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To mark the start of spring, Renault is to extend its ‘ludospace’ line-up with the introduction of Grand Kangoo.

Two extra independent, removable seats make this model a genuine seven seater. The rearmost passengers benefit from unrivalled knee room, elbow room and comfort.

Grand Kangoo is notably designed for families, administrations and business customers looking for a multi-purpose vehicle with an extremely modular interior. The high number of layout combinations makes it possible to adjust the cabin precisely to the number of people and/or the amount of cargo being carried.

The seven-seat version will be available initially. Order books are due to open at the beginning of April, with prices in France starting from €20,750.

Grand Kangoo, the latest addition to the Renault range, can carry up to seven people in optimum comfort. Its exceptionally modular interior permits its cabin layout to be adjusted to meet all situations and to match the number of people and/or the amount of cargo being carried. Its 1.5 dCi engine is available in a choice of two power outputs (90hp or 110hp) and, like the entire Kangoo range, the newcomer is made at Renault’s MCA plant in Maubeuge, France. The seven-seat version of Grand Kangoo is due to go on sale at the beginning of April in France.

Tax-paid prices – Grand Kangoo (in France)

Version Authentique Privilège
Engine dCi 90 dCi 110 dCi 90 dCi 110
CO2 emissions (g/km) 135 144 135 144
Combined cycle fuel consumption (litres/100km) 5.1 5.5 5.1 5.5
Tax-paid price 20,750 21,450 22,550 23,250

Following its world debut at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the flurry of new arrivals at Renault continues this spring with the French marque’s new-look Twingo Renaultsport 133. The upgraded pocket-rocket bursts onto the scene on 2nd April when ordering opens, priced at £13,565 on-the-road.

The changes to the facelifted Renaultsport version of Twingo are immediately apparent at the front, including the new Renault visual identity of its more humble sibling, combined with the added visual drama of a new dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. This detail, which now runs across the full Renaultsport range, alludes to Renault’s success in Formula 1.

From the back, the halo model in the brand’s city car range, sports several model-specific additions including a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.

On the inside, the performance aura of the flagship Twingo continues with Renaultsport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls.

Aside from its new body-colour F1-style blade, core equipment on the latest revised Renaultsport includes 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth™, cruise control, electric Gloss Black door mirrors, ESC (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo’s versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats.

Several options are available on the baby of the Renaultsport range, among them 17” Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels for £500, curtain airbags for £250, metallic paint at £460, or the even more striking Renaultsport Liquid Yellow i.d. paint for £1,300 (from end May 2012). The unique-in-class Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system is also available at a tempting £125. Given its already purposeful stance, just one exterior pack is offered – Anthracite Style – for the front blade, door mirrors covers and rear spoiler, priced at £150.

Renaultsport expertise

Dieppe’s finest have chosen not to tinker with Twingo Renaultsport 133’s award-winning mechanicals, so its performance and grin-inducing driving characteristics remain intact. Its 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated powerplant still puts out a feisty 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque available at 4,400rpm. Its top speed is a respectable 125 mph, with 0-62 mph dispatched in an impressive 8.7 seconds.

Although the new range offers one version of the 133 with the standard Renaultsport chassis, an optional Cup chassis is still available for £700. The latter includes a ride height lowered by 4mm, stiffer springs and dampers, 17” Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels and wider 205/40 R17 tyres than its predecessor. In keeping with its potency, Twingo Renaultsport 133 features plenty of stopping power, with 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs.

Despite its impressive performance credentials, the revised Twingo Renaultsport 133 boasts CO2 emissions of 150g/km, a saving of 3.2 per cent compared to its predecessor and improved fuel consumption of 43.5 mpg combined cycle, up by three per cent.

Since its launch in September 2008, Twingo Renaultsport has emerged as a top-three seller in its class, with sales totalling more than 10,000 vehicles.

