Mégane Renaultsport R26.R punches above its weight in Evo Magazine’s Car of The Year 2008
22nd November 2008 9:10 am Renault
Renault’s new £24,000 Mégane Renaultsport R26.R has beaten the £110,000 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, £90,000 Maserati GranTurismo S and £85,000 Aston Martin V8 Vantage in EVO magazine’s Car of The Year test.
EVO’s Car of the Year 2008 was conducted in two distinct groups, with the winner from the first group taking part in the final supercar group test. The Mégane Renaultsport R26.R first managed to beat 10 new performance cars before punching well above its (reduced) weight, mixing it with six of the world’s latest supercars in EVO’s ultimate test for 2008’s newcomers.
The first group, ‘The Real World’, featured 10 of the finest affordable performance cars that have been introduced this year including the BMW M3, Caterham R500 Superlight and Mini John Cooper Works. Having put all 10 cars through their paces in Wales, EVO’s team chose the Mégane Renaultsport R26.R as their top ‘Real World’ car.
Moving to France, EVO took the latest Mégane Renaultsport to face six of the world’s most expensive and powerful supercars in the second group test. These cars were the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin Vantage 4.7, Maserati GranTurismo S, Nissan GT-R and Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
Proving that breathtaking performance and dynamics are within the reach of the ordinary man, the Mégane finished in fourth place in the supercar group, ahead of the Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Aston Martin.
“The steering, brakes, power delivery, ride and handling will put a smile on anyone’s face”, said John Barker, Evo’s Motoring Editor. “The R26.R flows like the very best cars, regardless of cost.”
“The unquestionable hero of eCoty 2008 is the Mégane R26.R.” commented Contributing Editor David Vivian. “Had the contest been judged purely on a cross-country pace-to-price ratio, Renaultsport’s ultimate, lightweight expression of its hot Mégane would have been a runaway winner.”
Just 450 lightweight Mégane Renaultsport R26.R will be built with 230 of them in right hand drive coming to satisfy the demand from UK enthusiasts. Production started this month and will be end in March.
The latest issue of EVO magazine is on sale from today.
Countdown to Christmas with Renault
21st November 2008 10:00 am Renault
Twas 47 shopping days before Christmas, when all through the houses, excitement was stirring, via a computer mouse clicking on renault.co.uk to view the brochures containing all the best Christmas gift ideas from Renault!
The new Autumn/ Winter Renault merchandise catalogue is in dealerships now and is full of ideal Christmas presents for petrol head fanatics, F1 nuts and kids (big or small!).
Christmas Countdown!
What better way to countdown to Christmas than with a Renault advent calendar (£12)! This is the healthy option with usual daily chocolates being replaced with cars and road signs, as well as providing something a little bit different. Eight Twingo models with friction action, each in different colours, are included in the calendar.
Four-wheel fun!
All systems are (Twin)go, with a fantastic selection of toy pedal cars available in the spirit of Renault’s small car range. For little girls who love fairytales, there’s the Twingo Princess pedal car (£93, ages three to six years), which is bright pink and comes complete with a ‘bling-tastic’ tiara, earrings and ring befitting a true princess!
The red Twingo pedal car (£80, ages three to six years) really lets creativity flow coming with a range of stickers allowing maximum personalisation to really make the car their own (just like the real on-road car!).
Younger children can also get on the ‘road’ with two junior pedal cars, available in pink or blue, for ages two or over and priced at £42. For very young children who may be just beginning to get mobile on two legs, there is the new Twingo push along car (£28) with handle, stabilizer system, horn, small toy box and self-adhesive stickers.
Racing Christmas!
Budding Fernando Alonso’s can get their racing career off to a great start with an F1 R28 pedal car (£208), with shockproof polystyrene and metal swiveling pedals.
In addition, the new limited edition ‘F1 Panther’ in Team colours and ‘Monster truck, dune buggy’ style wheels and design, is a small car with amazing performance capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph! It has a proportional digital radio-controlled system and, thanks to Interchangeable frequencies, you can race against five other drivers. Complete with front/ rear suspension, differential gears for optimal handling and remote control, the F1 Panther comes with a large capacity 7.2v battery and charger (with battery) included. Suitable for ages eight years and over (meaning ‘bigger’ kids can also play) and at just £75, it is expected to sell-out fast!
