Author: Group1 Renault
Car Maintenance On Your Phone With Renault And Fixter
Posted on 25 Jan 2023 under Renault
Imagine Maintaining Your Renault With The Touch Of A Button
You get the Renault Duster, Kiger, Captur and Triber, so a Fixter should come as no surprise. Perhaps it is some kind of utility vehicle?
Actually, Renault just bought Fixter, which is not a car, but an app. It allows you to book a service, repair or even a roadworthy for your car, online, at the click of a button.
Fixter will make the appointment online, prepares a quote, collect the vehicle from your house or work and take it to the dealer or agency. It will sort out the invoicing, aftersales issues, as well as service and repair guarantees. It will then return your vehicle to you.
Digitalisation
The acquisition of Fixter is part of Renault’s drive to speed up its digitalisation programme. After all, you can do almost anything online now, so why not sort out your car in the same way?
Hakan Dogu, Renault Group’s senior vice-president of global aftersales, explained: ‘Developing our activity in the independent aftermarket is a strategic axis within the Renault Group’s aftermarket.
“By acquiring the Fixter start-up, we will be able to combine the expertise and strength of the group and its network with Fixter’s agility and knowledge of all the digital aspects of automotive maintenance. We will thus be able to offer services of the highest quality and accelerate the digitalisation of our activities.”
Fixter’s is currently most active in France, and has a rapidly-developing network in the UK. It is also busy expanding into other European countries.
Renault said Fixter will benefit from the support of the multi-brand network of Motrio garages, which has 2,500 sites in Europe, the know-how and digital services of Renault Group plus the financial expertise of Mobilize Financial Services.
About Fixter
Fixter was founded in 2017 to bring together automotive industry specialists and digital experts. It was the first end-to-end digital service to offer simplified vehicle maintenance and free drivers from the stress and hassle of going to a garage. Although Fixter is still developing its footprint in the UK, it is already considered the industry standard there.
Fixter has a very efficient interface and it makes maintaining your car as simple as ordering an Uber or ordering food delivered to your home. Until this initiative is launched in South Africa – you can book your service online with Group1 Renault.
Keep Up With Renault News
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Here’s Why You’ll LOVE The Renault Kwid As A Pre-Owned Car Option
Posted on 16 Jan 2023 under Renault Kwid
Renault Kwid Named Best Pre-Owned Hatchback 2023
If you have been on the lookout for a really great second-hand hatchback car, we highly recommend that you take a look at the Renault Kwid. Between the SUV Climber, the magnificent Dynamique, and the super affordable Expression and Expression AMT, the impressive Kwid range has been an amazing success worldwide. This includes India, where it recently scooped up a major award.
Renault has been the top-selling European car brand in India for a while now, and this was reiterated when OLX Autos and Autocar India recently named the Kwid the best pre-owned small hatchback car for 2023. According to Sudhir Malhotra (Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Renault India), the KWID has been instrumental in its amazing market-share growth in India, which is not a small feat when you are competing in the most competitive entry-level car segment.
Here are a few reasons why the Renault Kwid stands out for second-hand buyers in India, and around the globe:
Refined Design
Even though the KWID is a smaller vehicle, it shares design language with Renault SUVs. Its strong stance and good looks are normally the first things that draw prospective buyers, and it really leaves a lasting visual impression on the road.
Next-Level Infotainment
Renault Kwid drivers are able to control everything in their car hands-free thanks to a great infotainment system that incorporates voice recognition, video playback, as well as supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all from an 8-inch touchscreen.
Enhanced Driver Comfort
Renault believes in providing consumers with an effortless driving experience, and this is certainly the case with technology like the reverse parking camera (+ guidelines) and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors in the mix.
Low Maintenance Costs
The Kwid has a cost of maintenance lower a 1c/km and comes with a comprehensive manufacturer warranty for 2 years/50,000 km, with an extension option of up to 5 years. This makes for effortless ownership.