Only a matter of weeks after confirming pricing and specification for its New Twingo, Scénic 2012 and Fluence Z.E. ranges, Renault has now announced pricing for its latest updated range – Mégane 2012 (Coupé, Hatch and Sport Tourer). Prices for the newly facelifted versions of one of Europe’s most successful cars, which is already available to order ahead of 1st April UK official launch, start from £16,275 on-the-road.

More modern styling and improved equipment For 2012, Mégane has undergone a number of small styling changes to freshen up the model’s original lines. The front end has a more modern feel, while LED daytime running lights (Dynamique TomTom and above) provide a distinctive new lighting signature. The bumper features a gloss black finish with chrome highlights, and the selection of wheels has been entirely revised. The sum of these modifications mirrors the attention that has been paid to quality, an area which Renault sees as a priority.

In terms of line-up, from April, a new entry-level Expression+ welcomes the inclusion of Bluetooth™, USB connection and upgraded audio system to 4 x 20W radio CD with fingertip remote control and AUX input, on top of an already high equipment level: 16” alloys, air conditioning and front fog lights.

The top-of-the-range GT-Line TomTom also sees several new additions: auto parking brake with Hill Start Assist, parking camera with rear parking sensors, Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W audio system – worth £760, but an on-the-road price only £270 greater than the previous range (dCi 160).

Meanwhile, the cabin comes with new interior trims, including a leather pack available in a choice of two finishes in the UK. The personality of the specific GT-Line TomTom finishes has also been enhanced inside and out thanks to specific ‘boomerang’-shaped LED lights, visible red upholstery stitching and a sports steering wheel incorporating thumb rests, plus Renault Sport-badged door sill guards and dashboard trim strip, serving as a reminder that it belongs to the Renaultsport family. Last but not least, the list of body colours available for Mégane 2012 has been extended with the addition of Azzurro Blue and Arctic White.

To make Mégane 2012 even more appealing, all three models are eligible for the Renault 4+ programme, which launched on 1st February 2012. The tempting package offers all retail customers a comprehensive four-year/100,000 mile warranty, free routine servicing for four years/48,000 miles, four years roadside cover and up to four years finance (lease or PCP, subject to status).

Three new Renault engines, all featuring Stop & Start technology, which are already available in the Scénic 2012 range will now take on the equally competitive C-segment. These are the 1.2 TCe 115 petrol, 1.5 dCi 110 and the 1.6 dCi 130, all boasting impressive performance, economy and emission figures.

The 1.2 TCe 115 offers a diesel-rivalling 53.3 mpg (combined cycle) – a theoretical 700 miles on a single tank allied to 119g/km CO2. The 1.5 dCi 110 gives class-leading 80.7 mpg and emits only 90 g/km CO2. Lastly, the 1.6 dCi 130, at the world’s most powerful and frugal diesel engine of its size, also takes its bow in Mégane, with 70.6 mpg and 104g/km CO2 emissions. As a result of their arrival, the 1.4 TCe 130 and 2.0 TCe 180 engines are no longer available to order.

Mégane 2012: ‘Stop and Start’ downsized engine power Mégane 2012 is the first Renault model to be available with the three new Stop & Start engines which combine both driving pleasure and fuel efficiency. They are the fruit of new-generation downsizing and call on Renault’s experience in F1 to form unprecedented technology packages for this level of range, including Stop & Start complete with deceleration/braking energy recovery. Thanks to their carefully-tuned acoustics, these engines produce a discreet, cushioned sound, with noise levels halved compared with the engines they replace.

