RENAULT NEWS : 8th Sep '08 - RENAULT KOLEOS SCORES FIVE EURO NCAP STARS
Renault Koleos is the tenth Renault model to obtain the maximum score of five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. This result confirms the outstanding efficiency of the vehicle’s passive and active safety equipment. Reflecting all Renault’s expertise in safety, Koleos is a versatile 4x4 crossover that brings occupants the same peace of mind in the city, on the open road and motorway, and off road, notably through its Alliance-developed four-wheel drive system, which boosts active safety by correcting any loss in grip, redistributing torque between the front and rear axles ahead of electronic stability control activation.
Renault’s approach for all its vehicles is based on real-life safety. The brand focuses on developing the most efficient technologies to “prevent, correct and protect”, as well as on raising the awareness of road users.
Koleos is the tenth Renault model to obtain the maximum five-star score in adult protection. Koleos is one of only four models out of 17 tested in the small off-road 4x4 category to achieve the maximum five-star EuroNCAP rating. Safety is a fundamental feature of all Renault vehicles. Renault Koleos was developed to have outstanding levels of both active and passive safety.
Koleos benefits from Renault’s long-standing work in real-life accident analysis. In terms of passive safety, its body structure features programmed crumple zones at the front and the back. The cabin was designed as a real survival cell for passengers in the event of an accident. Renault Koleos also boasts a comprehensive range of equipment for passenger protection, including six airbags (of which two are front airbags), seatbelts with force limiters in the front and rear side seats and pretensioners in the front seats, along with Isofix anchor points for attaching child seats in the outer rear seats. The headrests have a carefully worked ergonomic design that offers maximum protection against whiplash in the event of rear impact.
On the active safety front, Renault Koleos has a stiff chassis and, to assist drivers in emergency braking, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist (EBA) fitted as standard.
Koleos’ four-wheel drive system also makes a significant contribution to active safety by correcting any loss in grip. Developed by the Alliance and first featured on the New Nissan X-Trail, the system is used to immediately correct the slightest sign of understeer or oversteer by redistributing torque between the front and rear axles, even before the activation of electronic stability control (ESP).
RENAULT NEWS : 14th Aug '08 - RENAULT VIP FLEET HEADLINES AT EIF
Supporting the Edinburgh International Festival for the thirteenth year, Renault and its distinctive fleet of luxurious New Laguna and Grand Espace will once again be a familiar sight on the streets of the Scottish capital this month.
The Renault fleet will provide EIF’s key transport needs - from ensuring artistes get to their venues on time, to delivering event displays and programmes, through to carrying props, sound and lighting equipment for the duration of the Festival.
From 8th to 31st August 2008, Festival organisers and artistes can delight in the multi-faceted talents of Renault’s official cars. Some will drink in the sculpted design, while others will savour the high-quality interior of the Espace and Laguna, calmly watching the bustling city through panoramic sunroof and windows.
Sound luxury
Those keen on aural entertainment will be happy to experience - with pin-sharp quality – Brahms Hungarian Dance, thanks to the Cabasse Auditorium sound system in the Espace. Meanwhile any sextets late for a performance can rely on the refined dCi 175 engine to get them to the church/hall/auditorium on time!
New Espace brings unparalleled levels of comfort to the people-carrier genre through the most powerful engines in the class and executive-style surroundings. And, as executive motoring tastes become more diverse, the first luxury MPV is still the considered choice.
Comfort and high-grade surroundings also transfer to New Laguna, which has received widespread acclaim for its impressive refinement, well-appointed interior and overall quality.
RENAULT NEWS : 29th Jul '08 - RENAULT UNVEILS MEGANE RENAULTSPORT R26.R
The Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26 was launched in November 2006 and has enjoyed a great success. Using this base, Renaultsport launch an extreme version, the Mégane Renaultsport R26.R. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the Mégane R26.R joins the family that also comprises the Clio Renaultsport 197, Mégane Renaultsport 225, Mégane Renaultsport dCi 175 and, from September, the Twingo Renaultsport 133. Since the launch in April 2004, the family of Mégane Renaultsport has sold more than 20,000 units in almost 30 countries.
The launch of this ultimate version underlines Renault Sport Technologies’ role as a leading manufacturer of high performance cars.
Renault Sport Technologies have given the Mégane R26.R visual differences that mark out the car at first glance. The carbon fibre bonnet and new 18” alloy wheels in red are the main visual clues together with a new rear spoiler, plus R26.R decals and logos and tinted polycarbonate in place of glass in the tailgate and rear side windows. The car is available in seven colours, two of which are new to the Mégane, Racing Blue and Renault i.d. Lunar Grey and one is brand new, Renault i.d. Pearlescent White.
Inside the R26.R the atmosphere is as radical as the outside. Competition seats with a carbon fibre shell are supplied by Sabelt who also supply the six-point harnesses, the first time that this form of restraint has been homologated in a production car. Conventional lap and diagonal seat belts can be fitted as an accessory. No rear seat is fitted. The steering wheel and gearlever gaiter are in leather and suede. A plaque shows the production number for each country, 230 for the UK, 126 for France and the remainder split between Germany, Spain and Switzerland.
