The Renault Captur Is A Charming SUV

Released into an increasingly popular – and competitive – baby SUV market, the little crossover has to contend with popular alternatives such as the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Venue.

Based on the fifth-generation Clio hatch, the Renault Captur specs bring high-riding suspension, a huge boot and urban styling including two-tone paint and the black lower body cladding now de rigueur in this class. It’s smaller than showroom siblings such as the Koleos, but a fair bit larger than before.

There’s just one engine in the Captur range, an impressive 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo that needs 6.6L/100km of unleaded to make healthy 113kW and 270Nm maximums.

The line-up gets 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and a 7-inch portrait-style touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a six-speaker stereo. Auto emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance are standard. 

Mid-range Captur Zen models add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard, plus two-tone paint, smart keys, climate control, a heated leather steering wheel and more available a trim level up.

The range-topping Captur Intens has 18-inch alloys, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with sat nav and 9-speaker Bose stereo, electric driver’s seat adjustment, leather trim, interior mood lighting and better LED headlights.

Intens customers can get an “easy life” pack with a 10.25-inch digital dash, self-parking and automatic high beams as well. 

The cabin is a highlight, thanks to a floating centre console, twin USB outlets each for the front and rear, comfortable seats and more space than before. It feels better resolved than the original Captur but misses out on fun features such as removable seat covers with oversized zippers.

The bigger new model can accommodate adults in the rear, the digital dash looks great, and the tablet touchscreen looks sharp but can be clunky to use.

Every Captur has a punchy turbo motor paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. There’s no all-wheel-drive or manual option, but paddle shifters are standard in all three grades.

The gearbox can be tricky at low speeds when its stop-start system and slightly hesitant programming conspire to create the odd dodgy moment. It’s more convincing on the open road, where the strong engine has an advantage over most of the competition – much of it powered by less muscular three-cylinder engines.

The Captur is fun to drive, with accurate steering and a punchy motor that makes it more endearing than most. As with many high-riding hatchback spin-offs, the ride is a little busier than we would like, particularly on coarse roads outside urban areas.

VERDICT

Punchy, stylish and bigger than before, the current Renault Captur is worth a look.

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Review compiled by https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/

Throwback To When The Refreshed Renault Duster Range Touched Down In SA

 

The Renault Duster in SA sports a host of fresh new styling and technology upgrades since its re-launch.

Up front, you'll find a chrome-licked radiator grille flanked by a pair of redesigned headlamps with bold new C-shaped daytime running lights. Other standout design details include silver roof rails, aluminium-look front and rear skid plates plus a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on the flagship Intens model (Zen 4x2 and 4x4 models get 16-inch alloys). You'll also notice a sporty new rear roof spoiler and revamped tail-lamp clusters. It's a subtle makeover that gives the Duster a little more visual punch.

When it comes to the cabin of the new Duster, Renault claims to have improved the quality of some finishes including the fabric upholstery that wraps the newly designed and more ergonomic front seats. Another neat touch comes in the form of backlit steering wheel controls, which increases usability during night driving. Standard across the range is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, automatic climate control, speed limiter and cruise control. Drivers can also look forward to a rear parking camera and rear parking sensors.

Meanwhile, the Duster Zen 4x4 model ups the ante with additional features such as hill descent control, a MultiView camera and Renault's handy 4x4 Monitor with altimeter.

Renault Duster models are powered by the firm's proven 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that offers decent all-around performance and excellent fuel economy — up to 4.8l/100km across the combined cycle depending on the model derivative. In the entry-level Zen 4x2 model it can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. In the former, it makes 66kW and 210Nm and in the latter, this is increased to 80kW and 250Nm. The Zen 4x4 comes fitted exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission that automatically distributes 80kW and 260Nm to all four wheels. Lastly, the 80kW/250Nm Intens 4x2 is offered only with a six-speed automatic. 

Pricing includes a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a three-year/45,000km service plan. 