Eco² gifts – kind to your pocket and the environment!
Renault is one of Europe’s three most CO² efficient manufacturers and has the production of zero emission vehicles high on its future strategy agenda, so no catalogue would be complete without a range of eco² gifts!
New for 2008 is the eco² calculator (£8.00), which works without batteries and transforms physical energy into electricity – you shake the calculator for 20 seconds and it provides five minutes worth of use.
For the conscientious office worker in the family, there’s the eco² ‘staple-less’ stapler (£4.00) which uses a folding system to attach sheets of paper together making it ideal for recycling paper later.
ING Renault F1 Team goodies
As well as a range of F1 pedal/remote control cars, clothing, replica helmet and model cars, there are also a number of goodies that will make perfect stocking fillers.
The 23cm Lion Cub driver teddy bear comes dressed in his own ING Renault F1 Team t-shirt and cap and is priced at just £6.00.
Timing is critical in Formula 1 strategy and now your child can keep track of things with their very own ING Renault F1 Team watch which is water resistant up to 50 metres and is £18.
The new for 2008 F1 Pit-Stop 1/32 scale comes with two F1 figures and accessories. With a microphone and speaker, sounds and lights, hours of fun are guaranteed! Why not combine this with a Scalextric circuit (£150) with 6.76 metres of track, lap counter and two replica 1/32 F1 models (ages 10 years and over)!
Also new for 2008 is a something to keep your mind occupied – an ING Renault F1 Team Rubik’s cube (£11) complete with images of the car.
Renault announces New Mégane Coupé Pricing
8th November 2008 4:00 pm Renault
New Mégane Coupé launches with 10 versions across three trim levels: Expression, Dynamique and Privilége, priced from £14,745 to £19,195
High standard equipment levels include: 16″ alloy wheels, air conditioning, ESP with ASR (Anti-Skid Regulation) and CSV understeer control, siz airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirros and front electric windows
Renault’s first CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission debuts on New Mégane
Raft of new equipment available: Arkamys 3D sound system, dual zone climate control and leather upholstery
Six engines at launch: three petrol - 1.6 VVT 110, 2.0 140 CVT and 2.0 TCe 180, three diesel -1.5 dCi 86, 1.5 dCi 106 and 1.9 dCi 130. More developments to follow in 2009
New Mégane Coupé available to order from early November, launching late January 2009
Following much acclaim for its sporty and aggressive styling at the Paris Motor Show last month, Renault has now confirmed UK pricing for its chic New Mégane Coupé range. Ordering opens early next month, with prices starting from £14,745, ready for the rakish three-door to go head-to-head with rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and VW Scirocco.
At launch, three trim levels will be available: Expression, Dynamique and Privilège, priced £14,745 to £19,195. Continuing the impressive list of standard equipment on the five-door Hatch, the new Coupé has been designed to offer all of the comfort and practicality features to make everyday usage as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
In addition to the car’s five proper seats, sports chassis with firmer suspension and a 12mm lower ride height compared with the Hatch, the Coupé’s generous core features include air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors, front electric windows and emergency spare wheel.
The entry-level Expression offers: 16” ‘Sport’ alloy wheels, 4×15W RDS radio CD, Brake Assist, front fog lights, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Keyless car with Renault card and trip computer.
The mid-range Dynamique, which is also likely to account for the bulk of Coupé sale, benefits from: 17″ alloy wheels (2.0 TCe 180 only), 4×15W RDS radio CD with Blue tooth and MP3 connection, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Hands free Renault card, heigth adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel, speed limiter and extra tinted windows.
As the sportier model in the New Mégane range, the Coupé does without the 1.6 100 engine seen on the five-door, but gains Renault’s first CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with the 2.0 140 petrol engine.
