Next Generation Renault/Dacia Logan unveiled at Paris Motor Show

     Though being a good car Renault Logan could not make a mark, thanks to its old boxy looks. The number of cabs (Meru) is a classical example why Logan was chosen; it had good fuel efficiency and more space for both passenger and luggage. Renault/Dacia has unveiled the next generation Logan at the Paris Motor Show which indeed is a head turner. But the bad news is it will not make it to India.

     As you see in the picture, the next generation Logan retains its boxy architecture but looks better now. The headlamps and wide grill gel with the sturdy looking body and the rear resign though simple looks good.

     The video below shows you the interiors of the next generation Logan and we are sure many would like to have one in India. Does Renault think again and bring the new Logan to India... that seems like an impossible happening. 

Next Generation Renault/Dacia Logan Video

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Duster prices hiked by Rs. 30-40 thousand, bookings cross 20,000

     Renault has hiked the prices of its mini SUV ‘Duster’ by Rs. 30,000 to 40,000. The new price is effective from 1^st October 2012. Renault has crossed bookings of 20,000 Dusters and to cash on some profits, Renault has hiked the prices.

     According to the company the price hike is due to hike in input costs and depreciation of rupee. Customers who have booked the Duster in August are safeguarded from the price hike. Currently the Duster has a waiting period of 2 to 4 months. 

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Scala launched in India

     Renault has officially launched its Scala sedan in India priced between Rs. 6.99 lakh to Rs. 9.57 lakh. The Renault Scala is basically the same Nissan Sunny but with some changes in the front and rear. The Scala is available in two petrol – RxE, RxL and two diesel – RxL, RxZ variants.

     We in our earlier post had showed pictures of Renault Scala due for the photo shoot. As we see from the picture the Scala has more dynamic front end with the Bulgarian beard type grill. The rear has been redesigned smartly to make the car look like a premium sedan. There are no changes in the interior except for the logo on the steering wheel.

     Renault Scala is powered by a 1.5L petol and 1.5L diesel engine. The 1.5L petrol motor (codename: XH2) generates power of 99 Ps @ 6000 rpm and torqe of 134 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The diesel sibling (codenamed: K9K) has a power of 86 Ps @ 3750 rpm and torqe of 200 Nm @ 2000 rpm.

     The Renault Scala promises to give promises to give value for money for its customers. The fuel efficiency of the diesel variant is class leading with over 23 Kmpl. Renault has priced the Scala above the Nissan Sunny as that is the way the two partners have deciced to price their vehicle be it Micra or Sunny. The Renault Scala is available in 6 different colour shades - Solid Black, Metallic Red, Flipped Grey, Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Metallic Blue.

Continue Reading | comments (1)

Renault Scala clear pictures, adds a CVT varaint

     Our friend Indianautosblog has posted clear pictures of soon to be launched Renault Scala. We thought we will show you these pictures of Renault Scala and tell you how it is different from the Nissan Sunny.

     As you can see from the pictures and our earlier post, the Scala is a rebadged Nissan Sunny with some modifications in the front and rear. The Scala features Renault’s distinctive styling in the front bumper (bull dog face appearance), redesigned headlamps and ofcourse the prominent Renault’s diamond logo. In the rear the tail lamp design remains the same but the assembly cluster has been changed which has indicator lights continuing with the chrome strip on the boot. The Scala written on the chrome strip reminds us of the Duster.

     The Scala will be powered by both petrol and diesel motors. The petrol engine is 1.5L with 99 Ps power and fuel efficiency of 16.95 Kmpl and the diesel motor produces 86 Ps of power and 21.54 Kmpl of fuel efficiency (Fuel efficiency figures as per ARAI).

     Renault Scala will be launched in the first week of September. The front and rear of Scala has been designed by Indian designers at Renault’s design studio in Mumbai. A CVT variant is an addition to the petrol model in comparison with the Nissan Sunny. Scala will be sold in two petrol (RxE, RxZ) and two diesel (RxL and RxZ) trims.

Continue Reading | comments

Scoop: Renault Scala spied just before the launch

     Ever since Renault hinted about a sedan launch from its stable, we had lot of curiosity of how would a Renault sedan would look. But what we see now is just a rebadged Nissan Sunny which will be sold in the name of Renault Scala in India. Of course you can see little changes in the front and rear which make Scala look bit different than the Sunny.

