What The Used Renault Megane Hatchback Is Like

 The Renault Mégane has been for sale in various forms for a very long time, but it’s fair to say that – sporty Renault Sport versions aside – it’s never quite caught on with the SA buying public in the way the French firm had hoped.

This has perhaps been more to do with the quality of its rivals than any serious faults in the Mégane because it’s always been a decent car to drive and one with its own unique style.

The fourth-generation model was launched in 2016 and, as well as a bold new look outside, it incorporated a sleek and high-tech interior laden with safety kit and executive toys. The car is larger – being longer, lower and wider – and considerably more sophisticated than previous Méganes.

It drives well, too, with a good range of engines that encompass a lively 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit and a super-quick 1.6, as well as a trio of diesel options that includes the economical 1.5-litre dCi 110 and the punchy yet abstemious 1.6 dCi 130. There’s also a higher-powered 1.6-litre diesel that combines speed with reasonably good fuel consumption. Later models were whittled down to just a 1.3-litre TCE 130 petrol and 1.5-litre dCi 115 diesel engine. 

Where the Megane excels is the amount of equipment you get compared with its rivals. Even the entry-level Expression+ gets cruise control, air-con, DAB radio and Bluetooth. You also get driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment.

The Dynamique Nav model has swish night-time ambient interior lighting, power-folding door mirrors and dual-zone climate control. You also get keyless entry, a configurable 7.0” digital display in place of analogue instruments, and a 7.0’’ touchscreen for the infotainment system that comes equipped with sat-nav. There are also important safety features such as a system to warn you if you drift out of your lane, auto-sensing lights and wipers, automatic headlamp dipping, rear parking sensors and a speed limit display.

The GT Line Nav trim adds a sportier theme to the above, with dark-chrome door mirror casings and more aggressive bumpers outside, plus sports seats inside. Dynamique S Nav trim adds the 8.7in infotainment screen, front parking sensors and a rear-view camera; Signature Nav augments that with 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights and leather seat trim.

The range-topping GT Nav is available only in the earlier models with the sportier 1.6 205 petrol engine. A seven-speed automatic gearbox was standard, as well as more macho-looking exterior styling and sports seats inside. The rest of the specification largely mirrors that of the Dynamique S Nav model.

The entry-level 1.2-litre petrol is fine for town driving and shorter journeys, but you need to work it quite hard for motorway trips, making it rather a noisy unit. The diesel engines better suit more robust use. The 1.5-litre diesel unit has similar power to its rivals, but it feels slower in real-world driving compared with a Seat Leon 1.6 TDI 110 or Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi, because the Mégane weighs more. It sounds quiet, even when working hard, but you do feel the engine’s vibrations buzzing through the pedals.

The 1.6 130 diesel is a good fit, offering flexible performance (without being quick) and relative refinement, plus it’s a smooth runner on motorway journeys. It isn’t the most refined diesel engine in this class, and you will still get a harsh engine note if you push it hard. The more powerful version of the 1.6-litre diesel is quick but less economical and not very refined.

The range-topping 1.6-litre petrol comes in the GT Nav trim only and is matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It’s a warm hatch model designed to compete with cars such as the Ford Focus ST and Peugeot 308 GTi. However, on the road, it feels a little flat and is quite thrashy when revved hard. That auto 'box changes slickly but is occasionally hesitant when changing gear manually with the steering wheel paddles.

Underneath was a new platform that contributed to the car’s improved road behaviour. The Mégane is still set up on the soft side, however, and although the ride is initially comfortable the car can roll in corners and doesn’t like to be hustled around too quickly.

Inside, there’s plenty of space upfront, as well as a good and adjustable driving position. Passengers in the rear will feel a little cramped behind a taller driver, though, with less legroom available than in some of the Mégane’s rivals. Likewise, the boot is a good size, but the overall capacity is slightly below what is offered by the best in this class.

The interior’s a good and modern place to be, even if some of the functions controlled via the infotainment screen can be a little fiddly to use, and there’s a range of well-equipped trims to seek out.

Ultimately, the Mégane fails to make a dent in the supremacy of its rivals, but it’s a smart and desirable car that will serve many people’s needs well, and there are now quite a few on the used car market at temptingly low prices.