Proving that stylish and sport-oriented cars can still be respectful of the environment, all five diesel versions of the Coupé fulfil Renault’s eco² criteria. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the 1.5 dCi 86 which is five-speed, and naturally the CVT.
Rounding off the Coupé range is Privilège, offering: 16” ‘Spirale‘ alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, electrically operated folding door mirrors, electrochome rear view mirror, rear armrest with storage and rear parking sensors.
As well as its plentiful equipment list, the New Mégane Coupé range is available with a wide range of options:
£840 Arkamys ‘3D’ Sound 4×30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and multi-functional TunePoint (for USB keys and portable music players)
£400 Dual zone climate control (Dynamique in lieu of air conditioning)
£200 Heated front seats
£300 Heated and electric front seats
£600 Fixed sunroof
£900 Leather upholstery (beige or carbon depending on version)
£375 Metallic paint
£300 Rear parking sensors
£1,600 Satellite navigation – full colour 2D screen with 3D sound 4×30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth
Four cost-effective option packs are also available:
£500 Hands Free (Hands free Renault card and electrically operated folding heated door mirrors)
£650 Xenon (Xenon headlights with wash)
£800 Sunroof Plus (4×15W radio CD with Arkamys 3D sound, fixed sunroof and Hands free Renault card)
£900 Convenience (fixed sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor and heated seats)
To enhance the striking lines of the new Coupé, a rear spoiler is available at £375, as well as a Body Kit (front, rear and side skirts) for £985.
Full pricing for the New Mégane Coupé range is outlined below:
|
Model
|
Engine
|
CO2 g/km
|
MPG comb.
|
Benefit-in-kind
|
Ins.
Group
|
OTR Price
|
|
Expression
|
1.6 VVT 110
|
163
|
40.9
|
20%
|
7E
|
£14,745
|
|
|
1.5 dCi 86
|
118
|
62.8
|
13%
|
5E
|
£15,395
|
|
|
1.5 dCi 106
|
120
|
62.8
|
13%
|
6E
|
£16,195
|
|
Dynamique
|
1.6 VVT 110
|
163
|
40.9
|
20%
|
7E
|
£15,645
|
|
|
2.0 TCe 180
|
178
|
37.2
|
23%
|
13E
|
£18,145
|
|
|
1.5 dCi 106
|
120
|
62.8
|
13%
|
6E
|
£17,095
|
|
|
1.9 dCi 130
|
134
|
55.4
|
18%
|
9E
|
£18,295
|
|
Privilège
|
2.0 140 CVT
|
175
|
37.2
|
23%
|
8E
|
£18,570
|
|
|
2.0 TCe 180
|
178
|
37.2
|
23%
|
13E
|
£19,045
|
|
|
1.9 dCi 130
|
134
|
55.4
|
18%
|
10E
|
£19,195
|
Renault.co.uk scoops trio of awards
8th November 2008 10:00 am Renault
Renault scooped a trio of prizes at the Auto Trader Click Awards for the Renault.co.uk website winning Best Home Page, Environmental Credential Communication and Most Improved site.
The Click Awards are based on the Auto Trader Website Usability Study. It formed the qualitative and quantitative study into the ‘user experience’ of over 600 UK car buyers across 60 of the UK’s top motor manufacturer, dealer group and car supermarket websites, analysing the usability of each site across a number of core buying and selling disciplines.
The Website Usability Study, undertaken by eDigitalResearch and Auto Trader, is the largest of its kind in the UK and researches the views and opinions of motorists thinking about buying a new or used car. The websites were judged on a range of criteria, measuring the quality of customer service online; website design; the use of animation and engagement with the customer; ease of navigation; and the search tools and features available.