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Article shared by https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/

Five Favourites Of The Current 2022 Renault Clio

After being delayed by the crippling effects of the global semiconductor shortage, the all-new fifth-generation Renault Clio finally touched down on SA shores. Built to take on the VW Polo, Hyundai i20 and Ford Fiesta, here are five of our favourite things about the Renault Clio for sale. 

Evolutionary styling

The fifth-generation Clio adopts an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design epoch that builds on the strong aesthetics of its predecessor. Compared to the outgoing car, it looks more masculine thanks to a significantly reworked front end, an extra sculpted bonnet and some additional bodywork creases that help to up the general aggression ante. Elsewhere this athletic new look is accentuated by details such as the shark fin antenna and the chrome-trimmed side window surrounds. As with the Clio 4, the rear door handles of the Clio 5 are hidden in the C-pillar, delivering a coupé-like silhouette.  

It's also interesting to note that the new Clio is 8mm lower and 12mm shorter than the model it replaces. According to Renault, this improves both agility and manoeuvrability. Overall width has grown by 66mm, which should result in more sure-footed handling. 

One engine on offer

From launch, all new fifth-generation Renault Clio models come equipped with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 74kW and 160Nm worth of torque. This is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

In terms of performance, Renault claims that all new Clio derivatives romp from 0-100km/h in 11.8 seconds and reach a maximum top speed of 187km/h. When it comes to fuel consumption customers can expect a reasonable 5.7l/100km on the combined cycle. 

An upgraded interior

The fifth-generation Clio features a more premium cabin thanks to the fitment of higher quality materials, a soft-touch dashboard in the range-topping Intens model and more comfortable seats. Refinement levels have also been improved thanks to Renault splicing in extra insulative and soundproofing material. This extends to the special sound-deadening film being applied to the windscreen and a double sealing system on the doors and windows. All of this makes the car more liveable — especially on longer trips. Renault also claims that the new Clio offers slightly more interior space than the outgoing model.

Three model derivatives to choose from

At the moment the new Clio is available in three derivatives: Life, Zen and Intens. 

Aimed at the budget-conscious buyer the entry-level Life comes equipped with 16-inch 'Amicitia' wheels, body-coloured door mirror shells and LED 'Pure Vision' headlamps with integrated, C-shaped daytime running lights. The taillights are also of the LED variety.

Inside you can expect to find niceties such as manual air-conditioning, electric door mirrors, cruise control and a small-diameter multifunction steering wheel through which you see a 4.2-inch display flanked by an analogue speedometer and tachometer.

Infotainment comes courtesy of a seven-inch Easy Link system that syncs with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six speakers are standard as are two USBs and one Aux port. 

Next in line is the middle-of-the-range Zen model that improves upon the specification of the Life with body-coloured front exterior door handles, a synthetic leather steering wheel and smart satin chrome side air vents. Other improvements come in the form of a height-adjustable driver's seat, map pockets behind front seats as well as an upgraded seven-inch Easy Link infotainment system that features built-in satellite navigation. 

The flagship Intens hits the street wearing a gloss black exterior pack, privacy glass, satin chrome window trim and a set of 16-inch 'Philia Stella' alloy wheels. Other unique features include a leather gear knob, a centre console with storage and armrest, height adjustable passenger seat, front and rear electric windows, interior ambient lighting and a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster. Fully automatic climate control and inductive smartphone charging are also standard. The Intens model ships with the same seven-inch Easy Link infotainment system that you get in the Zen, however customers can upgrade this to a larger 9.3-inch system by speccing the optional Intens option pack. Priced at R15,000 this also gives you a reverse camera, front PDC and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

All new fifth-generation Clio variants are available in a choice of six different paint hues: Glacier White, Urban Grey, Flame Red, Mercury, Titanium Grey and Diamond Black.

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Article compiled by https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/

Renault Kiger: High On Convenience And Priced Right

Renault arrived late to the sub-4 metre SUV party, but it came prepared. With the Renault Kiger, it has been able to create a sweet spot for itself in the ultra-competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment (along with Nissan Magnite, with which the Kiger shares the platform).

