Category: News
The Renault Clio Rally3 Is Almost Ready To Rally
Posted by Group1 Renault on 28 Dec 2022
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 Delights Tech Enthusiasts With Groundbreaking Waze Integration
Posted by Group1 Renault on 20 Dec 2022
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.
How Virtual Reality Can Boost Automotive Design
Posted by Group1 Renault on 30 Nov 2022
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.
The post How Virtual Reality Can Boost Automotive Design appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault Amps Up The Move To A Sustainable Electric Future
Posted by Group1 Renault on 22 Nov 2022
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.
The post Renault Amps Up The Move To A Sustainable Electric Future appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault E-Tech Engineered Special Edition Comes To Life
Posted by Group1 Renault on 28 Jun 2022
Renault’s Kiger and Triber are among top cars in SA
With electric and hybrid vehicles growing in popularity across the globe, Renault has introduced the E-Tech-engineered special edition for the Clio, Captur, Arkana, and Megane electrified derivatives. Unsurprisingly, they’ve used design and style cues of the 100% electric Megane E-Tech for the new E-Tech-engineered special editions.
What Is The Renault E-Tech Engineered Special Edition?
E-Tech is the term for the innovative and exclusive technology of Renault which is protected by 150 patents. Renault relied on their immense expertise in electric vehicles and developed the system in collaboration with Renault F1 teams.
The E-Tech Hybrid drive system has a combustion engine, two electric engines, a battery and an automatic gearbox to create a more refined driving experience. As a result, the energy management of Renault’s hybrid cars is more efficient and intelligent which means extended range even in full electric mode.
E-Tech Engineered Special Edition Clio, Captur, Arkana and Megane
Renault’s E-Tech engineered special edition adds a modern feel to the four existing passenger vehicles already available in Europe and other international markets. The E-tech-engineered special edition benefits from all the impressive equipment that made the R.S. Line trim so popular but that’s not all. It also gets a new, high-end look with sporty colours and materials in accordance with current trends.
Starting with the exterior, the E-Tech engineered special edition design features Warm Titanium highlights on parts. This includes the F1® blade on the lower front bumper, the side and rear lower-body trims and rim markings. Another distinctive feature is Renault’s iconic diamond-shaped logo and lettering in shiny black on the vehicle’s front and rear.
Its overall appearance is topped off by a new E-Tech Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid badge on the rear hatch door which is common for all Renault’s electrified vehicles. The final exterior feature on the special edition models is a bold but stylish graphic label on the driver’s door. The E-Tech Engineered Renault Clio, Captur, Arkana and Megane vehicles are available in various body colours.
Interior Design And Features
To complement the sporty exterior of Renault’s E-Tech-engineered special edition models, the interior needed to be special and it certainly is. The same desire that went into creating the beautiful exterior also resulted in a design that screams visual unity and character. This is largely due to the Warm Titanium stitching on the upholstery and gold decorative accents on the dashboard and air vents. The steering wheel features the letter ‘E’ as the E-Tech signature while the doors also feature a visual design reflecting the exterior door label.
Renault Leading The Charge In Electric Vehicles
For more than 10 years, Renault has been a pioneer in electric vehicles and continues to share its expertise with as many people as possible by providing universally available mobility solutions. Renault has two types of engines: E-Tech Hybrid and E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid, both of which were developed to fulfil the demands of a growing market. The E-Tech Engineered Special Edition models are as follows:
- Arkana – E-Tech Hybrid
- Renault Captur – E-Tech Hybrid and E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid
- Renault Clio – E-Tech Hybrid
- Megane – E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid
E-Tech Engineered Special Edition Delivers The Best Of Both Worlds
Designed to give occupants a more efficient and enjoyable driving experience, the Renault E-Tech special edition model combines an electric motor with a petrol engine, delivering the best of both worlds while the interior is luxurious, spacious and comfortable.
Through continued research and development, the E-Tech Engineered special edition models are economical, environmentally friendly and seductive in appearance. Starting in June, the E-Tech Engineered models will be available in France for the Clio, Arkana and Megane but the Renault Captur will only be released at a later stage.
There is no confirmation yet whether any of the E-Tech Engineered Special Edition models will be available in South Africa but we certainly hope so. To read more about new vehicle launches, motoring advice, and hybrid and electric vehicles, simply read our blog and follow us on Facebook.