Top Safety Features
Industry-leading active and passive safety features are standard across all Kwid variants. This includes:
- Dual front Airbags
- ABS and EBD
- Seat belt reminder
- Overspeed Alert
- Driver side pyro and pre-tensioner
- Load limiter
How’s that for an amazing second-hand car situation? To learn more about the new and used Renault vehicles we currently have on our showroom floors in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch, get in touch with our seasoned Group1 Renault team. We offer great value on expertly vetted pre-owned Renault cars and SUVs, so you can enjoy driving pleasure at a budget-friendly price.
The post Here’s Why You’ll LOVE The Renault Kwid As A Pre-Owned Car Option appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Why You Need The New Renault Trafic Panel Van
Posted on 12 Jan 2023 under Renault Trafic
New Renault Trafic Panel Van: What You Need To Know
The new Renault Trafic panel van has launched in South Africa, much to the delight of business owners across the country. It’s a welcome addition to the Renault commercial vehicle line-up as they’ve sold more than 2.2 million units worldwide since its inception in 1980. The latest offering includes various updates and improvements over previous models and you can even turn the cabin of the Renault Trafic into a mobile office as there is enough space for a laptop and an A4-size swivel stand.
What’s New On The Renault Trafic Panel Van?
This powerful workhorse has been redesigned with a bold look featuring an assertive front bumper, a large radiator grille and two bright LED headlights. The refined style coupled with up-to-date interior technology is among the many aspects that make this versatile and practical vehicle stand out among the rest.
Other standouts on the fourth generation Renault Trafic panel van also include the two sleek non-metallic colour options, Ice Cool White or Cumulus Blue, a new streamlined radio antenna and 16-inch steel wheels graced with stylish hubcaps.
Step inside the all-new Renault Trafic and you’ll discover a dashboard embedded with features such as Connect R&Go radio, complete with Bluetooth, USB and aux port connectivity! And to make your daily commute that much more enjoyable, this impressive panel van also has power-adjustable mirrors along with comfortable black fabric upholstery and wider armrests on the new door panels.
You can transform your Renault Trafic into a mobile office by simply folding down the backrest on the middle seat. This creates enough space for a laptop and even an A4-size swivel stand to keep all your documents in place. Look a little further and you will find several storage bins, including a cleverly placed compartment beneath the passenger bench seat.
Other standard features on the new Renault Trafic panel van include the following:
- air-conditioning
- cruise control
- rear park sensors for better manoeuvring in busy urban centres
- dual front airbags
- tyre pressure monitor
How Much Space Does The Renault Trafic Panel Van Offer?
The Trafic panel van impresses even further with an expansive loading bay of 4.15m, making it the largest in its class. To top that off, you get 8,900 litres of cargo space and a maximum load capacity of 1,279kg with a 750 kg towing capacity – all designed to make your life a lot easier.
There is a total of 84.8 litres of space in the passenger cabin for storing all those random bits that end up on the floor or the cubbyhole. This includes a new drawer that can accommodate up to 88 litres, 54 litres of which is located under the passenger bench seat, as mentioned earlier. They’ve even made sure that tool retrieval is a breeze as the Renault Trafic’s load area is accessible through a left-side sliding door and two rear swivel doors that can open 90º or 180º.
Renault Trafic Performance, Pricing And Warranty
The Trafic is equipped with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (referred to as the “dCi 170”) that powers its front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox. With peak power output of 125 kW and 380 Nm torque, it has an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 7.2 litres per 100 km from its 80-litre tank which translates to more than 1 000 km range.
Now available at most Renault dealers, the Renault Trafic price is R599,999. This includes a 5-year/90,000km service plan and a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty as standard. The all-new Renault Trafic panel van is an ideal partner for those who need a modern, reliable, spacious and versatile commercial vehicle that is ready for anything.
From its impressive engine performance and fuel economy to the tremendous amount of space, the Renault Trafic should be on your list in 2023 and beyond!
The post Why You Need The New Renault Trafic Panel Van appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
The Renault Clio Rally3 Is Almost Ready To Rally
Posted on 28 Dec 2022 under Blog, News, Renault, Renault Clio
If you’re a true petrolhead and a fan of rally racing, then buckle up and read on as Renault has unveiled the Clio Rally3, their latest and most advanced rally car yet!
