Road Test and Review: Renault Koleos When Koleos was first launched in India in 2011, Renault was quite an unfamiliar brand to most...
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Road Test and Review:
Road Test and Review: Renault Fluence By all means, Fluence was the perfect car to mark Renault’s entry into Indian market. Even th...
50 new cars expected in 2013
The Maruti Suzuki A-Star will get a minor facelift and is expected to be launched in March 2013. Prices might be revised downwards to boost ...
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Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Monday, 2 June 2014
Road Test and Review: Renault Koleos
Road Test and Review: Renault Koleos
When Koleos was first launched in India in 2011, Renault was quite an unfamiliar brand to most Indian buyers. Later, the French company’s five-product plan for India secured it a place among the heavyweights, while the prodigious success of the Duster made Renault a household name. Now, as the carmaker’s Indian flagship gets a major makeover, a cheaper price tag and addition of three new variants give Koleos a more serious purpose.
On the flipside, the Koleos is a comfortable highway cruiser that takes great care of its passengers. Despite its size, the Koleos floats above the road, swallowing every bump and pebble it drives over.
Bottom-line
Design
The 2014 Koleos carries over the design language of the model it replaces. It looks more of a smooth crossover than a rugged SUV. The face now gets a wider grille that stretches from headlamp to headlamp. It also houses a bolder and larger Renault badge. While new alloy wheels and chrome side-protectors are new in profile, rear is left untouched.
Interiors aren’t a drastic upgrade over the outgoing model either. Although the dashboard design does justice to SUV standards, I am skeptical about its overall quality, especially in a car with a price north of Rs. 20 lakh.
However, the layout of the centre console is impressive and the many buttons and dials are easy on the eyes. You’d fall in love with the Bose music system, which certainly is a premium touch. Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and darkness-sensing headlamps are some of the boons for the driver. While there’s ample space in the front row, rear legroom may be a squeeze for taller passengers on a long trip. Absence of a third row means abundance of boot space and the split tailgate ensures effortless hauling of large objects.
Performance
I sampled the 4X4 trim along the winding ghats of Ooty and it comes with a new 173 PS 2.0 litre engine. It delivers 23PS more power than the outgoing model and the 4X2 in the current lineup. Maximum torque of 360Nm is available from a low 2000rpm but it suffers from awful turbo lag below that point. The six-speed automatic transmission is not the best in business and doesn’t downshift as quickly as you would expect, making overtaking maneuvers cumbersome.
There are very few SUVs that strike the best balance between ride and handling and Renault Koleos is undoubtedly one of them. There’s plenty of grip and body lean while cornering is pretty well controlled.
During the short stint with the Koleos, I managed to take it off the road and have some fun. It offers remarkable off-road capabilities, thanks to the differential lock and an automatic 4WD system that detects traction loss and switches from 2WD to 4WD. Ground clearance, approach and depart angles etc. are greatly in favour of off-roading, too.
What really went against the first generation Koleos was that it came in just one steeply priced variant. Renault has addressed this with the addition of two cheaper variants – a 4X4 manual and a 4X2 manual. Yet, the Koleos will face really tough competition from Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Toyota Fortuner, and Renault is going to have a tough time keeping the Koleos in customers’ radar.
Monday, 26 May 2014
Road Test and Review:
Road Test and Review: Renault Fluence
By all means, Fluence was the perfect car to mark Renault’s entry into Indian market. Even though it didn’t sell in huge numbers, Fluence left an impression with its massive road presence and impeccable driving dynamics. As Fluence gets a second chance, the French marque’s roots have grown deep enough to make the car a comeback kid. Lets find out what’s new in the new Fluence.
Design
Always a graceful car, the Fluence now gets a new front-end treatment with the Renault family face integrated into it. New glossy black grille now houses a large Renault badge and headlamps get projectors and shiny black mask with chrome eyelashes. All-new front bumper is complete with daytime running lights, fog lamps and new air intakes. Body-coloured side cladding and new alloy wheels are a welcome change in profile.
Design
Always a graceful car, the Fluence now gets a new front-end treatment with the Renault family face integrated into it. New glossy black grille now houses a large Renault badge and headlamps get projectors and shiny black mask with chrome eyelashes. All-new front bumper is complete with daytime running lights, fog lamps and new air intakes. Body-coloured side cladding and new alloy wheels are a welcome change in profile.
There are minor yet noticeable changes on the interior, too. A silver insert across the dual-tone dashboard looks elegant and upmarket. There are silver touches on the steering wheel, around the gear knob housing and speedometer. Ah, the fantastic deign of the speedometer is gonna sweep you away, especially during night driving.