Best Motor Manufacturer Home Page
The judges commented: “The simplicity of the homepage was praised by users. As well as looking clean and uncluttered, the clear and simple layout, allied with very user friendly navigation meant the homepage was attractively presented. The video trailer (the TV advert for the Koleos) was enjoyed and the fact that it stopped once it had been played meant that distraction was kept to a minimum. Users liked the visual car images that could be scrolled through, whilst the clear link to Renault’s environmental policies was felt to be both educational and responsible”
Best Motor Manufacturer Communication of Environmental Credentials
Renault is one of Europe’s three most CO² efficient manufacturers, having always held the environment as a priority in its strategy. Commenting on the communications of Renault’s eco² strategy, the judges said: “Detailed information relating to reduction of most CO² emissions, together with useful and informative content means that Renault won this very close run group. The clear labelling and graphics of eco-tips were welcomed by users, with particular praise given to the amount and quality of content, together with an informative feature relating to the Renault eco car, Educational, well thought out and crisply implemented, Renault made it clear that far from being merely interested in being green, they have a passion for it.”
Most Improved Motor Manufacturer Website
Judges’ comments: “Renault has designed a site that offers clarity and speed, but at the same time not sacrificing depth of information and fun. The pages load quickly, while a lot of time and effort has gone onto the much improved signposting and navigation. The improved use of graphics on the used car homepage was welcomed, while customer service was found to be much improved. Customer support, owner services and environmental issues all benefited, which has resulted in Renault being awarded the ‘Most Improved’ motor manufacturer website in 2008.”
Renault is as innovative with its website as it is with its cars. Class leading technology is used to deliver 360 degree views, an interactive assistant, video streaming and many other features. The use of advanced technology is carefully balanced with a simple visual design to provide a fast and intuitive customer journey around the site.
As well as presenting Renault’s diverse range of cars and commercial vehicles the UK based site has content covering all aspects of its business. From environment and safety to careers and fleet services, renault.co.uk is engineered to provide easy access to information for all visitors.
At the heart of the site is My Renault – a dedicated environment for Renault owners. Users can list their Renault vehicles in a virtual garage and access a range of facilities including service booking online, insurance, vehicle handbooks and more. The My Renault service can also be accessed on the go via mobile phone.
Renault.co.uk also includes eCommerce functionality – customers can purchase extended warranties, insurance and even buy new and used cars direct online.
Commenting on the awards, Renault UK’s Director of Customer Management, Mick Moore, said: “With the Internet placing an ever increasing role in the car purchase process its no surprise that eCommerce strategy is at the heart of our business. We are delighted to receive these awards which recognise our commitment to providing a best in class web presence to anyone interested in Renault’s products and services”
Renault at Interbuild 2008
7th November 2008 4:00 pm Renault
Following the success of New Kangoo Van’s UK debut at this year’s CV Show, Renault will be building momentum for the new range among a more specialist audience at the Interbuild 2008 show at the NEC Birmingham.
Ahead of the official UK launch of both New Kangoo Van and Kangoo Compact next month, taking centre stage at the company’s stand, Hall 4 E40, will be the likely best-seller, New Kangoo Van ML19 dCi 85+.
For the first time, Europe’s best-selling compact van will be available in two bodystyles to meet the exacting requirements of the professional customer. Whether it be the compact dimensions and agility of the Kangoo Compact in the cut and thrust of the urban environment, or the greater payload (650 to 800kg in place of the former’s 500kg) and load volume (3m³ compared to 2.3m³ for its smaller sibling) of the Kangoo Van, both models are ideally suited to the demanding tradesman seeking a reliable, safe and well specified workhorse.
Several features on both models also ensure that daily use is as comfortable, practical and safe as can be in its class. Among them are a standard steel bulkhead for extra safety, security and reduced cabin noise, while a wide range of options are on offer to make driving and loading as easy as possible, including Bluetooth compatibility, sliding roof flap for taller loads, full load area ply lining and a multi-functional TunePoint system which allows USB keys and portable music players to be used via fingertip controls on the steering column without having to take eyes and wheel away from the job in hand.
Prices for New Kangoo Van and Kangoo Compact were announced last month, starting at £9,390 and £8,690 respectively, both excluding VAT and OTR charges.