Developing The Renault Clio Rally3
After extensive research and dedication, Renault has completed the final stage of development on the Clio Rally3 which represents the latest in motorsport engineering. Its robust, yet agile build quality is specially designed to tackle some of the toughest terrains and could rival the best of the best.
Unbeknownst to many, the Clio Rally3 is, in fact, the automaker’s first-ever four-wheel-drive rally car. The new Renault Clio Rally3 will be a welcomed addition to the world of rallying, bringing with it a combination of performance and agility that will make it a formidable competitor on any rally stage. Its powertrain is designed for maximum acceleration, while its lightweight chassis ensures superior handling capabilities.
Yann Paranthoën, the chief engineer of Renault Customer Racing, revealed that the design of the Clio Rally3 began in September 2021 but it wasn’t smooth sailing. They experienced some challenges in sourcing certain materials, such as aluminium and steel. Once they resolved the supply chain issues, testing began to measure reliability on rough surfaces which allowed Renault engineers to accurately assess the vehicle’s durability.
Testing The Renault Clio Rally3
Testing was conducted over 4500km on asphalt and gravel surfaces in France and Spain, with driving duties split between several drivers including this year’s Italian Rally champion Andrea Crugnola and Jean-Baptiste Franceschi. The official unveiling of the car will take place on January 15 at the Pas de la Casa Circuit in Andorra, and it will become available for competition shortly thereafter.
Paranthoën noted that the stress on the Clio Rally3 during its first test revealed several problems and cracks, but these were minor. They also worked on the dampers and different setups to improve the reliability and performance of the car despite already being in good shape before testing began.
The car was further improved with a sump guard and better gravel protection to accommodate for the differences between four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive. Subsequent to the modifications, the upgraded version showed a marked improvement compared to the initial test vehicle earlier this year.
One of the main focal points in developing the Clio Rally3 was the rear wing, which was the brainchild of the Alpine Formula 1 team in Enstone. Since they had the new rear wing during the last three test sessions, the engine changed a few times in-between tests which required additional mapping.
“We tested at least 250 different maps between the first test and the last test so there’s a big difference in terms of mapping and therefore in terms of engine performance,” said Paranthoën.
Two Tough Contenders In Rally3
While M-Sport Poland’s Ford Fiesta has a proven track record in rallying and is the likely benchmark for any development, Paranthoën confirmed that Renault did not simply use the Fiesta as the base for creating the Clio and that they did their own development work.
It is difficult to compare the Clio and the Fiesta during the development process because there isn’t enough time to do a thorough comparison. It’s near-impossible to do several runs with both vehicles while focusing on developing the Clio Rally3.
Although details are limited, they did reveal that the Clio Rally3 has four cylinders as opposed to three which results in a glorious rumble from underneath the bonnet. There are also some tweaks to the chassis and bodywork which could make a difference in performance as well.
In closing, Paranthoën said: “I think, for me, for example on a Tarmac rally like Roma in ERC or something like this I think the Clio will be stronger. But on the rallies on gravel like Poland or Latvia, I think the fight will be nice to see because the Fiesta is really fast already on this kind of road and the Renault has to prove what she’s able to do.”
Final Thoughts
Rallying is one of the most exhilarating motorsport events in the world and with its combination of high speeds and technical driving, it’s no wonder millions of fans tune into races every year.
From the available information, 31 drivers tested the Clio Rally3 with 16 of those expressing an intention to buy the car while a further 14 were very interested. If all goes to plan, the Clio Rally3 will be homologated by the FIA in April 2023.
Yann Paranthoën expressed his confidence that the Clio Rally3 will be a best seller due to its good performance, reliability, and low running costs. The car has already been ordered by French teams Chazel and Fun Meca Sport, and Renault hopes to manufacture more than 30 cars in the coming year.
The Clio Rally3 won’t be eligible for Junior WRC but can compete in the WRC3 class, as well as Rally4 and Rally5 versions of the Clio already on offer.
The post The Renault Clio Rally3 Is Almost Ready To Rally appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault NFT collection to celebrate Renault 5 revival
Production lasted until 1996 over two generations, including the monstrous Turbo.