     To remind, Renault had launched Pulse which is again a rebadged Micra. The Pulse is selling less than quarter of the Micra sales and its surprising to see what prompted Renault to launch a Nissan car again with its badge. Renault has already done in mistake in the form of Logon which has dented its image of a premium car maker and we doubt these strategies of cost cutting by means of badge and light cosmetic change will restore Renault’s brand identity.

     Coming back to Scala, the front end reminds you of the Pulse, the you Bulgarian Bulldog front grill looks prominent. We came across many articles where Pulse face has been appreciated compared to the Micra’s we feel the Nissan cars have a better looking front end. In the rear you find redesigned tail lamps which indeed look better than the Sunny. As seen in the picture, the alloy wheels have been carried from the Pulse and no changes in the interior except for the Renault logo on the steering wheel.

     The Scala is powered by a set of 1.5L petrol and diesel engines with 98 and 85 bhp respectively. Yes they are the same engines which power the Nissan sedan. Renault will price Scala bit higher than the Sunny, keeping in mind the brand hierarchy in the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Final words from us – Renault has a long way to go in India!!!

Picture Source: Autocarindia

Continue Reading | comments

Renault to launch Duster in India on 26th June

     The long awaited Renault Duster SUV will be launched in India on 26^th of June 2012. Renault has been testing Duster in India from 2 months and spy pictures of Duster have been posted in many Indian automobile blogs. Renault wants to launch the Duster before the Ford Ecosport which has also been found testing without camouflage recently.

     Renault Duster will come with both petrol and diesel variants. The base 1.6 L petrol variant will be priced around Rs. 6.5 lakh (ex showroom) and its diesel counterpart will have a price tag of Rs. 7.5 lakh (ex- showroom).

     The Duster launching in India will have some changes to the one shown at the Auto Expo earlier this year. The Indian version of Duster has black finish on the lower part of front bumper, black part on wing mirrors as compared to the International model which has full body colour on front bumper and wing mirrors.

     The Duster will come in five trim levels. The petrol vehicle is powered by a 1.6L engine with 120 Bhp of power and the diesel is powered by 1.5L engine with two different outputs of 85 Bhp and 110 Bhp. 

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Duster to be priced at Rs. 6 - 7 lakh?

     We found an interesting article posted at Indianautosblog which mentioned the Duster to be priced at Rs. 6 lakh for the petrol version and a lakh more for the diesel one. It is indeed very surprising to hear about Renault vehicle price so competitively. Assuming Renault prices Duster at Rs. 6 lakh for petrol and Rs. 7 lakh for diesel, of course it would be ex-showroom New Delhi, which means Duster petrol will cost around Rs. 7.5 to 8.5 lakh on road  Bangalore. It is a very competitive price and seems that Renault will hit the nail at the right place.

     Renault with its three launches till now – Fluence, Koleos & Pulse has not been able to sell good volumes to get desired market share. The fourth launch which will be the Duster is a trump card for Renault, which Renault do not want to lose out. With clever packaging and such competitive price Renault could finally get a food hold on Indian market.

     The Duster will be powered by the same 1.5L petrol and diesel engines which powers the Nissan Micra and Sunny. A more powerful diesel option with a turbo having 110 Bhp will also find its place under the Duster’s hood. The great ground clearance, solid build and practicality will place the Duster at the top in the minds of customers looking to buy Ertiga or any other SUV. Any comments?

Continue Reading | comments (2)

Renault updates details of Duster on its Indian site, launch in June

     Renault Duster is the vehicle which has been waited in India by many SUV enthusiasts. The good news is that Renault has updated the details of Duster on its Indian site which means the launch is around the corner. Expect the Duster launch in India by June 2012.

Here is what Renault’s Indian website says about the Duster - 

Stylish Chrome grille

Twin barrel headlamps

16” Alloy Wheels, Front Fog Lamps

Keyless entry

ABS with Brake Assist & EBD

Dual front Airbags

Plush Leather Upholstery

4 Speaker Music System with USB, AUX-IN & Bluetooth Connectivity

Satellite Audio & phone control

Rear Defogger, rear wiper & washer

Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Rear parking sensors

A Boot capacity of 475 litres

     Renault has been testing the Duster on Indian roads for over two months. Spy pictures of Duster being tested near Chennai were posted on many automobile sites. The stylish and muscular body of Duster reminds us of a war tank and we believe the vehicle is built to be tough as it looks.