The Renault Fluence scores over its competitors in terms of space, however, rear headroom is inadequate for tall passengers. At 530 litres, the Fluence boasts of the second biggest boot in its segment. Top variant comes with dual zone climate control and leather upholstery while rear A/C vents, sunblinds and 8-speaker music system come as standard.
The Renault Fluence scores over its competitors in terms of space, however, rear headroom is inadequate for tall passengers. At 530 litres, the Fluence boasts of the second biggest boot in its segment. Top variant comes with dual zone climate control and leather upholstery while rear A/C vents, sunblinds and 8-speaker music system come as standard.
Performance
The new Fluence is available only in diesel – a 1.5-litre dCi delivering 110PS and 240Nm. It may be the least-powerful engine in the segment, but it isn’t as bad as the figures suggest. Turbolag under 2000rpm is annoying, especially in the city. There’s a sudden surge in power past 2000rpm, but you need to keep the engine on the boil to keep you entertained. It might not be as much fun to drive as many competitors, but on the flipside you get an impressive fuel economy of 20.4kmpl (ARAI tested).
The new Fluence is available only in diesel – a 1.5-litre dCi delivering 110PS and 240Nm. It may be the least-powerful engine in the segment, but it isn’t as bad as the figures suggest. Turbolag under 2000rpm is annoying, especially in the city. There’s a sudden surge in power past 2000rpm, but you need to keep the engine on the boil to keep you entertained. It might not be as much fun to drive as many competitors, but on the flipside you get an impressive fuel economy of 20.4kmpl (ARAI tested).
Ride and Handling
I admire this car for its handling prowess. Hurl it around corners and the Fluence remains composed and planted to the ground. Steering precision and high-speed stability are equally impressive. Ride quality and overall refinement are completely acceptable, with the engine and road noise remarkably isolated.
Safety
Safety is top priority as Fluence gets two front and two side airbag, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, ESP, Traction Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Fluence also gets an anti-rust warranty of 5 years / 1 lakh km and best in class warranty of 4 years / 80,000km.
Bottom-line
When Fluence was first introduced, Renault had just 14 dealerships, and now, they’ll have up to 175 by the end of the year. The grand success of Duster helped the company build a stronger presence in the industry, too. In this better environment, the Fluence is sure to garner success it always deserved.
The new Fluence is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base E2 variant and Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-end E4 variant.
I admire this car for its handling prowess. Hurl it around corners and the Fluence remains composed and planted to the ground. Steering precision and high-speed stability are equally impressive. Ride quality and overall refinement are completely acceptable, with the engine and road noise remarkably isolated.
Safety
Safety is top priority as Fluence gets two front and two side airbag, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, ESP, Traction Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Fluence also gets an anti-rust warranty of 5 years / 1 lakh km and best in class warranty of 4 years / 80,000km.
Bottom-line
When Fluence was first introduced, Renault had just 14 dealerships, and now, they’ll have up to 175 by the end of the year. The grand success of Duster helped the company build a stronger presence in the industry, too. In this better environment, the Fluence is sure to garner success it always deserved.
The new Fluence is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base E2 variant and Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-end E4 variant.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
50 new cars expected in 2013
The Maruti Suzuki A-Star will get a minor facelift and is expected to be launched in March 2013. Prices might be revised downwards to boost sales.
GM's hot seller in India will get cosmetic updates. The 2013 Beat will be launched in April and looks sharper than before.
The Toyota Etios Liva Sport will draw power from Etios sedan's 1.5-litre 89 BHP petrol engine. It is expected to hit showrooms in April 2013.
Volkswagen will launch quite a few variants of the Polo in 2013 including more powerful engines - 1.2 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel.
Fiat will launch the upgraded Punto Evo by June 2013. It has changes to both the exteriors and interiors but mechanicals are expected to remain the same
The stunning A-Class is already a success in Europe. The vehicle will be launched in May 2013 and will become the entry-level Mercedes vehicle in India.
The new Volkswagen Beetle was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo. It features various changes and will be brought in as a CBU model
The next generation Hyundai i10 will be bigger than the current one. It will be launched by the end of 2013 and could feature a 1.1-litre diesel engine
The Cross Polo is Volkswagen's temporary answer to compact SUVs till the Taigun arrives in India. This vehicle will be priced around Rs. 10 lakhs.
The 1-Series will become the entry-level BMW in India, when it is launched late next year. It will be locally assembled at BMW's Chennai facility.
