Posted by Group1 Renault on 27 Nov 2024
Renault has always been a brand known for its innovative design, smart engineering, and commitment to affordability. As we edge closer to 2025, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air for South African Renault enthusiasts. The automaker is gearing up for a remarkable line-up of new releases, showcasing its relentless drive for improvement and evolution. From compact SUVs to game-changing hybrids, here’s a sneak peek at seven exciting Renault models heading our way.
Kicking off the year with a bang, the third-generation Renault Duster is set to arrive in March 2025. This robust SUV, long celebrated for its practicality and reliability, is undergoing a transformation. The new Duster will feature a 1.2-litre turbo petrol mild-hybrid engine, delivering an impressive 96 kW. While this marks the farewell of the popular 1.5-litre diesel engine, the shift to hybrid technology underscores Renault’s commitment to sustainability and performance. Expect sleek design updates and a cabin packed with smart tech.
Following the Duster, the facelifted Renault Clio is scheduled to land in South Africa during the third quarter of 2025. This stylish hatchback has been a favourite on our roads for years, thanks to its compact design and zippy performance. With a refreshed exterior and enhanced interiors, the new Clio is expected to bring hybrid powertrain options, making it a more eco-friendly choice for city drivers. Whether you’re cruising the bustling streets of Cape Town or tackling the Joburg rush, the Clio promises to make every trip a joy.
The Renault Captur, a compact SUV that perfectly blends elegance and versatility, also gets a facelift. Expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, the updated Captur will feature bold design tweaks, improved interior finishes, and possibly hybrid options. This SUV is ideal for South African families who need space and style without compromising on fuel efficiency. Keep your eyes peeled for its launch – it’s bound to turn heads wherever it goes.
Renault’s popular compact SUV, the Kiger, is set for a significant update in late 2025. While details remain under wraps, early indications suggest a complete overhaul, with improved safety features and enhanced drivetrains. The Kiger has always been a hit for its affordability and modern aesthetics, making it a staple for young professionals and families alike. Its second phase promises to up the ante while maintaining its budget-friendly appeal.
Like the Kiger, the Triber is also receiving its phase two upgrade towards the end of 2025. Known for its spacious seven-seater design, the Triber is a go-to for families who value versatility and comfort. Renault India, the birthplace of the Triber, has hinted at a comprehensive renewal, which could include cutting-edge infotainment systems and refined drivetrains. If you’re planning long road trips with the family, the new Triber will be worth the wait.
One of the most intriguing arrivals in late 2025 is the Renault Arkana. With its coupe-inspired SUV design, the Arkana is a bold statement in a world dominated by traditional crossovers. The sloping roofline gives it a sporty edge, while its rumoured hybrid powertrain will add efficiency to the mix. Perfect for trendsetters who love blending sophistication with performance, the Arkana promises to be a showstopper on South African roads.
For the business-minded, the new Renault Trafic panel van is also on the horizon for late 2025. A workhorse with a touch of French finesse, the Trafic is being updated to offer more practicality, advanced technology, and better fuel efficiency. Whether you’re delivering goods or running a small business, the new Trafic is designed to keep up with your ambitions.
Renault’s upcoming line-up isn’t just about new models – it’s a testament to the brand’s forward-thinking ethos. From hybrid innovations to sleek redesigns, Renault is bringing a wave of excitement to South Africa. Whether you’re in the market for a stylish hatchback, a versatile SUV, or a reliable panel van, there’s something for everyone in this line-up.
With this new wave of vehicles, Renault isn’t just keeping pace with the competition; it’s setting the tone for the future of motoring in South Africa. From eco-conscious hybrids to family-friendly upgrades, these releases signal Renault’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of local drivers.
Excited yet? We know we are! Keep checking back on the Group1 Renault blog for the latest updates, insights, and news about Renault’s journey in South Africa. Whether it’s new launches or industry developments, we’re here to keep you informed and inspired. See you soon, and happy motoring!