Sharing the platform with the New Kangoo Van will be two additional vehicles from Renault’s extensive conversions range. The first is the tried and tested Master Tipper, with a rear tipping heavy duty ‘Scattolini’ body and electric/hydraulic powerpack. The second, a prototype Trafic Double Deck Tipper, is on show to gauge reaction ahead of potential launch in January 2009.
Following the positive response to the innovative Trafic Double Deck Dropside since launch, Renault is now enhancing its appeal by offering it as a tipper, making it arguably the perfect vehicle for builders who are looking for the ultimate solution to carrying building materials and tools. Offering two load spaces, one a large and traditional tipper body with a bed length of 2.5m, the other a spacious, secure and weatherproof lower deck with a depth of 260mm, it combines the best of both worlds to offer a dry, safe and secure storage area with an easy-to-use tipping combination.
The extra storage area is lockable and therefore particularly useful in terms of security for tools but also for protecting items and perishable supplies from the elements without the need for specialised tarpaulin. An easily accessible tool draw is also incorporated into the design. Available with a combined payload of 850kg, the new version offers a stylish and practical alternative to its bigger brother, the more established Master Tipper.
New Renault Kangoo Van range to launch with standard 3 year/100,000 mile warranty
3rd November 2008 3:00 pm Renault
3 year/100,000 mile warranty standard across the range, leaving key rivals such as Peugeot Bipper and Partner, and Vauxhall Combo out in the cold
New, improved warranty terms mirror Trafic and Master ranges, reflecting Renault’s continued commitment to quality and gains made with recent car models, including Clio, Modus and New Laguna
Renault’s New Kangoo Van range has added a further key selling point to its already extensive weaponry as it prepares to do battle in the hotly contested compact van sector, with confirmation of a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty (first two years unlimited mileage) across the entire range.
Like many of its Renault car stablemates launched since the company embarked on its three-year growth plan, Renault Commitment 2009, the New Kangoo Van range benefits from the significant quality gains the company has made in recent years. Mirroring the same warranty terms as those already available on the Trafic and Master ranges, the new, improved warranty terms reflect the confidence the company has in the new product as well as ensuring greater peace of mind for businesses in today’s increasingly tough economic climate.
Compared to several of its key rivals, such as Peugeot’s new Bipper and Partner, not to mention the high-selling Vauxhall Combo, both New Kangoo Van models leave them firmly in the shade with a warranty offering an additional 40,000 miles coverage as standard without the need to pay more for an extended warranty. Renault’s new compact van range also features 3 years free Renault Assistance.
The New Kangoo Van range is on sale now, priced from £8,690 for the Kangoo Compact SL17 P90 and £9,390 for the Kangoo Van ML19 P90, excluding VAT and OTR charges.
A range of offers are available at launch, including an HP offer of four years 0% with £99 deposit, plus free ply lining.
Renault in Russia: A winning strategy for growth
3rd November 2008 10:00 am Renault
Renault is positioned to benefit from the potential of growth of the Russian market, with a subsidiary and a new industrial partnership:
Avtoframos sells a complete range of imported Renault cars and produces Logan, the best-selling foreign sedan in its segment
AvtoVAZ (of which Renault owns 25%), is the leading carmaker with 23% of the Russian market
Russian car market trends
The Russian car market has seen phenomenal growth: 2.7 million vehicles in 2007 with a forecast for 3.2 million in 2008 and 4 million vehicles expected by 2014. Russia, despite present economic difficulties, is poised to become the largest car market in Europe.
In 2008, foreign vehicle manufacturers account for an estimated 75% of new car sales in Russia, a percentage that has been increasing steadily over the past 8 years.
In light of these trends, Renault’s strategy in Russia is three-fold:
1. Local production in its Moscow plant and distribution
As a foreign vehicle manufacturer producing Logan in Russia, Renault benefits from the economic advantages of local production. Due to the huge success of Logan (over 200,000 units have been built), this capacity is currently being doubled, to 160,000, by the end of 2009. At that time, the plant will begin producing Sandero, the hatchback built on the Logan platform. Renault’s Russian sales network (currently 74 dealerships and 94 sales outlets) is expanding in order to build on the strong growth of the Renault brand in Russia, with the goal of being present in every city of at least 100,000 people.