Renault TCe 115 Stop & Start – the resurgence in petrol engines continues: the TCe 115 is the first Renault petrol engine to feature direct fuel injection and turbocharging for fuel-efficient performance. This new 1,198cc block is poised to replace the 1.6 16V and boasts both extra power (up 5hp to 115hp) and peak torque up 40Nm to 190Nm, with 90 per cent of this figure available from 1,650rpm. Its flexibility and acceleration from low revs are consequently similar to those of a diesel engine. In addition to being the market’s best-performing 1.2-litre petrol powerplant, its fuel consumption is improved 25 per cent compared to its forebear. Versions of Mégane 2012 powered by this engine consume just 53.3 mpg (combined cycle), a record for a petrol car in this class. CO2 emissions are down to 119g/km, while the car’s range is in the region of 700 miles, which is similar to the distances associated with diesel models.

Mégane 2012 will also be available with the two best diesel engines in their class, both of which combine driving pleasure with the market’s lowest fuel consumption.

The range’s best-selling 1.5 dCi engine has undergone a significant metamorphosis in revised 110hp guise, with the introduction of Stop & Start technology first introduced in 2011 on the 1.6 dCi 130. The net gain is record low fuel consumption, which has been improved by 15 per cent to 80.7 mpg – best-in-class. This offers a theoretical range of 1060 miles on a tank full. The CO2 emissions are just 90g/km, the lowest of any C-segment diesel on sale today. There has been no loss in performance, however, since peak torque is up 20Nm to 260Nm, which is available from as low as 1,750rpm.

Renault dCi 130 Stop & Start: this 1.6-litre diesel engine delivers 130 horsepower and 320Nm of torque, making it the market’s most powerful powerplant for its size. It is also a pleasure to drive thanks to crisp acceleration performance from as low as 1,750rpm. Under the bonnet of Mégane, it returns combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 70.6 mpg, which is a 20 per cent saving compared to the former 1.9 dCi 130 engine. CO2 emissions stand at 104g/km.

The new downsized engines offer greater performance and fuel efficiency through smaller cubic capacity engine innovation and technologies derived from Formula 1 (Stop & Start, brake energy regeneration).

Useful, affordable technologies Following Scénic and Grand Scénic, the three facelifted Mégane 2012 models become the latest Renaults to feature the Visio System by Renault – the French brand’s latest innovation – which assists the driver’s vigilance and night-time vision thanks to two key functions, a lane departure warning system and automatic high/low beam headlights.

The Visio System® camera improves night-time vision by permanently scanning the road ahead. Whenever natural or street lighting is poor, and when no other vehicles are detected, it automatically switches to full-beam headlights at speeds of more than 28 mph. Remembering to switch back to dipped beam is no longer a constraint and the Visio System® permits the driver to benefit from full-beam headlights between four and five times longer than is the case without the system. Visibility is enhanced (100 metres instead of 30 metres) and as a result, there is less risk of colliding with an obstacle.

Lane departure warning has also been added to Mégane 2012.If lane markings are crossed without the indicators having been being activated (above 44 mph), visible and audible warnings are automatically activated. It works by the camera fitted to the windscreen below the rear view mirror, sensing if the vehicle has involuntarily changed lanes, most likely due to drowsiness or a drop in driver vigilance, and a major cause of accidents, especially on motorways.

Elsewhere, Mégane 2012 continues to pack the technologies that have contributed to the model’s success. All radios are now equipped with Bluetooth® hands-free telephony, connectivity and audio-streaming, as well as multi-functional TunePoint and USB input which enable music stored on mobile devices to be controlled by the vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted fingertip control. Also available is Carminat TomTom® Live navigation (HD Traffic, real-time traffic information, etc.) on Expression+.

Driving and travelling comfort have been further enhanced by the addition of new features which come as standard equipment. Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away on a slope, while lane change indicators warn other motorists when the driver is about to change lanes by flashing three times following a simple flick of the indicator stalk.

To assist parking manoeuvres, a rear parking cameraprovides a precise image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings and depicts its trajectory to help drivers adjust their line. Last but not least, the dual-zone automatic climate control is now equipped with a quality sensor which monitors cabin air quality and automatically activates the air-recycling mode whenever necessary.

Full range pricing for Mégane 2012 is outlined below.

