2021 Renault Captur Subcompact Crossover Gets Sportiness R.S. Line

Renault has applied the R.S. Line treatment to the second-gen Renault Captur, which follows hot on the heels of other R.S. Line models in the French brand’s portfolio with a sporty makeover inside and out.


Starting with the exterior, the subcompact crossover has an F1 blade attached to the front bumper, a honeycomb grille, and a grey rear diffuser. It rides on 18-inch ‘Le Castellet’ alloy wheels and features an ‘R.S. Line’ badge on the tailgate.



Visible when opening the front doors, the ‘Renault Sport’ sills are part of the makeover, and once inside, users will see the red accents applied to the seats, door cards, air vents and perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seatbelts and ring around the gearshift lever sport the same red look, and the carbon finish applied to the dashboard rounds out the package.

Moreover, the extra tinted rear windows, front and rear parking sensors, 10-inch digital dashboard, reversing camera, electrochromic rearview mirror, and wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones are all standard.

The new Captur R.S. Line is fitted with the TCe 140 PS (103 kW) petrol engine coupled to either a manual or dual-clutch transmission.

Article from https://www.carscoops.com

Renault Duster SUV Gets A Powerful Turbocharged Petrol Engine

 Renault has launched the Duster with a new turbocharged petrol engine. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and promises to offer tonnes of performance. We drive the SUV to find out if that claim stands correct or not.

The Renault Duster was the SUV that rocked it for Renault. People just fell in love with its muscular design and flared wheel arches. Over the years, technologies changed and Renault kept updating bits and pieces here and there. The company even launched the AWD version. But the best-seller continued to be the 1.5-litre diesel engine variant. However, with the advent of BS6 norms, that engine was not being upgraded. Sure there was the 1.5-litre petrol, but clearly Renault wanted to infuse some zing into the Duster. Hence in comes the Duster Turbo!

The Duster Turbo comes with minor exterior changes. There are red accents on the front bumper and grille. The roof rail gets the Duster insignia in red too. The alloy wheels are new but tyre sizes remain the same. At the back, there is a new ‘Turbo’ badge. Inside the new variant gets a new seat fabric and a new steering wheel too. The overall design remains the same and hence it looks a bit dated. We would have loved to see the Duster go through a comprehensive redesign which would bring it back into the fight with the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta.

Moving on to the most important change here; the engine. The Duster is now powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The motor churns out a mega 116kW and 254Nm of torque. All of it is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine comes with technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) which help reduce emissions. Renault also claims that the new Duster MT variant offers a fuel efficiency of 16.5kmpl.

Start her up and the Duster Turbo feels rather sprightly. In hooligan mode, the Duster is one impressive SUV. Launch the big Duster and instantly the electronic nannies come into play and cut off the power to restrain the wheel spin. Even when launched at 4,000rpm, the Duster darts towards the horizon rapidly. The surge of power is constant as one goes through the gears. As a result, acceleration is rather blistering for an SUV of its size. We just loved the way this new engine has infused so much grunt into the Duster. On regular driving jaunts, the feel of power constantly remains. Even when driving in third or fourth gear, the Duster has enough torque and power to get one out of situations. As a result overtaking is like child’s play. One can literally play around in traffic. The gearbox too is brilliant. It offers short throws and there is a certain notch which we loved. The bottom line is whether you decide to cruise or go fast, the Duster Turbo can do it both.

The ride quality on the other hand continues to be one of the best in business. The suspension irons out literally everything thrown at it. A little bit of noise is only what transmits into the cabin. The Duster also handles well. Sure it showcases a bit of roll, but it can take on challenges confidently as before. The steering though is slightly on the heavier side.

Verdict

The Duster might be an old SUV. But honestly, it still looks butch and purposeful. The flared wheel arches, LED DRLs, red accents etc still makes one want it. But where the Duster urgently needs attention is in the interior design. The dash especially the centre console looks old school and offers very little storage space. But where the Duster claws back is in the performance game. The engine is a tower of power and combined with the good handling characteristic, the Duster Turbo variant is a joy to drive. We just loved it but be careful, as so much power can surely get you a lot of speeding tickets.

Article from https://www.indiatoday.in/auto/

A Guide To Renault In South Africa

Renault South Africa is among the leading automotive brands in the country. It sells eight models across several segments, from small hatchbacks to compact SUVs. They also have a stake in the logistics market with a range of trucks and machinery.

They’re considered to be one of the safer road car manufacturers, regularly attaining a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Don’t think they’re boring, though – Renault has a respected racing heritage, with their sporty road cars, participation in the FIA 24-hour Endurance Championship, and Formula One success.

With wide-ranging specs and a unique design, Renault is a great brand for those looking to stand out and Renault prices offer even more reason to get a Renault!

A Brief History of Renault

Renault was founded in 1898 in France by Louis Renault and his brothers. After years of success with new production lines and tailoring services, Renault was nationalised in 1945 to become Régie Nationale des Usines Renault (RNUR).

Renault’s 4CV was dubbed the ‘small car for everybody’ and quickly became an international sensation. This was followed by the famous Renaults 4 and 5, eventually followed by the 16, which helped establish them on the international rally scene. The company also boasts the iconic Renault Clio V6 model, admired for its solid performance and outstanding design.

Today, Renault is a leading French and international automaker with several unique models on offer.


Buying a Renault

Renault South Africa is among our leading automotive brands, with over 45 dealerships across the country. Their Clio model is regularly featured in the Naamsa top 10 best-selling cars of South Africa.

Their budget Kwid model and premium SUV Kadjar model showcase the extent of their range, while the highly popular Clio and Megane models continue to hold their own in their segments.

Renault also offers a range of commercial vehicles for which they can offer good service support.


Renault Models

While South Africa's Renault fans await the launch of the all-new fifth-gen Renault Clio V, the Clio Authentique 66kW Turbo remains a popular choice – and with good reason.

Its 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is zippy and amazingly light on fuel. (The reported fuel consumption stats are 5.5 litres per 100 km.) With 66 kW and 150 Nm of torque, it's great for urban commutes and runabouts. It's also neatly kitted out with a 7-inch MediaNav infotainment system that includes Bluetooth, navigation and USB/aux.

Other features include 16-inch alloy wheels, an adjustable multifunction steering wheel, electric folding side mirrors, cruise control, four airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control. The 300-litre luggage space in the back increases to 1 446 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down.

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Article from https://www.hippo.co.za/