2. Sales of Renault imported cars
As a foreign car manufacturer importing the Renault range into Russia since 1998, Renault has benefited from the increasing demand for foreign cars as disposable incomes rose. Renault sells a complete range of vehicles imported into Russia, including the recently launched Laguna, Laguna Sport Tourer, Koleos, and starting in November, New Renault Symbol.
3. Partnership with AvtoVAZ
This partnership is part of the Russian government’s project to make the automotive industry a global player. As the strategic partner of AvtoVAZ, the dominant Russian carmaker, Renault will help to renew the Lada product range, leading to increased volumes and market share. The partnership between AvtoVAZ and Renault, launched in February 2008, was designed with a win-win strategy.
AvtoVAZ will use Renault’s vehicle platforms and power trains to provide its products with the technology needed to improve the Lada brand image.
AvtoVAZ will benefit from synergies with the Renault Nissan Purchasing Organisation in order to obtain higher quality from its suppliers.
Several Renault executives were placed in key positions to help the Russian brand to improve its product plan, engineering processes and quality.
For Renault, the goal of this partnership is creation of value:
AvtoVAZ is a profitable company with a 4.7% operating margin (end of 2007)
With much of its production equipment already amortised, and potential to increase capacity to 1.5 million vehicles by 2015 if necessary, this investment will capitalise upon existing resources for optimal returns.
The first two licenses were sold to AvtoVAZ for 220 million euros. Future licenses may also be sold to AvtoVAZ, increasing Renault’s cash flow in the short term and economies of scale in the mid-term.
As AvtoVAZ strengthens its position and its financial situation, Renault will benefit in terms of sales consolidation and increased value of the 25% of AvtoVAZ shares that were purchased for 1 billion USD.
Renault’s talent for developing successful international relationships has been clearly demonstrated through:
the Renault-Nissan Alliance (turnaround of Nissan in 1998), with complete respect for each other’s brand identity.
the revitalisation of Dacia (Romania) in 1999, with 100% implementation of Renault standards, leading to an international base for the Logan program.
the creation of Renault Samsung Motors (Korea) in 2000.
From these three very different experiences, Renault acquired a unique competency in terms of strategic partnerships. The keys to success have been the respect of the partner’s identity, the understanding of local customers and markets, standardisation of production systems according to best practices for quality assurance, and development of purchasing and engineering synergies in order to create cost savings.
Renault announces New Laguna Coupé pricing
24th October 2008 9:00 am Renault
New Laguna Coupé launches with seven versions across two trim levels: Coupé and Coupé GT, priced from £20,995 to £27,995
· Entry-level petrol version, Coupé 2.0 Turbo 205, undercuts equivalent BMW 325i SE Coupe by considerable £6,805, plus £1,000 more equipment
· High standard equipment levels including: 18” alloy wheels, Arkamys 3D Sound 140W audio system with MP3 CD reader, eight airbags, automatic lights and wipers, dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors and xenon headlights
· Top-of-the-range Coupé GT specification adds: 4Control chassis, automatic parking brake, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, leather upholstery and Renault Hands Free keycard
· Wealth of options for luxury customisation: BOSE sound system, full colour 3D satellite navigation with Bluetooth and 230W audio system MP3 6CD changer (in-dash), heated front seats with driver’s side electrically adjustable with memory and tyre pressure monitor
· Four engines at launch - two petrol and two diesel, including new 2.0 dCi 180 FAP and 3.5 V6 240. 3.0 V6 dCi 235 FAP to follow in early 2009
· Available to order mid-November and in dealerships 2nd January 2009
Following its world show debut in Paris earlier this month, Renault has now confirmed pricing for its eagerly-awaited New Laguna Coupé, ranging from £20,995 to £27,995.
The new Laguna flagship has more than just the sector-leading BMW 3-Series Coupé in its sights. With a raft of high-performance engines, impressive equipment levels and 4Control chassis in its Coupé GT guise, the svelte four-seater has a formidable arsenal.