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Review posted on https://www.whatcar.com/renault/

Renault Kiger Replaced The Renault Sandero And It’s Great

The new Renault Kiger that’s been launched in SA takes on the task of bridging a gap, replacing the Renault Sandero for sale, which for many years was the crossover point into larger Renault territory.

It’s a stylish-looking compact SUV that blends the familiar V-shape grilles and letterbox-design headlights of the Kwid and Triber with short overhangs and a sloping roof.

Based on the same scalable platform shared with the seven-seat Renault Triber, and group cousin Nissan Magnite, it has a 205mm ground clearance, which, however, doesn’t elevate it to genuine off-road status, even if it sits only 5mm lower off the ground than its rugged Renault Duster cousin. The front-wheel-drive Kiger is more of an urban crossover that’s capable of forming dust clouds on dirt roads.

It looks funky, especially when painted in bright colours such as Caspian Blue and Radiant Red. There are also Cool White, Planet Grey, Moonlight Grey and Mahogany Brown paint options, but the range-topping variants get two-tone body colour.

Customers will find a vast difference in the interior set-ups from the Kwid. The Kiger is roomier, with a commanding driver’s seat position and a 2,500mm-long wheelbase that feels like it can easily accommodate a family of four to five with ease on 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a 405l boot.

The arrival of the Kiger also marks the introduction of new grade names: Life (base spec), Zen (mid-spec) and Intens (high-grade.) I tested the Life specification at the car launch, and even this basic version has a modern dash with a 20.3cm floating touchscreen that becomes an extension of your smartphone wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The instrument binnacle is a colourful and digital layout, while the main display screen can also have a built-in MP4 video player and runs a new auditorium 3D sound system by Arkamys. A hands-free smart access card allows for keyless door locking/unlocking and engine start.

Further conveniences include automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity that can pair up to five devices, and a fast-charging USB socket.

The Kiger also comes with a reinforced body structure, ABS brakes, stability control, Isofix child seat anchors and four airbags among its safety features.

The seven-model Kiger range is available in two engine guises and a trio of transmission alternatives. It’s a naturally aspirated 1.0l three-cylinder engine with outputs of 52kW and 96Nm for the Life and entry-level Zen models.

The second-tier Zen model is equipped with the same engine but mated to an automated manual transmission (AMT). It allows drive either in fully automatic or sequential mode. The third Zen model gets a turbocharged 1.0l heart with 74kW and 160Nm linked with a manual gearbox.

Higher ranking Kiger Intens models are fitted exclusively with the turbo motor and a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and fuel consumption rated at 5l/100km. 

Intens models include a reverse camera with guiding lines and three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. These modes also change the appearance of the TFT screen, with green for Eco and red for Sport.

My first drive experience with the Kiger was a mixed bag. Renault knows full well that the thousands of Kwid buyers should be ready to migrate to a larger car and, importantly, these need to be groovy yet practical. The Kiger covers this well.

It’s not, however, the best drive experience. I didn’t get to drive the turbo model, but the normally aspirated 1.0l is underpowered and requires deft work on its good manual transmission to keep it in the power band, especially on steep inclines.

The engine has an audibly coarse note that constantly drones into the cabin at all times. This can become tiresome for others, but the behaviour of the Kiger on roads and its overall damping is acceptable.

All Renault Kiger models come standard with a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and three-year/30,000km service plans for models fitted with the normally aspirated engine, and a two-year/45,000km for turbo models.

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Story sourced from https://www.businesslive.co.za/

Renault Kwid In SA In 2022: Updates

 The updated Renault Kwid 2022 range offers dual airbags as standard. It also brings along new options like dual-tone paint for the Kwid Climber model.

Renault launched a new updated model of the 2021 model-year Renault Kwid. The update to the micro SUV/crossover in the A-segment offers dual airbags now as standard. Dual airbags will now be offered on both the Kwid 800cc and the Kwid 1.0L with both manual and semi-automatic AMT models. The addition of the airbags comes ahead of the Indian government looking to mandate dual airbags in cars.