The Renault 5 was revived as an EV in 2021. It perfectly channelled the spirit and style of the original – but as a thoroughly modern car. With the new 5, Renault has revived a much-loved car without falling into the lame retro trap so common to revived models.
To celebrate the original Renault 5 and its revival, Renault has launched the genesis 5 NFT collection, consisting of 1972 generative 3D NFTs split into distinct rarity levels. The cars featured here are the R5 Electric, the Turbo, the La Car Van and the R5 TL.
The most exclusive in the collection is the “R5 Electric”, with only a hundred in circulation. These NFTs give their holders a chance to win raffles for car tests and trial experiences, as well as opportunities to interact with Renault designers, explore prototypes, and get a behind-the-scenes look at car production.
There are 160 “R5 Turbo ” NFTs, which entitle owners to free mints for Renault’s next drops, 450 R5 La Car Van tokens and 1,262 R5 TL tokens. Holders of the latter can enter lotteries for a VIP tour to Renault’s Atelier in Flint, plus a free exclusive party at the Retromobile Show.
Many readers will by now wonder what this actually is.
These NFTs are a major foray by Renault into the world that links the physical cars and the digital world. The digital world is rapidly becoming a major part of our lives, whether in work, personal life or leisure. How many times a day do you check your smartphone? Exactly. And this is interaction is increasing.
There are several digital concepts to unpack here.
Let’s start with the broad digital environment – the transition into Web 3.0. Web 1 was looking at pages, Web 2 was interacting like with Facebook and Twitter, and now Web 3, while still developing, is far more dynamic and decentralised, not limited to apps like Facebook. Renault has seriously embraced Web 3.0 in 2021, both in how their cars interact with the rest of the world and how the company engages you, their customers.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) is a way to own art in the digital age. There are billions of copies and digital images of the Mona Lisa, but only the owner of the real painting can sell it. So with digital. NFTs, because it is so new and misunderstood, were subjected to lots of chancers trying to sell any pics as NFTs, but once you cut through the clutter, properly created NFTs have real value and can be bought or sold and increase in value.
Renault created generative 3D NFTs, which means the same image can be ‘painted’ in many different ways and viewed and rotated in 3D.
Blockchain guarantees the integrity of your NFT. This is a technology that indelibly tracks the movement of both physical and digital objects. Blockchain only moves in one direction, so you cannot erase a movement or transaction once it has been recorded. It is used in logistics, manufacturing, and of course NFTs.
This is the tale of Renault’s foray into the digital future. You can keep up with this dynamic brand by following us on social media.
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Renault+Waze integration
Good news, prospective Renault buyers! As one of the most innovative auto brands in the world, the team behind Groupe Renault has just become the first to incorporate Waze with its in-car multimedia systems. The first wave of Waze will initially be rolled out in European countries for Nouvel Austral and Mégane E-Tech electric customers whose vehicles are equipped with the OpenR screen and the OpenR Link interface, with integrated Google.
So, what’s the big deal? If you’ve never used it before, here’s the gist with regards to Waze. Powered and used by drivers all over the world, it’s a much-lauded real-time road assistant and community-driven navigation map app that uses real-time data from its users to provide the best route to the user’s destination.
In short, this social navigation tool for private cars allows drivers to skip routes with accidents, traffic jams, speed traps, construction and other hindrances that could slow them down. Drivers can also store a list of friends on the app so that they can keep track of each other on a trip, or spot a friend in the vicinity.
Now that Renault has integrated the application directly with the multimedia systems of select vehicles, drivers will enjoy the convenience and safety of having access to real-time traffic information, favourite routes and saved destinations on the eye-level screen without using their smartphone. Best of all – music and other vehicle features will remain accessible even when Waze is in use.
According to Jérôme Seror, Director of Digital Customer Experience at Renault, the decision to incorporate Waze is in line with their overarching strategy of offering customers an intuitive, immersive and connected driving experience. Aron Di Castro, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Waze, agreed that the partnership between the two companies was a seamless one.
In short, motorists who purchase the Nouvel Austral and Mégane E-Tech electric will now be able to enjoy the benefits of full integration with the popular live mapping app via a 12-inch vertical-screen infotainment system without relying on ongoing smartphone mirroring.