The post Renault E-Tech Engineered Special Edition Comes To Life appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Top Ten Ranking For The New Renault Kiger And Triber
Posted by Group1 Renault on 20 Jun 2022
Renault’s Kiger and Triber are among top cars in SA
South Africa’s car market is dominated by SUVs. South Africans love the style and flexibility, the practical dimensions, and the ability to fit in at the mall or out on the country roads. We love our hatchbacks as well, but not as much as an SUV. The result is a very crowded market with fantastic newcomers added almost monthly. Yet in this crowded space, two new Renault SUVs are solidly in the top ten seller list.
The Renault Kiger and the Renault Triber are both in the most popular B-segment, SUVs under 4m in length and both are exceedingly well priced. Both are very safe, and offer all the luxury features as standard. Both are new on the market and feature modern good looks and well-appointed interiors. Yet for all their similarities, the Kiger and the Triber are totally different cars that offer specific lifestyle benefits and will appeal to different buyers. So let’s have a look and compare the Renault Kiger and the Renault Triber.
Renault Kiger
The Kiger is a spacious five-seater with three trim levels, naturally aspirated 52kW or turbo 74kw engines and manual or CVT transmission – giving you six options in all. Boot space is a very generous 405L that will extend to 879L with folded rear seats. The most affordable option starts at under R220 000 while the top trim turbo CVT is still just above R314K. It comes with a 5-year/150 000 mechanical warranty and 6-year corrosion warranty.
Model dependent, the Kiger will give you LED DRL, Parking sensors, ABS and EBD, 16” wheels, steering wheel controls, 8” touchscreen, rear view camera, front and side airbags, and much more.
The Renault Triber is a spacious, funky, fun SUV, ideal for a young professional or a young family.
Renault Triber
Although more or less the same dimensions as the Kiger, the Triber is an entirely different car and will be bought for different reasons by people with different needs. Although it has an equally impressive range of features as the Kiger, there is a more utilitarian feel to it, probably because of its incredible flexibility.
The basic Triber is a 5-seater with a massive 625-litre boot. Click in the easy-fit seats and it becomes a seven-seater for the school run or to cater for a larger family. Or fold everything in the back flat to make a two-seater with a massive flat space you can literally camp in or carry really bulky stuff. Or fold down the seats on one side of the back to make a four-seater that can carry something awkward like a surfboard.
The Triber starts at a slightly lower price point than the Kiger and even the top of the four options are well under R250K. It comes with a naturally aspirated 1-litre petrol that gives you 52kW. It comes with a 5-year/150 000 mechanical warranty and a 5-year corrosion warranty.
Spoilt for choice
These are two great cars, and each offers several trim levels and different lifestyle solutions. Best have a look at what is what and book a test drive of the one you like.
The post Top Ten Ranking For The New Renault Kiger And Triber appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault’s Hydrogen Concept Car: A Vision of Sustainability
Posted by Group1 Renault on 26 Apr 2022
Renault to reveal their hydrogen concept car
The 2022 ChangeNOW summit is the biggest event in the world dedicated to sustainable and positive impact solutions. Renault will be part of it with plans to unveil its new hydrogen concept car on May 19th, 2022. The new hydrogen concept car is the latest from Renault following a busy couple of years with the impressive Renault Morphoz, all-electric Renault 5 hatchback and the AIR4 flying drone. With such interesting developments in sustainability and Renault’s concept car of the future making a World Premiere, the ChangeNOW 2022 is certainly an exciting prospect for all automotive fans.
New Hydrogen Concept Car From Renault
Following an earlier teaser image showing a fairly slim headlight line and front grille, a substantially lower front bumper, accentuated by tall daytime running lights, new images have appeared from CEO Luca de Meo.
While the new hydrogen concept car was confirmed at Renault’s 2021 financial year-end, the latest images reveal a little more of the front end with a new Renault badge illuminated on the side window. Judging from the available photos and renderings, the hydrogen concept car will be taller than the new electric Renault Megane and could most feature a full-blown SUV profile.
In February 2022, De Meo said: “We will soon launch a concept car. We wanted to materialise our vision of sustainability, based on the three pillars – safety, inclusion and environment – on one product. This concept will announce a future product. When we do concepts at Renault, we want to turn them into real cars.”
It appears that Renault is putting more effort into building a more efficient hydrogen-powered car. According to the French automaker, the new unique hydrogen concept car will “embody the group’s sustainable development vision and commitments”.
Considering Renault is a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, especially, the automaker is leading the charge in developing more innovative, sustainable vehicles. As part of the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, The Renault brand has launched an ambitious, value-generating evolution towards a more competitive, balanced, and electric range. The goal of the company is to provide cutting-edge technology and innovation in transportation, energy, and mobility services.
What Is The ChangeNOW Event?