The top-end Kiger Turbo Xtronic CVT RXZ seems rather price, but we see if it’s value-for-money and how convenient it is to drive.

Muscular lines on the body, roof rails, high ground clearance (205mm), wheel arch cladding and spoiler give this variant a more SUV look compared to entry-level models that are priced almost half (which look more like a hatchback). At the same time, somewhere it does look a bit over the top.

The cabin has plenty of ‘functional’ storage spaces, the dashboard has a distinctive design, and it also appears to be the most spacious SUV in its segment.

The 999cc turbocharged petrol engine (100PS; 152Nm) powering this variant is quite engaging to drive. It has three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport (the default mode is Normal).

As opposed to automatic gearboxes like AMT, the CVT is far smoother. The feel of acceleration in the Normal and Sport modes is great, but the real-world fuel efficiency I got in both these modes was around 15 km/litre during city driving. The steering feedback—mechanical signals that front tyres send to the steering wheel—is accurate and you feel most bumps and dips on the road through the steering wheel.

In the Eco mode, the Kiger feels quite low on power, and acceleration is slower. But in city driving conditions it returned me 20.4 km/litre, which is among the best in India for a petrol-engine car.

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Sourced from https://www.financialexpress.com/

Pros And Cons To Know Before Planning To Buy A Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is a decent choice for anyone looking to buy a compact 7-seater family car under R250,000. So, if you too are planning to buy it, here are some key pros and cons you should know about.

The Renault Triber was the first sub-4-metre vehicle from the French carmaker in India. Subcompact MPV was also the first vehicle to be based on a heavily modified version of the company's CMF-A platform and right now, one of the best-selling models from Renault India. 

The Triber is quite a capable car and a decent choice for anyone looking to buy a compact 7-seater family car under Rs. 10 lakh. So, if you too are planning to buy the Renault Triber MPV, here are some key pros and cons you should know about before making that final decision.

Pros

1. The Renault Triber is arguably one of the best 7-seater vehicles you can buy under the R200,000 that can actually seat 7 average-sized adults.

2. The Triber has received an impressive 4-star rating for adult occupant protection by Global NCAP.

3. The Triber gets the signature EasyFix modular seats for the third row with fold/tumble function. They are removable and allow you to create multiple layout options.

4. Renault offers a bunch of smart features like - projector headlamps, LED DRLs, electric boot release, and a pair of functional roof rails. The cabin gets a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear AC vents, and sliding second-row seats.

5. Renault has priced the Triber quite attractively. It's a good alternative for any looking for a car bigger than a compact hatch, on a budget.

Cons

1. The Triber might get a spacious cabin, but it lacks when it comes to quality. The materials used for the interior could have been better, and the seats could use more cushioning.

2. Even though the third row is spacious enough to fit two adults, it's only suited for a short distance, and might get a bit uncomfortable during long journeys.

3. While the Triber has scored a 4-star safety rating, the middle second-row passenger only gets a lap belt, and the seatbelts in the third row are not retractable.

4. The Triber's 1.0-litre engine is underpowered and does make a lot of noise as it gets going - typical of a 3-pot motor.

5. Renault doesn't offer a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with the Triber, even though the company already offers it with the Kiger subcompact SUV.

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Info sourced from https://www.carandbike.com/news/

Renault Triber Roadtested - Here’s The Verdict

When versatile little people carrier meets funky crossover, this could be the best of both worlds…

Some cynics believe the acquisition of an MPV to meet a family’s motoring needs is the equivalent of waving a white flag in the face of more aspirational fare. It’s a pity, really, as beneath their slabby shells, most small MPVs are cheerful and hugely practical. But what if you could drape the rugged “lifestyle” (ever the buzzword) garb of the sought-after crossover over the frame of a practical people carrier? With its Triber, Renault has done just that and at an eminently affordable price point. And it looks most promising, indeed.