See, that’s how we like to do things – give motorists what they want, and pave the way for more satisfying driving experiences across the board. To learn more about the current Renault models we have on our showroom floors in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch, get in touch with Group1 Renault. Let’s get you behind the wheel of the vehicle made for living.
The post Renault Delights Tech Enthusiasts With Groundbreaking Waze Integration appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault Tapping The Heat Of The Earth To Save On Carbon
Posted on 05 Dec 2022 under Electric Vehicles
Geothermal Power To Build Renault EVs And EV Batteries
Renault has teamed up with French renewable energy company Engie to create a geothermal plant at its Douai factory in France. The current contract is for 15 years and will provide both heat and electricity to the plant. Drilling at the site is expected to start by late 2023.
Geothermal energy comes from the heat inside the earth. The ability to extract this kind of energy cost effectively depends on several factors such as geological formations and rock composition. Hot springs are the simplest forms of such energy and have been used for thousands of years to heat homes and water pools.
In the case of the Douai plant, extracting this resource is more difficult. They have to drill down to a depth of 4000 metres and extract geothermal fluids – hot water.
This hot water is expected to be between 130 and 140 degrees Celsius and will be used for industrial heating in the winter and to generate electricity in the summer.
This plant will create around 40MW of capacity, and although it does not sound like much, it is significant because it will run clean energy at minimal cost day in, and day out. And it is but one of Renault’s initiatives toward reaching carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050.
Geothermal Lithium Batteries
Another such project is Renault’s agreement with Australian-German geothermal lithium developer Vulcan Energy Resources. This agreement is for an initial period of five years, with commercial delivery set for 2026.
It forms part of Renault’s ambition to sell cars in Europe that were made in Europe and follows the launch of the Renault ElectriCity, the most competitive and efficient factory for producing electric vehicles in Europe.
In terms of the agreement, Renault will purchase between 6000 and 17000 metric tonnes of battery-grade lithium chemicals from Vulcan per year. The advantage of these chemicals is that they will be produced using carbon-free geothermal power, using renewables to make renewables.
Renault Group continues to accelerate its EV strategy to reach the greenest mix in the European market in 2025, with over 65% of electric and electrified vehicles in the sales mix, and up to 90% battery electric vehicles mix in 2030. Thanks to the deal with Vulcan, which will combine geothermal energy and lithium resource to reduce lithium’s high carbon and water footprint on production, Renault Group will save between 300 to 700 kg of CO2 for a 50-kWh battery.
The post Renault Tapping The Heat Of The Earth To Save On Carbon appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
How Virtual Reality Can Boost Automotive Design
Posted on 30 Nov 2022 under News
Virtual Reality Applications For The Renault Group
The Renault Group are no strangers to the concept of virtual reality, having already implemented VR technology in their design and review process in the past. Now, 4K collaborative powerwall solutions supplied by ST Engineering Antycip will further bolster their efforts, allowing designers to create complex 3D models quickly and accurately. The virtual reality technology is being rolled out across the world, with Renault’s design teams in India, South Korea and Brazil the first to benefit.
Virtual Reality For Collaborative Automotive Design At Renault
Renault’s powerwalls will allow engineers and designers to visualise the size, shape, texture and colour of their 3D models in a virtual environment. This aids the team’s decision-making process by allowing them to review elements of their designs from different angles, before making any changes or adjustments.
As one would imagine, this virtual reality application will most likely feature annotation tools so designers can leave comments to help make changes to the design in real-time. This enables team members to collaborate within a virtual space, bridging the gap between remote working and creative collaboration.
By investing in virtual reality solutions, the Renault Group are demonstrating their commitment to innovation and creativity within the automotive industry. With 4K collaborative powerwalls at their fingertips, designers have everything they need to create stunning design concepts and unlock new possibilities – all while working collaboratively with colleagues from around the world.
This ensures that Renault’s design teams remain at the cutting edge of the industry. By embracing virtual reality, Renault is paving the way for future automotive innovation and creativity.