The post 7 New Renaults Heading Our Way In 2025! appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Posted by Group1 Renault on 02 Jul 2024
Renault has just pulled the wraps off the updated version of its second-generation Captur, and there’s plenty to get excited about. Set to arrive in South Africa in the first half of 2025, this compact crossover brings a host of stylish updates and technological advancements.
Let’s dive into the details of this refresh of the beloved Renault Captur.
The most striking changes to the Captur is at the front, where Renault has implemented a series of design updates that significantly elevate the vehicle’s appearance.
A new horizontal radiator grille showcases Renault’s updated ‘Nouvel’R’ logo. Slim, elegant headlamps flank this grille, with vertical half-diamond LED daytime running lights, that bear a resemblance to those on the Clio. This new look aligns seamlessly with Renault’s strategy to position the Renault Captur as a more premium offering in the competitive compact crossover market.
The Captur‘s refreshed design extends to its wheels, with newly designed alloy options available across the range. Depending on the chosen trim level – be it Evolution, Techno, or the range-topping Esprit Alpine – the Captur comes with alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic, the Esprit Alpine variant, which replaces the previous RS Line, offers a host of distinctive features. This top-tier trim stands out with its ice-black logos and gloss black window surrounds, creating a sleek, cohesive look. An aerodynamic front splitter adds a touch of performance-inspired design, while front and rear skid plates finished in a slate grey matte complete the rugged yet refined appearance.
The back end of the new Captur features new transparent tail light clusters that create an eye-catching 3D effect, adding depth and visual interest to the rearview.
Customisation remains a key selling point, with six body colours available: pearl white, oyster grey, starry black, gunmetal grey, iron blue, and flame red. An optional two-tone colour scheme allows for contrasting roof and door mirror colours in highland grey, starry black, or perle beige.
The interior of the refreshed Captur has received a substantial technological upgrade, bringing it firmly into the modern era. At the heart of this transformation is the new OpenR Link multimedia system, which features a large 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen in all but the base models. This system runs on the Android Automotive 12 operating system, seamlessly integrating Google services for enhanced functionality.
For smartphone users, the system offers wireless compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring easy connectivity on the move. The driver’s experience is further enhanced by a digital instrument cluster measuring up to 10.25 inches. This customisable display can show a variety of information, including navigation data, providing a truly modern driving interface.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the optional Harman Kardon hi-fi system, which boasts nine speakers, including a subwoofer mounted in the boot for superior sound quality. Practical additions include two front USB-C ports, catering to the latest charging standards.
In line with current sustainability trends, the seats are now upholstered in recycled fabrics, with leather no longer offered as an option. The cabin ambience can be personalised with an ambient lighting system offering 48 different colour choices. Adding a touch of artistry to the driving experience, Renault has introduced two new welcome sound sequences composed by renowned artist Jean-Michel Jarre, creating a unique auditory signature for the vehicle.
At the entry level, there’s a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine on the Captur. This compact powerplant delivers 67kW of power and 160Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a balance of efficiency and urban agility.
Moving up the range, Renault offers a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 48V mild hybridisation. This more potent option produces 104kW and 260Nm, also mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. For those desiring more performance or the convenience of an automatic, there’s a higher-output version of this engine available. It generates 119kW and 270Nm, coupled with a seven-speed EDC automatic transmission.
At the top of the lineup sits the flagship 1.6 E-Tech full hybrid powertrain. This sophisticated system combines two electric motors with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, resulting in a total system output of 108kW and 250Nm. The E-Tech hybrid utilises a cutting-edge automatic dog-clutch gearbox and is capable of electric-only driving for short distances. Perhaps most impressively, it boasts a remarkably low fuel consumption figure of just 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle, making it an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious driver seeking optimal efficiency.
Renault South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted Captur will reach our shores in the first half of 2025. While local pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, we can expect a competitive offering that builds on the current model’s strengths.
The refreshed Renault Captur promises to deliver a more premium experience, advanced technology, and efficient powertrains in a stylish compact crossover package. As we await its arrival, the new Captur looks set to make a significant impact in the highly competitive South African crossover market.