Mégane Hatch 2012

Version CO2 Level CO2 Band Combined mpg Benefit in Kind OTR PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £16,275
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO 104 B 70.6 13% £17,525
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £18,125
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £18,800
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £19,425
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £17,275
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £18,325
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £19,125
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £19,800
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £20,425
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £20,300
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £19,825
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £21,300
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £21,800
GT Line TomTom dCi 160 150 F 47.9 23% £22,490
Mégane Coupé 2012

Version CO2 Level CO2 Band Combined mpg Benefit in Kind OTR PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £16,775
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO 104 B 70.6 13% £18,025
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £18,625
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £19,300
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £19,925
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £17,775
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £18,825
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £19,625
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £20,300
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £20,925
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £20,799
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £20,325
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £21,800
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £22,300
GT Line TomTom dCi 160 150 F 47.9 23% £22,990
Mégane Sport Tourer 2012

Version CO2 Level CO2 Band Combined mpg Benefit in Kind OTR PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £17,075
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO 104 B 70.6 13% £18,325
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £18,925
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £19,600
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £20,225
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110 159 G 40.9 21% £18,075
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £19,125
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO 106 B 68.9 13% £19,925
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £20,600
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto 110 B 67.3 13% £21,225
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £21,100
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start 119 C 53.3 10% £20,625
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start 90 A 80.7 13% £22,100
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start 104 B 70.6 13% £22,600
GT Line TomTom dCi 160 150 F 47.9 23% £23,290
The new Mégane 2012 range is available to order ahead of its 1st April showroom launch, priced from £16,275 (Hatch), £16,775 (Coupé) and £17,075 (Sport Tourer) on-the-road.

New Mégane Renaultsport 265 now available to order in two versions: 265 Cup available for £24,825 on-the-road and 265 at £26,025. In UK showrooms from early April
New version boosted by an extra 15hp of power and 20Nm of torque. A new ‘Sport’ mode in the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system changes the exhaust note and also frees its full 265hp
Among other changes are several new options: Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’ (red striping on front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings) £350, rear parking camera with front parking sensors for £360 and Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and auto high/low beam) is available on the 265 priced £300
One new colour is introduced for 2012 – Arctic White
Cup Chassis Pack on top-of-the-range 265 is £1,350: 18″ alloy wheels in matt black fitted 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, stiffer springs/dampers/anti-roll bars
Mégane Renaultsport 2012 is eligible for the Renault 4+ customer care package with headline Renault Selections PCP offer of £419 deposit/£419 per month over four years for the 265 Cup version and £439/£439 for the 265
Mégane Renaultsport is powering on from the success of the multi award-winning 250 range with a new and improved model for 2012, packing more power and torque.

Open for customer ordering from today, Renault’s new performance flagships, Mégane Renaultsport 265 Cup and 265 are priced £24,825 and £26,025 on-the-road. The key improvement on the second phase of the French brand’s halo model is a 15hp hike on its predecessor, plus an extra 20Nm torque, both released through the car’s Renaultsport Dynamic Management programme.

Compared to the previous model, the Renaultsport 265 boasts improved performance statistics, dispatching 0-62mph in six seconds exactly (instead of 6.1), with a top speed of 158 mph, up by an extra 2 mph. In everyday driving, its 360Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000rpm. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio is also a hefty 191hp per tonne.

To achieve these gains, Renaultsport’s wizardry has seen the engine’s maximum turbo pressure uprated to 2.5 bar, up by 0.2, together with the air intake being revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures.

Elsewhere, in either Cup form or with the optional Cup chassis specified on the range-topping 265, the new model retains the essence of the Mégane Renaultsport’s award-winning recipe, including the critically acclaimed Cup chassis (stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar and grooved brake discs), mechanical limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, as well as the innovative PerfoHub independent steering axis front suspension set-up, which virtually eliminates torque steer.