The ChangeNOW story started in 2015 on the back of France hosting COP21 and following the signing of the Paris agreement. At the time, many sustainability solutions were emerging as entrepreneurs from around the world were working on ways to address some of the world’s major global issues. Most of these initiatives remained isolated and unknown with little chance of scalability.
Unlike more mature sectors, the impact sector did not have a global gathering of sorts. With that, the idea behind the ChangeNOW summit materialised as the impact ecosystem needed a major global event. The objective was to unite investors, entrepreneurs, corporates, communities and talent across the industry to accelerate sustainable development and ensure visibility at scale.
The 2022 ChangeNOW event will take place between 19 and 21 May at the Grand Palais Ephémère and the Eiffel Tower. Renault will reveal its new sustainability-driven hydrogen concept car at 8:00 am (CET) on the 19th of May.
The post Renault’s Hydrogen Concept Car: A Vision of Sustainability appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Technology Used By Renault To Solve Road Accidents
Posted by Group1 Renault on 11 Apr 2022
Renault Techs are working on a way to help reduce car accidents
Ask anyone why there are so many accidents on our roads and the answer will be Taxis!!!! Sure, minibus taxis often drive badly, but the causes of road accidents and deaths are much more nuanced. In fact, the leading causes are distractions, drunk driving and speeding, and behaviours that are not limited to taxis. This is a worldwide problem…
So let’s look at Renault in India and the hackathon it will carry out to solve hackcidents. In case you don’t know what hackzactly we are talking about, let’s take a step back. A hackathon is like a marathon for technical people and computer fundis to solve a problem using technology. A famous example was when Facebook had such a ‘thon and came up with the ‘Like’ button. In this case, it is to solve accidents involving a specific type of vehicle in a specific area.
In Tamil Nadu, a region in India, over 10% of road deaths are caused by public buses, twice the national average. So the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has signed an agreement with Renault-Nissan Technology and Business Centre to carry out a year-long hackathon to find out why these accidents are so prevalent in that area, and to evaluate technology solutions to reduce the accidents.
Initially, it was assumed that speeding was responsible for this high accident prevalence, but a 2019 project by the Indian government to install speed warnings in all consumer vehicles in the country was deemed to be ineffective, a one-size-fits-all attempt to improve road safety. But if you have such a statistically-significant accident rate variance, there have to be other factors as well.
The first part of this project will be to fit buses in the affected regions with sensors, to collect data on why these fatal accidents occur. The next part of the project will be to use the data to develop low-cost technologies to solve the problem.
Contextualised speed warnings may be a solution to consider for the engineers at Renault-Nissan. This uses publicly-available road infrastructure and geographical information to tell the driver he’s going too fast for the road he is on. On some roads, at certain times it is fine to drive at 60km/h, while on others it is not.
We will see what solutions the Renault boffins come up with in about a year’s time, but in the meantime, you can keep up with all Renault-related news by staying up to date with our blog.
The post Technology Used By Renault To Solve Road Accidents appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault Engine Supercharged Alpine Performance In F1 Race
Posted by Group1 Renault on 09 Apr 2022
Renault F1/ Alpine at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
F1 fans assemble – it’s time to get VERY excited about the latest developments in terms of the French automaker’s F1 engine. Fair enough, we may be a little biased in this regard, but we are not the only ones who think so! Alpine Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon is a big fan of the latest Renault engine upgrade as well…
“I did not have to be shy of anybody,” said Ocon after his latest on-track battle at the glittering Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This follows in the wake of a power unit upgrade that was inspired by a lack of straight-line speed performance last year. And what a big step-up it was!
The race started out with Ocon pitted against teammate Fernando Alonso, and ended with him passing the winner’s line in a respectable sixth place. To get there, he had to do battle with Lando Norris in his McLaren, and Nico Hulkenberg in his zippy Aston. Ocon said that once the DRS was open, he was free to overtake these competitors easily (employing his trademark on-track skills, of course).
Ocon’s teammate Fernando Alonso also had plenty of praise for the upgraded Renault engine following their races in Bahrain and Jeddah. He noted that they were far more able to battle with their competitors on the straights and felt a lot more confident in their ability to perform overall.
Otmar Szafnauer, the Alpine team principal, said the next step to keep Renault on an upward trajectory in terms of overall F1 performance will require a firm focus on aero development. He said that the midfield competition is super tight and that the best way to gain traction in the development race is to focus on fine-tuning performance ability overall.
In short, the Renault F1 team has gained a tremendous confidence boost on the back of the latest improvements that have been made to the engine and powertrain. The more they learn on the track, the better they are able to focus their efforts to give their team the most competitive advantage when the chequered flag flies.
