade which is a characteristic of Renault Sport models features two rows of six LEDs and the headlights sport black surrounds. The centre of the new design 18-inch alloy wheels (satin finish or matt black) and the existing rims of the Trophy version feature an ‘R.S.’ logo, and a new option is the R.S. Red Design Pack which comprises red pin-striping for the front blade, side sills and diffuser. A new interior trim has been introduced, featuring visible red stitching for the steering wheel, gear lever knob, gear lever bellows and dashboard trim. The new, distinctive two-tone light grey and charcoal leather upholstery can also be specified as an option, as can fabric or leather Recaro seats and a predominantly yellow ambience. Other sporty details include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a charcoal-effect finish for the door panel inserts.

Thanks to its exceptional dynamic qualities, Mégane R.S. stands out as the C segment’s best-selling high-performance coupé. It has won over 12,500 buyers worldwide since its European launch in January 2010, as well as in Russia, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Japan and South Africa. In June 2011, it established a new record of 8mins 8secs for a lap of the Nürburgring, making it the fastest front-wheel drive car ever round the ‘Nordschleife’. Acclaimed by the world’s press, Mégane R.S. has won four awards and is frequently compared to the most prestigious super cars for the driving sensations it delivers. Renault Sport has also showcased Mégane R.S.’s potential in motorsport with the production-based Mégane R.S. N4 which won its class in the Belgian and Germany rally championships.

Renault is set to unveil its crossover SUV ‘Duster’ for the Indian market on Jan 6th, at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo. The model is obviously based on the Dacia Duster, the successful SUV that is sold in Europe with the badge of the Romaninan automaker, which is controlled by Renault since 1999. The French manufacturer will produce the Duster locally, in its Chennai plant, in an effort to keep the costs down and take on the Indian market with an aggressive pricing policy. The model will be the fourth Renault car to be introduced in India after the Fluence, the Koleos and the Pulse, a new hatchback that will be unveiled at the same event in New Delhi. The new Duster will enter the Indian market in the second half of 2012.

View the full 2012 Renault Duster photo gallery