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The post The Renault Captur Will Get A Facelift In 2025 appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Posted by Group1 Renault on 26 Jul 2022
The launch of the 2022 Renault Captur brings about some mixed emotions as it looks mightily impressive but the Captur range has been and is currently discontinued in South Africa. Whether it will be reborn with renewed impetus remains to be seen and one can only hope. For now, let’s marvel at this new, stylish, fully loaded and affordable compact SUV that seems to have attracted a lot of attention on the global stage.
Earlier this year, more than 20 cars were on display at the CarExpert Experience Centre at Sydney’s Warringah Mall, one of which was the new Renault Captur. Known in Australia as the ‘Intens’ model, it features a stylish exterior with Atacama Orange and Diamond Black roof. This particular model stole most of the limelight and had a large number of test drives.
Considering the amount of interest in the new compact SUV, the local Renault dealer sold the display car on the spot. It’s not surprising since many automotive fans will agree that the car not only looks stunning but it also has a full house of features. The new Renault Captur offers class-leading all-round performance, equipment and space in the ‘Light SUV’ sector.
The Renault Captur is the company’s most affordable and smallest vehicle on sale. Now in its second generation, the Renault Captur shares its CMF-B heritage with the Nissan Juke light SUV.
Unlike other carmakers that often try too hard to stand out, the 2022 Renault Captur seems well-proportioned and nicely rounded without any unnecessary frills. It has a young and sporty feel with shapely LED lights, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and big windows with privacy glass at the rear.
Any Renault Captur Intens produced from January 2022 receives a few add-ons, including adaptive cruise control with stop/go, wireless phone charging and a shark antenna instead of a screw-in version. Remember, this is added extras on top of an already generous list of standard equipment.
If the exterior is anything to go by, the inside is where the Renault Captur Intens comes to life and easily outshines its rivals. It has a luxurious, tech-laden cabin with all-leather upholstery, and a generous list of features you might struggle to find in many luxury, more expensive vehicles.
There is a brilliant blend of stitched leather upholstery, polished metal accents and soft-touch materials and that includes the dashboard. As it is a more affordable car, there is still some hard plastic finishes but they don’t look cheap which is always a good sign.
Since space always seems to be an issue with compact vehicles, the Renault Captur offers the most room and versatility in its class. Boot space is 422 litres with the rear seats in place and 536L including under-floor storage and the rear bench slid forward. When you fold down the rear seats, you will get an impressive 1275 litres of space.
The steering wheel is also perfectly round and wrapped in leather, featuring paddle shifters and appropriately sized dials for climate control. However, they also have digital temperature displays, so it’s almost like having the best of both worlds. Here are some of the interior highlights:
The 2022 Renault Captur received a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2019. It scored 96% for adult occupant protection, 83% for child occupant protection, 75% for vulnerable road user protection, and 74% for safety assist.
You will find some of the standard safety equipment below:
All Capture models get a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 113 kW and 270 Nm of torque which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This particular turbo petrol engine will also soon feature in the next-generation Nissan Qashqai destined for overseas markets.
The steering is responsive which allows you to drive with confidence while the soft suspension makes the Renault Captur substantially more laid-back than many of its competitors. There may be a little body lean but any roll is well damped with the payoff being a pleasant and comfortable ride even on rougher roads.
In terms of performance, the Renault Captur is a class leader in combined power and torque output. Going from 0 – 100km/h takes just 8.6 seconds which outshines all its rivals. It’s also quite economical if you don’t keep your foot down with a claimed combined fuel economy of 6.6l/100km.
Anyone looking to buy a new car in this class will be pleasantly surprised by the styling, flexibility and value for money of the new Renault Captur. With a complete overhaul, it now stands out even more in what appears to be an increasingly competitive market.
While the Renault Captur range has been discontinued in South Africa, you could still find some good quality used Renault Captur models if you act fast.
The post New Renault Captur: A Light SUV’ With Só Much Heart appeared first on Renault Blog at Group1.
Posted by Group1 Renault on 28 Jun 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.