Renault Archives

Renault OpenR puts a huge smartphone in the car

Car manufacturers are constantly introducing new technology in their models, often (but not always) starting at the top end due to the high initial cost. The innovative technology may be unique to the manufacturer and is described in detail but gets lost as the model it is in may also be significant as well. But over time, the innovative technology starts to spread to other models and becomes a standard feature. Two examples would be the Mercedes-Benz MBUX and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit which can be found in every new model each manufacturer launches.

Renault too has a new breakthrough in on-board technology that it is now introducing, and it would be worthwhile remembering that it first appeared at the beginning of 2022. It’s called OpenR and takes the touchscreen to a new level. In time, it will surely start to appear in other new models to come.

Evolution of displays over 35 years
The first production car with a touchscreen was the Buick Riviera some 35 years ago. Since then, in-vehicle electronics have come a long way, with the hardware becoming more efficient, the experience smoother, and screens getting larger and having higher resolution. Navigation is now effortless and intuitive, and the applications can be easily updated ‘over the air’, so they always perform at their best.

And one thing hasn’t changed much recently: multimedia systems in vehicles are looking more and more like smartphones. The main challenge for Renault when developing its new Megane E-TECH Electric was to offer an even better interface enabling customers to find everything they need very fast and intuitively.

Totally new electronic architecture
To achieve this, an electronic architecture like nothing the market has seen before was developed. It modernises driver assistance systems and enhances viewing comfort, and the Megane E-TECH Electric is the first car to get it.

From where the driver is sitting, the striking feature of Open R is its sweeping digital display made of up two screens forming an ‘L’. The vertical 12-inch screen is on the car’s centre console, with a horizontal 12.3-inch screen is built into the dashboard, behind the steering wheel.

Together, the two screens span 774 sq. cm. and maximise the display area to provide an immersive experience. They are the biggest screens Renault has ever built into a vehicle, with the glass panels blending into the cockpit’s lines. They are in the best position for the driver to see it and operate easily, to take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities without taking their eyes off the road.

CMF-EV platform
The technical feat overlaps with the arrival of the all-new CMF-EV platform for electric vehicles. Thanks to it offering new design flexibility, the engineers were able to move the air-conditioning unit into what used to be called the ‘engine bay’ (but now has only an electric motor). This freed up more space in the cockpit which, in turn, allowed the centre console to have a large and flush screen. The shifter and MULTI-SENSE interface are also transferred to the steering wheel, improving ergonomics and opening up more space in the middle of the passenger compartment and on the centre console.

While touchscreens and digital displays have allowed many functions to be placed on the screens, Renault’s designers have not been ‘excessive’ in this trend. They maintain some physical buttons – for example, to adjust the air-conditioning – in a subtle way beneath the central screen. This line of chrome-plated buttons looks natural in the cockpit and avoids the ‘fake’, unused buttons beneath the console that previous vehicle generations often had.

Like the latest smartphones, the OpenR screen (made by Continental) uses aluminosilicate-based Gorilla-type glass. It is tempered, ultra-resistant to shocks, scratch-proof and estimated to last 15 years. It comes with anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating. The ultra-fine contouring protects the screen’s edges. The HD quality of the TFT panel and finish combine to yield crystal-clear images.

The dashboard screen also has anti-reflective coating, and uses advanced micro-blinds technology (the technology that privacy screens for computers use). This means the ‘visor’ that usually shields the meters from sunlight is no longer needed – so the interior design is even sleeker. As for brightness, the panels adapt to outdoor light levels, so they are easier to read and don’t tire the eyes of the driver.

With OpenR, the user experience is said to be a lot like having a smartphone built into the car. This is a good approach since most people would be very familiar with their smartphone. That way, they don’t have to learn to use a whole new system.

Linked to Google ecosystem
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available but the interface is designed to avoid having to use a phone altogether. All the features are at users’ fingertips, and the OpenR Link system runs on the Android OS, so all the familiar apps are there. Being associated with the Google ecosystem means that drivers can have all the classic and favourite apps brought into the car, and they also enjoy customisation like on their smartphone. And being plugged into Google’s ecosystem also means that the car can be part of their ‘digital life’.