The new Renault Triber for sale shares much of its underpinnings with the ever-popular Kwid, including the Renault-Nissan-developed CMF-A compact modular platform. This foundation has seen its wheelbase stretched from the hatchback’s 2 422 mm to an impressive-for-its-size 2 636 mm in the Triber. Bear in mind it approaches the wheelbases of larger rivals such as the Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga, but still comes in at less than four metres long. The Triber is a practical package but it needs to be clothed in a manner that will appeal to the crossover-crazy masses. Renault seems to have succeeded in this regard.

In much the same way a weary parent will try to disguise bitter medicines from fussy kids by burying them in sweets, Renault has taken a largely unpalatable MPV-shaped pill and dipped it in a more appealing crossover-flavoured coating.

Our test unit’s striking Honey Yellow metallic paintwork certainly shares parallels with the above analogy but it’s the inclusion of such crossover staples as faux bash plates, chunky cladding for the runners and wheel arches, and roof rails with a 50 kg load rating that manage to steer the Triber away from the often banal MPV formula.

Inside, the Triber’s MPV bearing is evident in a cabin that’s versatile and impressively spacious for a vehicle of its relatively diminutive proportions. Up front, the driver is presented with a tidy and fairly solid facia. Ancillary controls are logically placed and their simplicity is balanced by striking features: a crisp, smartphone-enabled touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument array with a funky segmented rev counter. Although the seats are narrow, they feel supported and present a lofty driving position with a good field of vision; it also avoids the steering wheel-betwixt-knees stance thanks to its adjustable column.

There are some neat storage features sewn into the driver’s compartment, too, including a dual-tier cubby, door bins capable of accommodating a one-litre drinks bottle and a ventilation-connected centre console with a three-speed fan that can (somewhat noisily) cool its contents. It forms part of an air-conditioning system that feeds vents in all three rows and is mighty effective.

The second row features a 40:20:40-split seatback with a variable rake. It slides back to provide between 565 mm and a sprawling 721 mm of legroom, while the third row’s individual pews are more kid-friendly in their proportions.

All three sections of the cabin are accessed by wide-opening doors and are marked by an impressive amount of modularity in their seating arrangements. Leave everything in its place and you have a seven-seater MPV. Remove the rearmost seats and you’ve got a spacious five-seater with between 504 and 584 litres of loadspace aft. Taking out these seats isn’t cumbersome as the seatbacks and cushions detach separately (a boon for those less muscle-bound). Longer loads of around two metres can be accommodated by folding all three passenger-side seats, while stowing both second- and third-row seats free up an impressive 1 096 litres of utility space.

Packing this much versatility into such a compact and cost-effective shell does, however, involve a couple of noteworthy concessions. The most evident is in the third row where inertia-reel safety belts make way for less forgiving solid-anchor items, and mere inches between the headrest and rear hatch glass could be a concern in a rear collision. Thankfully, the Triber doesn’t skimp in many other areas of safety, with this range-topper featuring dual front and side airbags, along with ABS and EBD.

Sharing much of its mechanicals with the Kwid, it’s fair to say we didn’t have high hopes for the Triber in terms of drivability but we walked away pleasantly surprised. The floatiness that mars some of the Kwid’s driving manners isn’t evident, partly owing to suspension and damper calibration which strikes a neat balance between bump absorption and body roll. While the steering is a bit numb, it’s light and twirly enough to make short work of urban weaving. But the most impressive aspect is its stability at speed. Where the Kwid often feels precarious at pace, the Triber is palpably more planted and settled when the speedometer needle creeps into triple figures. Granted, the combination of the high sides and lightweight does hamper the Triber in strong crosswinds but it’s amazing how far removed it is from its marginally smaller relative.