     The Duster is a major trump card for Renault which has not been able to convert its quality cars into success. The launch of Fluence, Koleos and Pulse might have given Renault the brand equity but the true potential of Renault is still not proven. Renault has plan properly for Duster, especially in the price issues to make a mark in Indian automobile industry.

Continue Reading | comments

Renault launches petrol variant of Pulse hatch

     Having seen success (though little) from its diesel Pulse French car maker Renault has launched petrol variant of the car in India. Renault had launched the diesel Pulse earlier in this year at time of Auto Expo 2012. The Renault Pulse petrol is priced between Rs. 4.24 -5.5 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi. It is available in three trim levels - RxE, RxL, RxZ . 

     The Pulse petrol is powered by Renault's XH5 petrol engine. The XH5 engine has 3 cylinders with capacity of 1200cc and 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC valve trian. It pumps out peak power of 75 Bhp @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The engine is coupled to a 5 speed manual transmission. The overall dimensions of Pulse petrol are Length - 3805 mm, Width - 1665mm, Height - 1530, Wheel Base - 2450mm. It has a boot space of 251 liters. 

The Renault Pulse is available in 6 different colours:

Champagne Gold

Metallic Grey

Metallic Red

Metallic Silver

Pearl White

Solid Black

Price of Renault Pulse petrol (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

Renault Pulse RxE Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.25 Lakh

Renault Pulse RxL Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.99 Lakh

Renault Pulse RxZ Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.55 Lakh

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Scala, the rebadged Nissan Sunny for India

     It is indeed a good news to hear that Renault is launching a sedan in India by the mid of this year. But again Renault has disappointed us because the sedan named Scala will be the same Nissan Sunny with a Renault badge.


     The Scala will be powered by the same Sunny’s 1.5L diesel engine. Only the diesel version is expected to be launched though Renault has not ruled out petrol Scala at a later date. Like the Pulse, the Scala is expected to have some cosmetic changes to differentiate it from Sunny and the changes will be minimal in the form of redesigned bumpers and grill.

     With Scala, the Renault-Nissan alliance seems to be going strong in India. To avoid cannibalization Renault will price the Scala little higher than the Sunny. At last what we have to say is, just by changing the name and bumpers you cannot make us believe that a new car is being launched. Renault has failed once; don’t know why they are repeating the mistakes. Renault, are u hearing? 

Continue Reading | comments

Renault launches upgraded Fluence diesel in India

     Renault has launched an upgraded variant (E4) of Fluence diesel in India. The E4 trim which was available only in petrol version is now available in diesel which now becomes Rs. 1.5 lakh dearer than the base E2 variant. The E4 variant is priced at Rs. 15.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Bookings for the diesel E4 variant have already started.

     The E4 diesel variant gets Chrome Finish on Window Sill and Trunk Lid, Automatic Healdlamp, Rain sensing wiper (2 Speed + Intermittent Variable), Rear Parking Sensors and Side Chest Level Airbags on the Front Seats. 

     There are some changes in the interiors as well. The E4 variant now gets Plush Leather Upholstery with beige interior which adds to the premium look of the vehicle. There is Dual Zone Auto Climate Control with rear AC vents to keep the cabin temperature at one’s need. The car also get Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Rear sunblinds and electrically operated outside rear view mirrors which fold with tough of a button. The inner rear view mirror gets ElectroChrome treatment. 

Continue Reading | comments

Scoop: Renault Duster spied in India

     The Renault’s SUV for India, the Duster has been spied for first time in India. According to Renault’s Indian website, the Duster will be launched in India in September next year, which means we see Duster on Indian roads by March-April 2012. The Duster will be Renault’s 4th launch after Fluence, Koleos and Pulse. The Pulse small car which is based on Nissan Micra will be officially launched at Auto Expo 2012 in January.


     The Duster is a key vehicle in Renault’s Indian portfolio. The current launches – Fluence and Koleos have not made a good impact on the Indian customers, thanks to their high prices and slump in car sales. This leaves Renault to depend heavily on the Pulse and Duster. Since Pulse is just a facelift of Nissan Micra, we doubt it will have anything to turn around Renault’s fortune. The only vehicle which according to us can keep the Renault on a success path is the Duster, but of course if Renault prices Duster sensibly.