In keeping with its elegant and muscular lines, the Coupé naturally receives the finest engines from the New Laguna range, as well as two new ones of its own, both with the advent of V6 power. At launch, four engines will be available, evenly split between petrol and diesel: 2.0 Turbo 205 and 3.5 V6 240, followed by the 2.0 dCi 150 and 2.0 dCi 180 FAP. The latter receives a 5hp power increase from the current dCi 175 in the rest of the New Laguna range, together with a particulate filter. The new flagship diesel engine, 3.0 V6 dCi 235 FAP, arrives in early 2009. Automatic transmission is available on the 2.0 dCi 150 and standard on 3.5 V6 240 and 3.0 V6 dCi 235.
As befits a luxury coupé, standard equipment levels are impressive. Coupé trim level includes Arkamys 3D Sound 140W audio system with MP3 CD reader and Bluetooth, 18” ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, eight airbags, automatic lights and wipers, dual zone climate control, electric heated door mirrors, MP3 player connection, rear parking sensors, Super Fold rear seat system, twin chrome exhausts (except 2.0 dCi 150 manual) and xenon headlights.
The top-of-the-range Coupé GT benefits from Renault’s innovative 4Control chassis, first seen on GT versions of New Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer.
Developed jointly by Renault and Renault Sport Technologies, 4Control, the four-wheel steering system, ensures the ultimate in driving pleasure, handling, dynamic response and steering precision.
The 4Control chassis brings many benefits, starting with improved manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response, and unrivalled steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control over the cornering line, achieving new heights in driveability and active safety. In town and on country roads, the car is easy to drive: highly manoeuvrable and precise. The car also corners with very little body roll and a precise line is achieved through small steering inputs. Last but by no means least, the 4Control chassis excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions (with impressive control over asymmetrical grip and with the ESP matched to a more sporting driving style), and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed (’elk’ test).
In addition to its 4Control chassis, flagship Coupé GT specification adds: 18” ‘Celsium’ alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic parking brake, electrochrome rear view mirror, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, GT leather steering wheel, leather upholstery (choice of beige, dark carbon, light grey or ’camel’), Renault Hands Free keycard and speed limiter.
At £22,345, the entry-level petrol, Coupé 2.0 Turbo 205 undercuts its equivalent BMW rival, the 325i SE Coupe, by a not insignificant £6,805 at list price, even without taking into account its additional £1,000 worth of equipment.
As well as its generous equipment list, the New Laguna Coupé range offers ample opportunity to tailor versions to individual tastes through several options:
£700 BOSE sound system (10 loudspeakers and amplifier)
£400 Front and rear parking sensors (Coupé GT)
£300 Heated front seats
£500 Heated front seats with electrically adjustable driver’s seat with
memory and folding door mirrors with memory
£450 Metallic paint
£975 Full colour 2D satellite navigation with Bluetooth
£1,750 Full colour 3D satellite navigation with Bluetooth and 230W audio
system MP3 6CD changer (in-dash)
£2,200 Full colour 3D satellite navigation with Bluetooth and 230W audio
system MP3 6CD changer (in-dash) and BOSE sound system
£400 Twin chrome exhausts (Coupé dCi 150 manual)
£250 Tyre pressure monitor
Full pricing for New Laguna Coupé is outlined below:
|
Model
|
Engine
|
CO2 g/km
|
MPG comb.
|
BIK
|
OTR Price
|
|
Coupé
|
2.0 dCi 150
|
157
|
47.1
|
22%
|
£20,995
|
|
|
2.0 Turbo 205
|
194
|
34.4
|
26%
|
£22,345
|
|
|
2.0 dCi 150 Auto FAP
|
185
|
40.3
|
28%
|
£22,495
|
|
Coupé GT
|
2.0 Turbo 205
|
194
|
34.4
|
26%
|
£24,345
|
|
|
2.0 dCi 180 FAP
|
172
|
43.4
|
25%
|
£24,345
|
|
|
3.5 V6 240 Auto
|
238
|
28.2
|
35%
|
|