The brand new Mégane Renaultsport 265 range features a host of technological features, most notably the set-up for the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to switch between two power settings. The default is 250hp/340Nm of torque for five per cent improved fuel consumption, while turning on the Sport mode boosts the Mégane up to 265hp/360Nm of torque for the ultimate Renaultsport experience. The Sport mode is activated simply via the ESC button and also enhances the car’s exhaust note.

Rounding off the equipment improvements, three new items appear on the options list. The first, Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’, apes much of the style of the limited edition 265 Trophy, with red striping on the front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings for £350.
The second introduction is the Visio System by Renault which recently debuted on Scénic 2012, priced at £300. Assuming the driver has unintentionally lost concentration, possibly through fatigue, the system features a lane departure warning giving an audible and visual warning if he or she unintentionally crosses white lines in the road without indicating. The system can easily be switched off when not required. In addition, the new addition also incorporates an automatic high and low headlight beam when conditions allow. Not part of the system, but still of benefit in the new model is a ‘lane change function’ which is likely to prove ideal with motorway driving, giving three flashes to other road users simply through a quick flick of the indicator stalk.

The final addition in the trio is the option of a £360 new rear parking camera, combined with front parking sensors, to help protect Megane Renaultsport 265′s potent styling when manoeuvring and parking.
Naturally, a Cup Chassis Pack will be available on the more luxurious 265. Priced at £1,350 including VAT, it offers 18″ alloy wheels in matt black, 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake callipers and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

As with the rest of the range, Renault is also the only manufacturer to offer TomTom Live services on the optional Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation system as part of a fully integrated system. Customers also benefit from a three month free trial upon activation on the time-saving real-time system which also features Google search and weather functions.

In the rare moments when it is being driven sedately enough to be glimpsed, the Mégane Renaultsport will be instantly recognisable through its striking interior. The Renaultsport 265 standard upholstery is carbon grey Renaultsport leather, with red seatbelts and red stitching visible throughout the cabin. Recaro front seats with a carbon grey leather upholstery and yellow seatbelts are also an option on the 265 and a new carbon and silver grey bi-tone leather upholstery is available as an option.

New for 2012, the Renaultsport 265 Cup standard upholstery is carbon grey Renaultsport cloth with red stitching. The seatbelts are red, as is the stitching throughout the cabin, while the door panels have a carbon fibre effect finish. Figure hugging Recaro front seats with a Carbon grey cloth and synthetic leather edging and yellow detailing are an option on the 265 Cup, while the seatbelts are also yellow with these seats.
Renaultsport enthusiasts can also look forward to several new design alloy wheels.
18″ ‘Tibor’ matt black for the 265 Cup and when the optional Cup chassis is selected on the 265.
18″ ‘Tibor’ satin anthracite fitted as standard to the 265.
19″ ‘Steev’ Speedline in a diamond cut finish as an option
19″ ‘Steev’ Speedline in a gloss black finish with a red rim and Bridgestone RE050A tyres as an option
One new colour is introduced on the new range, Arctic White.
4+ package available on Renaultsport
Renault recently revealed details of its 4+ deal for February which unusually includes all models across the Renaultsport range. This comprehensive customer care package offers buyers a four year/100,000 mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles free routine servicing, four years roadside cover and the availability of up to four years finance (HP, lease or PCP subject to status). The package will not only offer Renaultsport customers peace of mind, fixed running costs and affordable monthly payments, but also improve resale value as it is transferable to the next owner free of charge.

The headline Renault Selections PCP offer for the new range is a tempting £419 deposit/£419 per month over four years for the 265 Cup version and £439/£439 for the 265.

Mégane Renaultsport: 10,000 sold in 40 countries since 2010
Mégane Renaultsport is the best-selling hot hatch in both France and Spain, as well as one of the top three in Europe, accounting for 15% of overall Mégane Coupé sales. It continues to attract media plaudits and recently won What Car? Best Hot Hatch for the third consecutive year.