     Now coming back to the spy picture of the Duster, Autocarindia could manage to get couple of snaps which the SUV was undergoing test runs. We have often seen car manufacturers test their new vehicles with camouflage in India before it is launched. There was a speculation about Duster’s launch in India, but since it has been spied here, it is definitely going to be launched in India.


     According to Autocarindia, the Duster will be available in 5 variants. The base variant will come with a 1.6 L petrol engine and is likely to be priced at Rs. 7 lakh. There will be two versions of diesel engine, both with 1.5L capacity (currently powering the Fluence) but with different power outputs. An entry level diesel variant will have 85 Bhp output where as the top of the line variant will get 110 Bhp output engine.

     Since the Duster is based on Logan platform, it will have the same interiors and switches of the Logan. But we guess Renault redesign the Duster interior to keep it fresh and attractive. The Duster will not come into under 4 meter length mark, so it will not have any excises sops. But according to sources, the Duster range in India will be priced between Rs. 7 -11 lakh. Let’s wait and see what Renault does.

Picture Source: Autocarindia

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Duster RxE 85 Ps Diesel Specifications

Price: Rs. 8,00,702/- Ex-showroom, Bangalore as of 1^st Sep 2012

Variants:  RxL 85 Ps Diesel

Dimensions

Length: 4315 mm
Width: 1822 mm
Height: 1695 mm
Wheel Base: 2673 mm
Ground Clearance: 205 mm
Front Track: 1560 mm
Rear Track: 1567 mm
Gross Weight: 1740 mm
No. of Doors: 5 Door SUV

Capacities
Seating Capacity: 5 Persons

Trunk/Boot Capacity: 475 & 1064 (with rear seats folded)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters

Engine
Type: 1.5 dCi K9K Diesel      
Displacement: 1461 cc        
Power: 110 Ps @ 3900 rpm
Torque: 248 Nm @ 2250 rpm
No Of Cylinders: 4
Cylinder Configuration: Inline

Transmission
Type: 5 Speed Manual
Gears: 5 Forward, 1 Reverse

Steering
Type: Hydraulic Power Assisted
Min Turning Radius: NA

Suspension
Front: Independent McPherson Strut with Coil Springs & Anti-Roll Bar
Rear: Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Springs & Anti-Roll Bar

Brakes

Type: Hydraulically Operated Diagonal Split Dual Circuit Braking
Front: Ventilated Disc
Rear: Disc

Wheels and Tyres
Wheel Size: 16 Inch Steel
Tyres Size & Type: 215/65 R16 Tubeless

[NA - Not Available]

Renault Duster Variant Specifications

RxE, RxL (Petrol)

RxL 85 Ps, RxL 110 Ps, RxZ 110 Ps (Diesel)

Renault Duster Colours:

Metallic Woodland Brown

Metallic Fiery Red

Pearl Supreme White

Metallic Moonlight Silver

Pearl Galaxy Black

Metallic Graphite Grey

Continue Reading | comments

Renault Pulse unveiled in India, looks very similar to Micra

     Renault today unveiled its small car for India named ‘Pulse’. The Renault Pulse looks very similar to Nissan Micra, and why not both Pulse and Micra has been built on the same Renault-Nissan JV developed V-platform.


     However we expected to see some change in the body panels between Micra and Pulse. What we see is the Pulse has just some changes to the front and rear bumper will some modifications to the headlamps. The interiors of Pulse seem to be borrowed directly from the Micra.

     Having built a new car very similar to an already existing car on Indian roads, it is very interesting to see how Renault prices its Pulse.


     Stay tuned for more details of Renault Pulse….

Continue Reading | comments

Renault small car for India is Pulse, unveil on 29th October

     Renault’s much awaited small car for India will be 'Pulse' (codename B58). In our earlier post we had mentioned that the Renault’s mall car for India will be ‘Modus’ as Renault Modus was spied testing in India. But the small car from Renault for India will be an entirely new car based on Renault-Nissan V (versatile) platform. Renault’s global partner Nissan has also built a small car ‘Micra’ on this V platform. So expect to see lot of component sharing between Nissan Micra and Renault Pulse.


     Since there is sharing of platform, the Renault Pulse will also be powered by the same petrol and diesel engine from Micra. The 1.2L 3 cylinder petrol engine produces Ps while the 1.5L diesel motors produces 63 Ps. To differentiate from Micra, Renault will give a brand new styling to the Pulse which is expected to have the French essence. The odd shaped grill with Renault’s diamond logo will be the highlight of the car. Interiors and some mechanical switches are likely to be borrowed from Micra.

