Fresh from renewing its Twingo and Scenic ranges for 2012, Renault has
confirmed details for its revised model line-up, with effect from 1st
February. Focusing on more profitable business channels and models more
in keeping with its Va Va Voom brand positioning, the French marque is
to concentrate on seven core car and van models, plus the arrival of its
latest Z.E. models, Twizy and Fluence Z.E., and soon, pre-launch
activities for the eagerly-awaited Dacia brand with the Duster SUV and
the brand new Sandero supermini.
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The new-look Renault stable for February includes the latest two
instalments from the industry’s largest fully electric vehicle range,
namely the opening of ordering for the Twizy range triplets ahead of
April launch - Urban, Colour and Technic - priced from £6,690 plus
monthly battery hire from £45. Options on arguably the most eye-catching
production car on the road today include half scissor doors for £545 and
‘clear sky roof’ for £195. Blue, green and orange interior and exterior
wraps for even greater distinction are available as a no-cost option on
Colour. |
Joining its diminutive sibling are two
new versions of the trailblazing marque’s Fluence Z.E. saloon. Following
the online launch of its initial ‘Prime Time’ version last summer, the
official launch line-up consists of two comprehensively-equipped models,
Expression+ and Dynamique, priced from £17,495 on-the-road after the
Plug-In Car Grant, plus battery hire from just under £70 per month. The
last of Renault’s bold four-model Z.E. range, ZOE, is primed to cause a
stir this Autumn.
The traditionally-powered cars in the
Renault range continue as follows, with up to three versions per model,
excluding Renaultsport. Clio and Mégane 2012 will have all three
versions, Expression+, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom.
As announced earlier this month, New
Twingo is available in Dynamique trim, priced at £10,350, until the
arrival of its pocket rocket flagship in the Spring. The restyled Scénic
and Grand Scénic 2012 range is also available to order now, in a simple
line-up consisting of five- and seven-seat versions of Dynamique TomTom,
plus the option of a premium Luxe Pack. This luxury bundle includes such
items as 17” Sari alloy wheels, BOSE Sound System, Dual-Zone climate
control and the new Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and
automatic high/low beam) for £1,500.
Just weeks after its Twingo and Scénic
siblings were facelifted for 2012, the Mégane 2012 range of Coupé, Hatch
and Sport Tourer also now receives the same treatment. Its new look
includesa more contemporary front, 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. Just like Scénic 2012, it also benefits from
Renault’s latest three new downsized engines, 1.2 TCe 115, 1.5 dCi 110
Stop & Start and 1.6 dCi 130 Stop & Start, all with impressive fuel
economy and emissions figures, not to the detriment of performance and
responsiveness. The dCi 110 110hp Stop & Start’ emits class-leading
90g/km of CO2 and 80.7 mpg on the combined cycle.
The Mégane 2012 line-up consists of
Expression+, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. The entry-level gains
16” alloy wheels, upgraded radio with USB connectivity and Bluetooth™
and leather steering wheel, plus cruise control. Dynamique TomTom adds
LEDs, plus 17” alloy wheels as a no-cost option, while the halo model GT
Line TomTom features Arkamys 3D Sound audio system, auto parking brake
and rear parking camera with rear parking sensors.
On Coupé-Cabriolet, the main range
remains unchanged, but welcomes a striking ivory coloured new special
edition Floride drop-top with two-tone red and ivory leather upholstery,
harking back to the original model of the same name from the 1960s,
priced at £24,375.
Renault’s all-new Clio IV, the first
new model designed and created under the leadership of Laurens Van Den
Acker, will be revealed later this year. So, in the meantime, the
current range will start with a new Expression+ to sit below the core
seller Dynamique TomTom, and flagship GT Line TomTom. The latest
addition gains air conditioning, Bluetooth® and iPod®/portable music
player connectivity, meaning that every Renault car now features today’s
must-have equipment items as standard. The top-of-the-range GT Line
TomTom also welcomes ESC.
As part of its model review, the
Renault models no longer on sale in the UK are Modus, Kangoo car and
Compact van, Wind Roadster, Laguna and Espace. Gordini models are also
no longer available to order and the core Twingo Renaultsport 133 range
has been slimmed down to one version. Pocket rocket thrillseekers will
still be able to specify the grin-inducing Cup chassis as an option.
To back up its new-look range, Renault
has launched a competitive customer care package on all new retail and
local business orders. Launching officially on 1st February
2012, the new programme, worth in the region of £900, offers all retail
customers a comprehensive four year/100,000 mile warranty, four
years/48,000 miles free routine servicing, four years roadside cover and
four years finance (HP, lease or PCP subject to status). Larger business
customers are eligible for the warranty and roadside cover elements
free-of-charge. The tempting offer will give buyers in these
cash-strapped times plenty of peace-of-mind, with only insurance and
fuel to pay after receiving keys. In addition, the offer is also likely
to return a greater residual value in the medium term, thanks to the
offer being fully transferable free of charge.
