Auto For Speed

Renault has given the Megane family a facelift for 2012, with the revamp touching the exterior, the interior, as well as the tech side of the compact. We’ll start our story under the hood, where the Megane gains three new engines. It all starts with an Energy dCi diesel that delivers 110 hp and a peak torque of 260 NM (192 lb-ft), returning a fuel efficiency of 3.8 liters per 100 km (74.3 UK mpg), while emitting 95 grams of CO2 per km.

Next, we have a 1.6-liter Energy dCi that produces 130 hp and 320 Nm, returning 4.0 liters per 100 km (53.2 UK mpg) and emits 104 g/km. We also receive a new petrol unit: a turbocharged 1.2-liter unit that delivers 115 hp and a peak torque of 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) and returns 5.3 liters per 100 km (53.2 UK mpg), with emissions of 119g/km.

Read the rest of this entry »

Europe’s best-selling compact minivan, the Renault Scenic and its bigger, seven-seat Grand Scenic sibling, have received a minor facelift for the 2012 model year.

Both models sport a new front end with LED daytime running lights and gloss black features, chrome details up front, on the profile and the tailgate strip, redesigned rear lights on the five-seat Scenic and a different lower air intake design and longitudinal roof bars for the Grand Scenic.

Read the rest of this entry »

Renault has announced the new 2011 Wind Roadster Gordini, which is now available to buy for just £12 995.

The car comes with Malta Blue metallic paint with twin white Gordini stripes, plus the usual Gordini badges on the side pillars. The exterior also features white door mirrors, grille trim and cowls, 17” alloy wheels with a polished face and gloss black inserts.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s only three years old, but it’s apparently time for the Renault Koleos compact SUV to receive its first facelift. The changes include an exterior makeover and new interior trim, plus noticeable CO2 and fuel consumption savings in the case of the crossover model’s range of diesel powerplants.

The first thing you’ll notice on the updated model is the brand new fascia, evidently inspired by the newly launched Latitude sedan, which like the Koleos, is the product of Renault Samsung Motors in Busan, South Korea.

Read the rest of this entry »

With the Italians still trying to find their way and the Japanese being limited for now to the Mazda3 MPS, it’s up to the French to question the German leadership in the upper range of the hot hatchback segment. Now, Renault is raising the stakes with the presentation of a hotter version of its RenaultSport Mégane boasting more power under its hood.

The Mégane RS Trophy is a special edition version of the standard model with a limited production run of 500 cars. Renault is quick to note that the Trophy is not a successor to the hardcore R26R, which leaves the door open to a more extreme variant in the near future.

Read the rest of this entry »