Tata Motors will launch the diesel Nano by the end of 2013. The Nano diesel will be priced around Rs. 2.5 lakhs and will easily be the most frugal car in the country.
BMW will give its MINI, diesel power next year. This will make the MINI Cooper more desirable, with increased mileage and lower running costs.
Honda's first diesel car in India, the Amaze is a sub 4-metre sedan which will take on Maruti Suzuki's Swift DZire.
Tata Motors will fill the gap between the Indigo CS and Manza by launching a sub 4-metre Manza by September 2013. It will be powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine
GM will launch the sedan version of the Sail early next year. This Chevy will be powered by petrol and diesel engines and will be priced between Rs. 6.5 - 8 lakhs.
The Nissan Sunny will get a CVT automatic gearbox. It will be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine which does duty in the current Sunny.
Skoda will give minor styling changes to the Superb. The vehicle will continue to use the same set of engines as it does currently.
Renault will give the Scala an automatic gearbox as well. This will be the same CVT unit which will first debut on the Sunny AT.
After the launch of the S4, Audi plans to launch the S6 in India, which is a performance version of the A6.
Mercedes-Benz will launch a minor facelift of the E-Class by mid-2013. Changes are mainly cosmetic
The new Honda Accord will be launched in India by May 2013. It will still not get a diesel engine.
The facelifted BMW 7-Series will be launched in India next year. It will also become the most expensive car to be locally assembled in India.
Fiat will launch the Linea facelift in the last quarter of 2013. The vehicle will get minor changes to the exteriors.
Jaguar will launch the XJ Ultimate early next year. This vehicle will cost in excess of Rs. 1.2 crore and will be even more luxurious.
The Ford Fiesta received a facelift recently, which will go on sale in India by November 2013. The front is inspired from Aston Martin cars
Honda's popular City will finally get a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine by the end of next year. This engine will boost sales of the City drastically
Mahindra's sub 4-metre Verito will benefit from lower excise duties. It will be launched early next year and will be powered by a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine
Jaguar will give the XF a new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine, which will help it to compete with the German trio on pricing.
The first Skoda to be built on VW's new MQB platform, the Octavia III will be bigger than the current Laura, which it replaces
Renault will give the Duster 4-wheel drive by the end of next year. This will be offered on the top of the line 110 BHP diesel variant.
BMW will launch the X1 facelift early next year. The vehicle gets a new 8-speed automatic gearbox
The new Honda CR-V will be launched with a petrol engine only. It features improvements in many areas but no diesel for India yet
The most awaited car in India, the Ford EcoSport will be launched with both petrol and diesel engines in 2013. It will be priced aggressively.
Audi will launch the facelifted Q5 next year. The vehicle gets minor cosmetic updates along with slight revisions to the interiors.
The sharp looking Santa Fe gets the Fluidic treatment. Hyundai will offer very powerful engines on this SUV
The Volvo V40 Cross Country will rival the BMW X1. It will be priced around Rs. 28 lakhs and will be launched early next year.
Force Motors will launch the new Gurkha Trax. This vehicle measure less than 4-metres in length and will be powered by a Mercedes engine
Land Rover will launch the mildly updated Freelander 2 by May 2013. It will feature many changes to the interiors.
It is Nissan's time to re-badge Renault cars. The company will launch the Duster based SUV, which will share most of its parts with Renault's Duster
Mahindra will launch a thoroughly improved Thar, which will get better interiors along with a new diesel engine.
The new Ford Endeavour will get more powerful diesel engines along with all round improvements to the SUV.
Chrysler's entry into India will be through the Jeep brand. The first Jeep to be launched will be the Grand Cherokee, which comes via the CBU route
Maruti Suzuki will launch the production version of the XA Alpha by the end of next year. It will share underpinnings with the Swift
GM will launch the Enjoy MPV early next year. This SAIC product will be aggressively priced to take on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Ashok Leyland will launch the re-badged Evalia, calling it the Stile. It will be more appealing than the Nissan version of the NV200.
Force Motors will launch their own version of the Viano MPV. This vehicle will be priced around Rs. 15 lakhs and will feature Mercedes powertrain.
Hyundai will enter the MPV space with the launch of the production version of the Hexa Space, which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo
Audi will launch the 2013 R8 which was recently unveiled. This supercar gets minor updates to boost all round appeal even further
Jaguar's Paris showstopper, the F-Type will go on sale in the Indian market by June 2013. It will offer splendid performance and style
Lamborghini's hottest car ever, the Aventador Roadster will hit showrooms by December 2013. It will be priced above Rs. 4 crore
GM's hot seller in India will get cosmetic updates. The 2013 Beat will be launched in April and looks sharper than before.