Check back soon for more insider insights about the amazing developments in the Groupe Renault camp. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with our teams in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg to learn more about the Renault models that are currently available in South Africa, and how they can improve your own performance on the road.
The post Renault Engine Supercharged Alpine Performance In F1 Race appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Renault Kiger Gets Four-Star GNCAP Safety Rating
Posted by Group1 Renault on 24 Mar 2022
The Renault Kiger impresses with a 4-star GNCAP safety rating
The subcompact SUV segment in South Africa has seen many additions in recent years but few have had the same impact as the increasingly-popular Renault Kiger. This sub-4-metre compact SUV is European-made and assembled in India. Today, it is the best-selling car in its B-SUV segment thanks to modern styling, advanced driver technologies, an affordable price tag and now, a four-star Global NCAP safety rating.
What Is Global NCAP?
To answer this question, we take you back to 1978 when America became the first country to conceive a programme providing car crashworthiness information to consumers. As such, the US-NCAP model formed the basis for similar programmes including the Global New Car Assessment Programme or Global NCAP for short.
It is a major project of the Towards Zero Foundation which is a charity registered in the UK. It serves as a platform where new car assessment programmes from around the world can collaborate and promote the universal adoption of the United Nation’s most important motor vehicle safety standards. The crash test involves the following:
- A 17-point Adult Occupant Protection score: This takes into account driver injury readings from four body regions, i.e. head and neck; chest; knee, femur and pelvis, leg and foot. Cars with a seatbelt reminder, four-channel ABS and some form of side-impact protection receive additional points.
- The 49- point Child Occupant Protection score takes readings from 18- month-old and 3-year-old-sized dummies placed in manufacturer-recommended child seats. Vehicles with child restraint system markings, three-point seat belts, Isofix, etc also receive additional points.
The growing concerns over safer vehicles among consumers has encouraged carmakers to take note and manufacture safer vehicles. This is evident in the latest Global NCAP crash test ratings for the popular sub-compact SUV, the Renault Kiger.
How Did The Renault Kiger Perform In The Global NCAP Crash Test?
The Renault Kiger has been awarded a four-star safety rating by Global NCAP. It is now only the second Renault vehicle – after the Renault Triber – to receive a four-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test. According to the Global NCAP test, here is a breakdown of the Renault Kiger results:
- Scored 12.34 out of 17 points in adult occupant protection
- Scored 21.05 points out of a maximum 49 in the child occupant protection category
- Good protection to the driver’s and front passenger’s head and neck
- Front passengers’ chest received adequate protection
- The footwell area was rated “stable”
Currently, Global NCAP does not perform side-impact tests but since the Renault Kiger lacks side and curtain airbags, it might limit the protection offered in the event of a side-impact crash. Despite this, the Renault Kiger still received a four-star rating which is a clear indication of how far the automaker has come in making safer vehicles.
“There has been significant progress on vehicle safety design since we began our tests in 2014 but, as we see from our latest results, there is still more to be done to achieve the high safety standards that consumers in India rightly demand,” said Global NCAP Secretary General Alejandro Furas.
What Safety Features Are On The Renault Kiger?
The Renault Kiger is the French carmaker’s latest Indian-made budget crossover which is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance’s CMF-A+ platform giving it more interior space than the competition. In terms of safety, let’s look at the top-spec Renault Kiger as this model comes standard with all the safety features. The Renault Kiger 1.0-litre turbocharged derivative includes:
- ABS (Anti-lock brakes)
- EBD (Electronic brakeforce distribution)
- Reverse-view camera and Parking Sensors
- Front Airbag – Driver & Passenger
- Side Airbags in Certain Models
- Load Limiter & Pretensioner (Driver Only)
It’s important to note that the base model Renault Kiger only features two airbags while the mid-range and top-spec derivatives get side airbags as well. The suspension and high-profile 16-inch tyres deal with most road imperfections pretty comfortably while the good ground clearance of 205 mm makes the Renault Kiger quite stable on gravel roads.
How Much Is The Renault Kiger In South Africa?
The range of Renault Kiger vehicles starts from R204,900 for the non-turbo 1.0 Life. The mid-range Zen is from R219,900 while the Zen Turbo and Intense Turbo go up to R259,900 and R299,900 respectively. To find out how incredible the Renault Kiger is, book a test drive at your nearest Group1 Renault showroom. Our experienced sales team will also provide you with all the information you need.
The post Renault Kiger Gets Four-Star GNCAP Safety Rating appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.