However, the Renault Kwid in the past was awarded 0 stars for adult occupant protection in the Global NCAP crash test safety for no airbag variant and for a driver airbag variant. But was then awarded 1 star after a repeat crash test in 2016 with a driver airbag, awarded just 8.28/17 points for adult occupant protection. Global NCAP rated the body shell as “Unstable”. The model has not been crash-tested since.

Fast forward to the present day, the Kwid has been updated with added safety features like front driver side pyrotech and pretensioner and ABS with EBD as standard as per current Indian regulations.

Other feature additions to the new Kwid include a new dual-tone exterior in white with a black roof for the new Kwid Climber edition. This model also comes equipped with electronically adjustable ORVMs and a day and night IRVM. Mechanically, the new Kwid is identical to the model it replaces for all versions.

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Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/auto/car-news/

The Best First Car For A Young Driver

Learning to drive is still a rite of passage for young people, and buying your first car is the natural next step. Yet it can be a fraught process, with many factors to consider.

Finding a car that’s not only affordable to buy but offers the right combination of safety, equipment (and yes even desirability) is difficult enough, but doing all that while keeping insurance costs as low as possible can be very tough indeed.

And that's not just the case for newly-minted 17-year-olds, either. First-time drivers of any age suffer the same issues.

However, today's new drivers can enjoy all of those factors, as the low end of the market where they’ll be looking at is jam-packed with slick city cars and superb superminis. Today’s small cars often have all the essential equipment you’d expect, as well as some you might be surprised at. Believe it or not, it's totally possible to get a cool first car.

What to look for in a first car

The biggest hurdle facing most young drivers is a financial one. Even with the bank of mum and dad helping out, the costs of owning a car can be prohibitive enough to keep many on the bus even after they’ve passed their driving tests.

It's worth noting that many new drivers will choose to spend their first years in an inexpensive used car rather than purchasing brand-new, which is often a sensible move. But even with a couple of years experience, it can still be very expensive to run a car - so the principles of buying a first car still apply.

The most difficult cost to stomach is that of insurance. As a new driver with no experience, you’re a risk to insurance companies and as such will attract sky-high premiums. There are a few ways to help lower this cost, such as opting for a black-box policy or adding an experienced named driver to your plan, but it all starts with the right car in a low insurance group.

As much as you may want a powerful and fast first car with a beefy engine, that will ramp up your insurance cost at a frightening rate. The lowest insurance groups in a car’s range correspond with the smallest and least powerful engines – they’re almost always powered by petrol, and fitted with manual gearboxes, as these have the lowest insurance ratings. Automatic gearboxes, larger or diesel engines or complex hybrid systems tend to push premiums skyward.

Safety is important – inexperienced young drivers do statistically have a lot of accidents, so for peace of mind, it’s best to opt for a car with as high a crash test rating as possible. This is one area where opting for a newer car will have great benefits over one that’s even a few years old – active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking have the ability to stop an accident before it turns into an expensive crash.

Then, of course, there are all the important qualities to look for in a car regardless of when you’re buying it. Good visibility, responsive engine, a no-nonsense interior with controls placed in logical spots and enough practicality to cover your usual needs.

New or used first car?

Most drivers choose a used car for their first motor, and there are many benefits to doing so. The biggest is probably mitigation of risk - statistically, as many as one-in-five drivers will be involved in an accident in their first year. Lack of experience can lead to traffic collisions, even if it's not your fault - and so it can make a lot of sense for a driver's riskiest years to take place in something less valuable than a brand-new car.

There's also the question of expense - after all, once insurance is accounted for there are not too many 17-year-olds with the disposable income to finance a brand-new model.

If you can afford a new car, though, there are lots of good reasons for doing so. Driving the newest vehicle you can afford ensures you'll have access to the latest tech - particularly safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking or active lane-keeping aids that can prevent you from having an accident in the first place. They're more likely to have a top-end Euro NCAP crash test safety rating, too.

Insurance premiums for brand-new models can sometimes be lower than those of used cars, and newer cars tend to be more efficient and kinder to the environment than their predecessors, too.

Better yet, leasing a car takes the sting out of ownership. Rather than having to fork out for a huge deposit or upfront purchase, you simply pay a monthly fee across a fixed term. At the end of the term, you just hand the car back - easy as pie. 