The Toyota Etios Liva Sport will draw power from Etios sedan's 1.5-litre 89 BHP petrol engine. It is expected to hit showrooms in April 2013.
Volkswagen will launch quite a few variants of the Polo in 2013 including more powerful engines - 1.2 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel.
Fiat will launch the upgraded Punto Evo by June 2013. It has changes to both the exteriors and interiors but mechanicals are expected to remain the same
The stunning A-Class is already a success in Europe. The vehicle will be launched in May 2013 and will become the entry-level Mercedes vehicle in India.
The new Volkswagen Beetle was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo. It features various changes and will be brought in as a CBU model
The next generation Hyundai i10 will be bigger than the current one. It will be launched by the end of 2013 and could feature a 1.1-litre diesel engine
The Cross Polo is Volkswagen's temporary answer to compact SUVs till the Taigun arrives in India. This vehicle will be priced around Rs. 10 lakhs.
The 1-Series will become the entry-level BMW in India, when it is launched late next year. It will be locally assembled at BMW's Chennai facility.
Tata Motors will launch the diesel Nano by the end of 2013. The Nano diesel will be priced around Rs. 2.5 lakhs and will easily be the most frugal car in the country.
BMW will give its MINI, diesel power next year. This will make the MINI Cooper more desirable, with increased mileage and lower running costs.
Honda's first diesel car in India, the Amaze is a sub 4-metre sedan which will take on Maruti Suzuki's Swift DZire.
Tata Motors will fill the gap between the Indigo CS and Manza by launching a sub 4-metre Manza by September 2013. It will be powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine
GM will launch the sedan version of the Sail early next year. This Chevy will be powered by petrol and diesel engines and will be priced between Rs. 6.5 - 8 lakhs.
The Nissan Sunny will get a CVT automatic gearbox. It will be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine which does duty in the current Sunny.
Skoda will give minor styling changes to the Superb. The vehicle will continue to use the same set of engines as it does currently.
Renault will give the Scala an automatic gearbox as well. This will be the same CVT unit which will first debut on the Sunny AT.
After the launch of the S4, Audi plans to launch the S6 in India, which is a performance version of the A6.
Mercedes-Benz will launch a minor facelift of the E-Class by mid-2013. Changes are mainly cosmetic
The new Honda Accord will be launched in India by May 2013. It will still not get a diesel engine.
The facelifted BMW 7-Series will be launched in India next year. It will also become the most expensive car to be locally assembled in India.
Fiat will launch the Linea facelift in the last quarter of 2013. The vehicle will get minor changes to the exteriors.
Jaguar will launch the XJ Ultimate early next year. This vehicle will cost in excess of Rs. 1.2 crore and will be even more luxurious.
The Ford Fiesta received a facelift recently, which will go on sale in India by November 2013. The front is inspired from Aston Martin cars
Honda's popular City will finally get a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine by the end of next year. This engine will boost sales of the City drastically
Mahindra's sub 4-metre Verito will benefit from lower excise duties. It will be launched early next year and will be powered by a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine
Jaguar will give the XF a new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine, which will help it to compete with the German trio on pricing.
The first Skoda to be built on VW's new MQB platform, the Octavia III will be bigger than the current Laura, which it replaces
Renault will give the Duster 4-wheel drive by the end of next year. This will be offered on the top of the line 110 BHP diesel variant.
BMW will launch the X1 facelift early next year. The vehicle gets a new 8-speed automatic gearbox
The new Honda CR-V will be launched with a petrol engine only. It features improvements in many areas but no diesel for India yet
The most awaited car in India, the Ford EcoSport will be launched with both petrol and diesel engines in 2013. It will be priced aggressively.
Audi will launch the facelifted Q5 next year. The vehicle gets minor cosmetic updates along with slight revisions to the interiors.
The sharp looking Santa Fe gets the Fluidic treatment. Hyundai will offer very powerful engines on this SUV
The Volvo V40 Cross Country will rival the BMW X1. It will be priced around Rs. 28 lakhs and will be launched early next year.
Force Motors will launch the new Gurkha Trax. This vehicle measure less than 4-metres in length and will be powered by a Mercedes engine
Land Rover will launch the mildly updated Freelander 2 by May 2013. It will feature many changes to the interiors.