     
The Renault Pulse will be unveiled at the beginning of Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn will be present at the unveiling of the car and beginning of Indian Grand Prix to show the company’s solidarity towards India’s first Formula 1 race. However the car will be commercially launched at the Auto Expo 2012 in January 2012.

Continue Reading | comments (1)

Renault’s small car for India is not Modus

     In our earlier post we had showed you the spy picture of Renault Modus being tested in Chennai. Our friend Indianautosblog has confirmed that it is not the Modus which will be launched in India as a Renault’s small car.

     After the appearance of the spy pictures of Modus being tested on Indian roads, Indianautosblog did a background search of the vehicle which mismatched the Renault’s V platform hatchback. Hence they called up a Renault official who confirmed that Modus was testing in India as part of the “validation testing in eight countries for the next generation Modus.” So does Renault launch the next generation Modus in India at a later date? No idea.

Renault does validation tests in different countries for unknown parameters. Renault cars are tested in various conditions to check the cars response to intense dust, heat, moisture and other natural elements.

     So what could be Renault’s small car for India will be? As Renault has mentioned the small car will be built on it ‘V’ platform we guess it will be an all new product designed right from the scratch just for India. Manufacturers like Toyota and Honda are creating country specific products (Etios and Brio) and we guess even Renault might also have similar plans. Why not, after all Renault with its Clio has sold maximum number of small cars in Europe. Does it planning to do it in India? We feel Renault definitely has a chance, provided they work on the price strategies. 

Continue Reading | comments

Renault to make India as manufacturing hub for Duster

     French car maker Renault is aiming big with its SUV Duster in India. Renault is planning to make India as the exclusive manufacturing and export hub of its SUV Duster. The Duster SUV will be launched in second half of next year.

     The Duster with its solid and muscular built seems to be best utility vehicle suited for Indian conditions. The segment currently dominated by Bolero will see a strong completion from Duster, provided Renault prices it competitively. The Duster is expected to be priced between Rs. 7-9 lakh which will be a value for money product in the segment.


     The Duster will be powered by the same 1.5L dCi engine of Logan and Micra. However, we feel the 1.5L engine would too small for the Duster size, Renault would definitely work on the power and troque issues before fitting it into the Duster. A 1.6L petrol engine is also on the cards. The Duster will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. The vehicle will look same for both India and international markets barging some cosmetic changes in the looks.

Continue Reading | comments

Scoop: Renault’s small car for India is 'Modus', spied testing in Chennai

     At the time of the launch of Fluence sedan, Renault in its Indian website had mentioned about a small car for India supposed to be launched at Auto Expo 2012. The car shown in the website was covered, which has been revealed now. The small car will be Renault Modus and guess what? Renault on its website now has mentioned about its launch in this winter. This means the Modus will be launched in India by November this year. We guess the launch of new Swift and Etios Liva has prompted Renault to fasten its small car launch.

     The Modus has been spied being tested in Chennai where Renault in association with Nissan has its manufacturing plant. The spy pictures were provided by Mr. JRAJE of Team-Bhp. Though only the rear spy pictures of the car is available, we googled for Modus and found the vehicle. We are sharing the complete picture of the car with you folks…

Continue Reading | comments

2012 Renault Twingo facelift revealed

     Renault has revealed the the 2012 Twingo facelift. The next generation Twingo will be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this year and will go no sale next year.


     The new Twingo features a big Renault logo in the front, a big grill and additional bumper mounted head lamps. The 2012 Twingo’s design signals a new design paradigm for Renault.


     Renault’s small car for India will be shown at the Auto Expo 2012 in January next year. Since the outline of the car which is shown in Renault India’s website resembles that of the Twingo (tall stance), we expect lots sharings between the two cars.

Source: worldcarfans

Continue Reading | comments

Renault unveils Frendzy concept

     French car maker Renault has unveiled the Frendzy concept ahead of its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. The Frendzy concept could be the next Kango, a highly successful vehicle from Renault.


     The Frendzy concept is a MPV with canvas roof and sliding rear passenger doors with digital display on it. The interior is futuristic with lots of gizmos. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that develops 60 PS and 226 Nm of torque.

Source: Renault via Worldcarfans

Continue Reading | comments