Early in its development, Renault’s engineers shelved a planned diesel engine in favour of a compact petrol unit in a move that freed up additional cabin space. The decision has, however, been a double-edged sword as the petrol powertrain removes some of the sheens from an otherwise pleasing driving experience. Although the naturally aspirated 1,0-litre inline-three petrol engine is working against just 969 kg of car, its 52kW and 96 Nm outputs are decidedly modest. This isn’t helped by noticeably tardy throttle response and a light clutch with a high biting point; both conspire to make town driving erratic and less fluid. Thankfully, the shift action of the five-speed ‘box is short and snippy and once up to speed (0-100 km/h took almost 17,0 seconds), the Triber settles into a relaxed rhythm. It’s a pity the turbo-equipped HRA0 engine hasn’t found its way here, as that unit’s 74 kW and 160 N.m would address such shortcomings.

As a value proposition, there’s little to touch this range-topping Prestige model, with keyless entry and start, air-con, electric windows and mirrors and smartphone-enabled touchscreen infotainment system joining a two-year/30 000 km service plan.

Original source: https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/

All-New Renault Clio V Price In SA

 

The new Clio 5 takes aim at French rivals Peugeot's 208 and Citroën's C3, as well as the newly refreshed Volkswagen Polo.

Ahead of its long-awaited debut this week, Renault South Africa has divulged complete specification and pricing details of the fifth-generation Clio on its website.

Unveiled as far back as the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, the Clio arrives after no-less than two delays with the most recent being as a result of the global semi-conductor crisis.

Based on the same CMF-B platform as the Nissan Micra, the Clio measures 4 050 mm in overall length with its wheelbase stretching 2 583 mm and its width 1 988 mm.

Standing 1 440 mm tall, the claimed boot capacity is rated at 391 litres with the dropping of the 60/40 split rear seat increasing the luggage capacity to 1 069-litres.

For South Africa, the line-up consists of three models, all powered by the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the Micra.

In the Clio though, the unit has been retuned to produce 74kW/160Nm with the only transmission option being a five-speed manual.

Claimed top speed is 187 km/h with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking 11.8 seconds. According to Renault, the Clio will consume unleaded at a rate of 5.7 L/100 km.

Styling builds on that of the previous Clio

As with the Kiger, the Clio becomes the second local model to adopt Renault’s new trim level designations, with the Life serving as the entry-level model followed by the mid-range Zen and the flagship Intens.

On the equipment front, the Life rides on 16-inch wheels with “flex” imitation alloy covers, with the sound system consisting of six-speaker audio, dual USB ports and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also standard are:

• PureVision LED headlights;
• body-coloured electric mirrors;
• 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display;
• multi-function steering wheel;
• cruise control;
• rear parking sensors;
• electric front windows;
• black fabric seats
• four airbags;
• Hill Start Assist;
• ABS with EBD and EBA;
• Electronic Stability Control

Moving one up, the Zen retains the mentioned infotainment system, albeit with integrated satellite navigation, while also getting the following:

• PureVision Performance LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist;
• body-coloured door handles;
• faux leather-wrapped steering wheel;
• black/anthracite interior;
• LED fog lamps;
• chrome air vent surrounds;
• height-adjustable driver’s seat

The interior is all new and comes with a choice of three infotainment sizes.

Completing the range, the Intens is mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels with its exterior being highlighted by gloss black window surrounds and mirror caps, chrome detailing and privacy glass.

Additional standard items include:

• Lane Departure Warning;
• LED daytime running lights;
• climate control;
• all around electric windows;
• seven-inch digital instrument cluster;
• key card access;
• push-button start;
• rain sense wipers;
• interior ambient lighting;
• wireless smartphone charger;
• leather steering wheel and gear lever;
• front armrest;
• satin chrome interior detailing;
• black interior;
• height-adjustable passenger’s seat

An additional capital outlay of R20 000 though sees the Intens being outfitted with the following:

• front parking sensors;
• reverse camera;
• 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels;
• 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system

In all, six colours are available:

• Glacier White;
• Urban Grey;
• Mercury Metallic;
• Diamond Black Metallic;
• Titanium Grey Metallic;
• Flame Red Metallic

Price

Included with each models’ sticker price is a five-year/150 000 km warranty as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan.

Get the latest Renault Clio prices here.

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Info found on https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/