It is Nissan's time to re-badge Renault cars. The company will launch the Duster based SUV, which will share most of its parts with Renault's Duster
Mahindra will launch a thoroughly improved Thar, which will get better interiors along with a new diesel engine.
The new Ford Endeavour will get more powerful diesel engines along with all round improvements to the SUV.
Chrysler's entry into India will be through the Jeep brand. The first Jeep to be launched will be the Grand Cherokee, which comes via the CBU route
Maruti Suzuki will launch the production version of the XA Alpha by the end of next year. It will share underpinnings with the Swift
GM will launch the Enjoy MPV early next year. This SAIC product will be aggressively priced to take on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Ashok Leyland will launch the re-badged Evalia, calling it the Stile. It will be more appealing than the Nissan version of the NV200.
Force Motors will launch their own version of the Viano MPV. This vehicle will be priced around Rs. 15 lakhs and will feature Mercedes powertrain.
Hyundai will enter the MPV space with the launch of the production version of the Hexa Space, which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo
Audi will launch the 2013 R8 which was recently unveiled. This supercar gets minor updates to boost all round appeal even further
Jaguar's Paris showstopper, the F-Type will go on sale in the Indian market by June 2013. It will offer splendid performance and style
Lamborghini's hottest car ever, the Aventador Roadster will hit showrooms by December 2013. It will be priced above Rs. 4 crore
- The Maruti Suzuki A-Star will get a minofacelift and is expected to be launched in March 2013. Prices might be revised downwards to boost sales.
- GM's hot seller in India will get cosmetic updates. The 2013 Beat will be launched in April and looks sharper than before.
- The Toyota Etios Liva Sport will draw power from Etios sedan's 1.5-litre 89 BHP petrol engine. It is expected to hit showrooms in April 2013.
- Volkswagen will launch quite a few variants of the Polo in 2013 including more powerful engines - 1.2 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel.
- Fiat will launch the upgraded Punto Evo by June 2013. It has changes to both the exteriors and interiors but mechanicals are expected to remain the same.
- The stunning A-Class is already a success in Europe. The vehicle will be launched in May 2013 and will become the entry-level Mercedes vehicle in India.
- The new Volkswagen Beetle was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo. It features various changes and will be brought in as a CBU model.
- The next generation Hyundai i10 will be bigger than the current one. It will be launched by the end of 2013 and could feature a 1.1-litre diesel engine.
- The Cross Polo is Volkswagen's temporary answer to compact SUVs till the Taigun arrives in India. This vehicle will be priced around Rs. 10 lakhs.
- The 1-Series will become the entry-level BMW in India, when it is launched late next year. It will be locally assembled at BMW's Chennai facility.
- Tata Motors will launch the diesel Nano by the end of 2013. The Nano diesel will be priced around Rs. 2.5 lakhs and will easily be the most frugal car in the country.
- BMW will give its MINI, diesel power next year. This will make the MINI Cooper more desirable, with increased mileage and lower running costs.
- Honda's first diesel car in India, the Amaze is a sub 4-metre sedan which will take on Maruti Suzuki's Swift DZire.
- Tata Motors will fill the gap between the Indigo CS and Manza by launching a sub 4-metre Manza by September 2013. It will be powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine.
- GM will launch the sedan version of the Sail early next year. This Chevy will be powered by petrol and diesel engines and will be priced between Rs. 6.5 - 8 lakhs.
- The Nissan Sunny will get a CVT automatic gearbox. It will be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine which does duty in the current Sunny.
- Skoda will give minor styling changes to the Superb. The vehicle will continue to use the same set of engines as it does currently.
- Renault will give the Scala an automatic gearbox as well. This will be the same CVT unit which will first debut on the Sunny AT.
- After the launch of the S4, Audi plans to launch the S6 in India, which is a performance version of the A6.
- Mercedes-Benz will launch a minor facelift of the E-Class by mid-2013. Changes are mainly cosmetic.
- The new Honda Accord will be launched in India by May 2013. It will still not get a diesel engine.
- The facelifted BMW 7-Series will be launched in India next year. It will also become the most expensive car to be locally assembled in India.
- Fiat will launch the Linea facelift in the last quarter of 2013. The vehicle will get minor changes to the exteriors.
- Jaguar will launch the XJ Ultimate early next year. This vehicle will cost in excess of Rs. 1.2 crore and will be even more luxurious.
- The Ford Fiesta received a facelift recently, which will go on sale in India by November 2013. The front is inspired from Aston Martin cars.
- Honda's popular City will finally get a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine by the end of next year. This engine will boost sales of the City drastically
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