Virtual Reality Applications From ST Engineering Antycip
Renault’s virtual reality suite runs on the automaker’s own 4K software and content which will be used by local Renault teams for product design review. It was also specially designed to encourage collaboration between local teams and Renault Group headquarters in Paris.
The installations in Busan (South Korea), Chennai (India) and São José dos Pinhais (Brazil) will feature three identical systems which include the following, entirely sourced, designed and implemented by ST Engineering Antycip:
- A powerwall
- One high-end 5m × 2.5m screen
- One plinth-mounted Christie 4K10-HS laser projector
- A PC cluster, monitor, desk and cabling
- A 5.1 audio system and wireless presentation hardware (Barco ClickShare)
Coupled with the latest VR solutions, the Renault Group are now well-positioned to deliver innovative designs faster than ever before. The combination of powerful hardware and intuitive software ensures that designers can explore and review their creations in an immersive virtual environment, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly and accurately.
Keeping It Local
ST Engineering Antycip primarily sourced the AV equipment locally to minimise logistical difficulties and stay on budget. The company also trained employees on how to use the new system through its local partners in each respective country.
Johan Besnainou, ST Engineering Antycip’s regional director for France and Spain said: “We used local suppliers to avoid delays – we didn’t want the products to get stuck at customs. We also found people to facilitate the installations locally, while offering our international expertise.”
The success of the project is a testament to ST Engineering Antycip’s global reach and technological expertise. Besnainou concluded by saying that they are “proud to have delivered this project alongside Renault France in three countries, working in partnership with local Renault teams to create prestigious spaces for automotive design using 4K resolution with VR capabilities.”
Final Thoughts
The adoption of Virtual Reality technologies by the automotive industry is becoming more prevalent due to their ability to streamline the design process while increasing collaboration between engineering teams.
By investing in virtual reality technologies such as 4K powerwalls, the Renault Group have set a new benchmark for automotive design, proving that creativity and collaboration can coexist with modern technology.
With 4K collaborative powerwalls, the Renault Group is now well-positioned to take full advantage of virtual reality technology and drive the design process forward with both speed and accuracy. For more interesting updates on local and global motoring news, simply follow our blog or find us on Facebook.
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Renault Amps Up The Move To A Sustainable Electric Future
Posted on 22 Nov 2022 under Electric Vehicles, News, Renault
Renault Group + Qualcomm planning for a sustainable electric future
Earlier this month, Groupe Renault sat down with investors to roll out the plans for its new sustainable business revamp, which includes a newly launched electric-vehicle, as well as a platform for the development of thermal and hybrid assets.
The e-vehicle market has been booming for the last few years as motorists become increasingly aware of the impact of their daily emissions. As the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (more commonly referred to as COP27) wraps up in Egypt, consumers are over the globe are learning that less-polluting products are the only way forward. Renault agrees.
In a game-changing move, the European Union laid the groundwork in October of this year to phase out the sale of new carbon-emitting vehicles completely by 2035. This has inspired renewed fervour in automakers who are now competing to bring the most efficient electric prototypes to market.
So, what will this green transformation look like? Here is what we know so far:
- Ampere will stand as the flagship division of Renault’s green reorganisation. This division is poised to employ 10 000 staff members in the north of France to produce e-vehicles. There are talks of opening up the scope for outside investment, but Renault would remain the majority shareholder at all times.
- Horse will be the research and development subsidiary that develops hybrid and internal-combustion vehicles, employing up to 19 000 staff members throughout Europe, America and China. Well-known eastern automaker Geely is currently in the running for a stake in this subsidiary.
According to Renault CEO Luca de Meo, the decision to reorganise in this way follows their overarching goal to remain agile and innovative in the face of vastly accelerated technological evolution.
The initial response to the news of Renault’s restructuring has been very positive, with group shares gaining 3.7% on the Parisian stock market. Although there have been some concerns regarding job losses that are likely to occur due to the separation of electric and conventional production, the overall sentiment is that Renault is making the sensible move right now. In fact, e-vehicles and hybrids made up 38% of its European sales this year – a whopping 12% increase from 2021.