Enter The Renault Clio

Taking home the Parkers Award for ‘Best First Car’ means the Clio is, at least in our opinion, the best small car you can buy at the moment.

The Clio’s success story begins with its good looks. Superficial, yes, but fashion-conscious young buyers want something that looks fresh, and this certainly does. That carries over to the inside, where all Clios get an up-to-date dash design. Mid-spec trim levels have all the tech you’d want, while top-end cars get some really premium stuff like digital dials, a 9.3-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, and wireless charging.

A range of frugal and fun engines cap things off, but it’s the value proposition where this car distinguishes itself. It’s cracking value on finance and significantly cheaper than most of the competition to buy outright, too.

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.Article from https://www.parkers.co.uk/best-cars/

Renault Koleos Specs And Details

 Renault's medium SUV tech, luxury features and performance.

Renault has kept the price of the entry-level Koleos Life unchanged, but the mid-tier Koleos Zen and flagship Koleos Intens variants have gone up in pricing. 

The Intens sees the most changes, with black Nappa leather, memory and massage function on the driver's seat, cushion adjustment for the front row, auto side-mirror tilt when reversing, animated turn signals, LED reversing lights, and hill descent control for AWD models.

Both Life and Zen models are mostly unchanged from last year but do gain LED headlights with automatic high beams.

All variants are powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder, sending 126kW of power and 226Nm of torque to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission. All-wheel drive can be had at an additional cost, but is only available on the range-topping Intens.​

Inside, occupants enjoy dual-zone climate control, while infotainment in the Life and Zen come from a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, two USB plugs, and an auxiliary input.

A rear-view camera and rear parking sensors are standard across the range, but the Zen and Intens add front and side sensors and satellite navigation.

Renault Koleos Intens buyers also get upgraded to an 8.7-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen running through a Bose premium audio system, together with an 'easy park' system.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning are standard across the range, but the Koleos Life misses out on blind-spot monitoring – standard on both the Zen and Intens.

Keyless entry is standard with the mid-range Koleos Zen, together with synthetic leather inside, heated front seats, and one-touch easy-fold rear seats, while the Intens gets both heated and ventilated front seats to compliment Nappa leather coverings, as well as a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate.

Original article from https://www.drive.com.au/news/

Renault Sandero To Be Discontinued In South Africa?

 

Last year Renault’s Dacia brand pulled the covers off the third-generation Sandero hatchback, along with its Stepway crossover variant, and at the time Renault South Africa could not confirm whether the new range was destined for South Africa.

However we now have confirmation that the Romanian-built newcomer is not earmarked for our market. At a media conference held in Johannesburg recently, Renault South Africa announced that the Sandero would effectively be replaced by the Indian-sourced Kiger compact SUV that hit local showrooms around September this year.

The Kiger is essentially Renault’s version of the Nissan Magnite that was launched in South Africa last month. Although it has different exterior styling, the two are both built on the Alliance’s CMF-A+ platform, and powered by a new 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 74 kW. Renault also offers a 53 kW normally aspirated version of this engine.

Incidentally the new Dacia Sandero, which would have worn a Renault badge in South Africa, is also based on a version of the CMF platform, albeit with more in the way of Clio DNA. Yet given that the Stepway crossover versions tend to be the most popular, the new Sandero would have clashed with the Kiger in the company’s local line-up, Renault SA says.

The first-generation Renault Sandero, launched in 2009, was actually built in South Africa as a close relative of the Nissan NP200 bakkie, with which it shared a production line in Rosslyn. Renault SA opted to import the second-generation model, which arrived in 2014, sporting a turbo engine for the first time.

The Renault Sandero is currently offered in two variants, priced between R231 900 and R250 900. 

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

Here's What Is In Store For Renault In SA

 

Renault South Africa has confirmed that the French company is no longer a subsidiary of the business’s headquarters in France, but rather an importer that falls under the Motus banner.

Renault’s managing director in South Africa, Jaco Oosthuizen said the move to become an importer fell in line with the brand’s global moves, where it would identify large motor groups in particular regions across the world and enable them to become custodians of the brand in those regions.

New strategy for Renault in South Africa​

Oosthuizen said Renault has been operational in South Africa in its latest guise for the past 26 years and counting, and had a fascinating history within the country, and with the current developments, was destined to better position and further elevate the brand.

“The shareholding structure of Renault South Africa (Pty) Ltd has changed several times over the years, with the latest development being a 100% shareholding shift. The Competition Commission approved the proposed 40% sale of Global RSAS shares in Renault South Africa (Pty) Ltd to Motus Corporation (Pty) Ltd (Motus) last month. This shareholding movement is completely aligned with the overarching strategic vision ’RENAULUTION’ to ensure the drive to value is a priority for the brand within South Africa, with a continued focus to grow the brand in a responsible manner, in order to remain a strong contender within the South African market,” he said.

New logo to usher in the changing times

The Renault logo has changed for 2021 and beyond. The previous logo was designed in 1992 and modernised in 2013. It was slightly complex and rigid, posing some legibility issues related to print sizes. This new logo coincides with the RENAULUTION that Oosthuizen alludes to, and is prominently integrated as part of the new Renault 5 Prototype’s front grill.

“The Renault Group teamed up with the design agency, Landor, which created the new logo concept,” said Sithabile Maphumulo, the head of marketing for Renault in South Africa. “They worked on developing this brand-new logo, while retaining the iconic and essential lozenge. It represents an evolved version of the 1972 logo Op Art (optical art), employing lines of differing thickness.

“However, there is no Op Art involved in this new logo, in a certain way it can be seen as two interlocking lozenges.

“Our all-new Corporate Identity has been rolled out in 134 countries within the Renault Group to date,” she adds. “We are proud of this new Look RENAULT, as it builds on our heritage in a strong and contemporary way, and we look forward to the next chapter of the brand.”​

Several new models planned for South Africa in 2021 and 2022
Compact cars
Away from the business changes, Renault South Africa confirmed that the new Kiger compact crossover would arrive in the country in the third quarter of the year. The company says it’s the ideal vehicle for South Africans looking for more space but without having to pay a ludicrous amount of money for. Consider an ideal upgrade from the Kwid, if you’re in one at the moment. The Kiger will replace the Sandero in the local line-up when it arrives.​

Delayed cars
On the more premium side, we’re going to have to wait a little longer than expected for the new Clio and the new Captur. “These cars have been severely delayed due to production constraints as we are also finding it a challenge to find a steady supply of superconductor chips that are used in the latest vehicles,” Oosthuizen said.

Dead cars
When it comes to the new Megane, we might not even see this car in South Africa in the future, as the C-segment hatchback market is all but obliterated thanks to the rise of the compact SUV. People are preferring to jump into compact crossovers and small SUVs rather than buy a C-segment hatch. We fear that this segment will go the way of the D-segment sedan, which is also dwindling.

Performance cars
On the performance front, you can also expect the current generation Clio RS and Megane RS to be the last hot hatches sold in South Africa from the French company. Renault has bundled its RS division into its Alpine operation (you’ll know it from F1 or the classic A110). Oosthuizen said there were no plans to bring any Alpine division vehicles to South Africa. If you’ve been eyeing a Clio RS or a Megane RS and want one new, now’s probably the ideal time to secure it before you can’t get them anymore in South Africa.​

What about that bakkie?
For several years, Renault has been hinting at the idea of launching a one-ton pick-up bakkie to compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. The vehicle has, however, been stuck in development quicksand, with no launch date in sight. Dubbed the Oroch, it allegedly shares its platform with the previous generation Navara.

Where to from here?
Oosthuizen and his team are optimistic that they can ride out the challenging year to come as it transitions from being a brand that reported to France to become a local operation that has to make every cent count.

“As the company evolves and we look to the future, we’re already considering rental options for motorists, and we’re seriously looking at how we can integrate more technology into our vehicles, which is something younger generations really want,” Oosthuizen said.

“When it comes to electric cars, we’re already a leading player in Europe and when the times comes for South Africa, we’ll be able to adapt very quickly with electric offerings. For now, we’re excited for cars like the Triber that’s been updated recently. That car is on back order by 1000 units and we just can’t get enough of them to sell from our business partners in India.”​

Article from https://www.iol.co.za/