We are keeping a close eye on these exciting proceedings and will share more news from Groupe Renault as it becomes available. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a Group1 Renault representative to learn more about the vehicles we currently have on our showroom floors in Johannesburg and Stellenbosch.
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Review: SA-Bound Renault Arkana Hybrid
Posted on 10 Nov 2022 under Renault Arkana
Renault Arkana Hybrid Coming To South Africa!
Electrification in the automotive sector is gaining even more traction as global emissions continue to increase. Now, Renault has joined the fray with the Renault Arkana hybrid edition which will likely enter the South African market in 2024.
Driving Electrification With The Renault Arkana Hybrid
Renault SA’s first hybrid-electric vehicle will be the Arkana, a new family-focused coupe-SUV with a stylishly sloped roof and loads of tech for an impressive all-rounder. The company is hoping to launch the Renault Arkana in South Africa sporting a 1.3-litre petrol or E-Tech Hybrid 1.6-litre engine that charges the batteries on the go.
Zian Van Heerden, sales and operations vice-president of Renault SA said the car is likely to arrive in South Africa early in 2024. The SA-bound Arkana was part of several new models and concept vehicles showcased at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Fit for five, this coupe-SUV has a similar façade to the current Renault Clio but is somewhat larger to incorporate the batteries and in line with modern car trends.
Renault Arkana Hybrid Styling
No matter where you go in the new Renault Arkana Hybrid, it will attract attention whether you’re a petrolhead or not. While the Arkana is based on the CMF-B modular platform used by the Renault Clio and Renault Captur, it is slightly larger. Based on the showcased model, the SUV coupe has 200mm of ground clearance, five spacious seats and a large boot ideal for shopping sprees, weekend getaways and daily school runs.
The Renault Arkana Hybrid Coupe features a sporty sloped roofline and sleek lines which are synonymous with the more luxurious German brands. The cabin has ample room with wide and comfortable seats, even for the passengers in the rear. As per the demo model at the Paris Motor Show, the functions and luxuries are up to scratch with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for easy navigation and entertainment galore.
The dash and interior décor are similar to the current Renault vehicles in SA which includes a similar colourful screen display as the larger one in the all-new, fully-electric Renault Megane which is not yet confirmed for South Africa.
Driving The Renault Arkana Hybrid
In a recent test drive cruising out of city streets, the car automatically switched to full electric mode, driving in silence until the speed exceeded 60km/h. At that point, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine kicked in and recharged the batteries while eating up the road in comfort and style.
Pushing 140kW and 148Nm of torque, the Arkana powers from 0-100km/h in 10.8 seconds which is pretty good for an SUV-type car of this size. An added benefit of the Arkana is the regenerative brakes that help to charge the 1.2kWh battery which contributes toward an impressive average fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100km.
The drive feels luxurious and super comfortable which is further bolstered by the adjustable seat to match the high steering wheel position. In terms of layout, everything seems to be in the right place and within easy reach. Although the rear view is slightly obscured by the sloping roofline, it more than makes up for it with the trio of mirrors to clearly see what is happening behind you.
The Renault Arkana is easy to drive thanks to responsive steering which also aids in high-speed cornering. The front-wheel drive results in loads of front-end grip for a more enjoyable drive on even and uneven surfaces.
Renault At The 2022 Paris Motor Show
Along with the hybrid Renault Arkana, new ideas from the French automaker included the new 4Ever Trophy concept; a modern and more rugged version of the 1984 Renault 4 station wagon and a hatchback combo. Next on the list was the Renault 5 Turbo 3E which is an electric concept that pays tribute to the Renault 5 Turbo rally legend.
Renault showed its hand at the Paris Motor Show with the largest stand which included the new Austral SUV and the Espace concept, a stunning hydrogen-powered hatchback. Speaking of hybrid cars, Renault’s sister brand Alpine also showcased the hydrogen-powered Alpenglow concept.
Dacia also had something to show and that was the Manifesto all-terrain buggy concept and the Spring which is an all-electric spin-off of the Renault Kwid. These could play a pivotal role in Renault’s electrification ambitions in South Africa.
For more interesting motoring news from around the world and to stay updated on the Renault Arkana hybrid, follow our blog and find us on Facebook.
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