These include the popular Google Maps which, on a screen that is 6 times bigger than an average smartphone screen, will give a much better user experience. Google Maps has also been optimised for electric cars and includes a route planner specifically for such zero emission vehicles. The planner can factor in real-time vehicle data, weather information and other variables to suggest a stop at a charging station, tell the driver what the battery charge level will be on arrival at that charging station, and tell them how long it will take to charge the battery. It can also estimate the battery charge level when the car reaches its destination.

As many drivers have found, using Google Maps means that they can get updated maps as millions of users help contribute and improve Google’s database. So unlike earlier on-board navigation systems where owners had to periodically obtain new digital maps (for a fee), Google Maps is constantly updated – and it’s free.

On the hardware side, Renault chose American specialist Qualcomm which has supplied its third-generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit platform. This is built around an ultra efficient processor that has plenty of extra capacity to handle future applications. As a result, the motion on the screen is 7 times smoother than with the previous generation. Qualcomm will also offer its expertise in connectivity, digital cockpits and visualisation, its service platform, as well as driver assistance – including autonomous driving.

However, the screens, computing power and system also require some form of ‘intelligence’ behind the human-machine interface (HMI). For that, Renault approached South Korea’s LG Electronics, which developed the software platform to pair the two screens so the driver can display the navigation maps on the display behind the steering wheel.

*The new Renault Megane E-TECH Electric.*

Renault AIR4 concept for travelling on highways in the sky (w/VIDEO)

The Renault 4 may not be of great significance to Malaysians but it is nevertheless a very special model to Renault and was popular in Europe. Though it was marketed as a stationwagon, it was really the world’s first hatchback. Over 8 million units were produced between 1961 and 1992.

The carmaker has been having various events to celebrate the models 60th anniversary this year and besides the SUITE N°4 concept shown earlier, it has also created a futuristic showcar as a reinterpretation of the iconic model.

A ‘blue jeans’ car
The original Renault 4 was a simple, efficient and versatile vehicle – a ‘blue jeans’ car, as the former head of Renault Group, Pierre Dreyfus, used to describe it. It was versatile, conveying families, helping businesses and even providing transport for the French police and postal service. And of course, it enabled several generations of young motorists to start motoring. Its values and qualities convinced TheArsenale, a design hub, to collaborate with Renault to reimagine a 4L.

*The original 4L, an iconic model which was probably the first hatchback in the world when it was launched in 1961.*

For highways in the air
The AIR4, as it is called, is designed to drive along the unmarked highways above our heads. This unprecedented approach is a symbol of independence and freedom, born out of the realisation that traffic is compounding; lives are grinding to a halt, and the world above us is unhampered. Thus, the AIR4 claims the air as the new road of the future.

Design-wise, the reinterpretation of the retro icon is far removed from the modern car design language. The vehicle, entirely made of carbonfibre, maintains the same lines and contained mass of the original 4L, but with new dynamic capabilities. The rigidity has been completely revised to include new concepts such as thrust or lift, which required hours of calculations and tests.

Drawing on generative design techniques using artificial intelligence, TheArsenale’s engineers were able to test terabytes of data to improve and fine-tune the designers’ ideas, even before starting the first real-world trials (yes, it actually does fly).

Propulsion by propellers
To move around, the AIR4 does not use wheels. Instead, it features 4 two-blade propellers, one at each corner of the vehicle, like a drone. The chassis sits in the middle of the rota frame, and the driver can access and take a seat in the utilitarian cabin of the vehicle by lifting the reimagined Renault 4 shell, which is hinged at the front.

Power comes from by 22,000 mAh lithium polymer batteries that generate a total power of 90,000 mAh. The vehicle can travel horizontally at up to 26 metres a second or 94 km/h. It can climb at an angle of up to 70° and reach an altitude of 700 metres. The take-off speed is 14 metres/second (50 km/h) and landing velocity is 3 metres/second (11 km/h).

This vehicle is the first product from TheArsenale’s ROAD TO AIR division, which envisions the future transport network to be in the sky. The AIR4 is the brainchild of Patrice Meignan, CEO and Founder of TheArsenale, who sought to create a new kind of vehicle that provokes emotion, establishes brand identity and offers pleasure.

On public display
The AIR4 will be on public display at the Atelier Renault in the vibrant centre of Paris. Next year, it will be shown in Miami (perhaps at the first ever F1 race there in May) and then New York, before a pit stop in Macau.

“After a year-long of celebration we wanted to create something unconventional to close up the 60th anniversary of 4L,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “This collaboration with TheArsenale was a natural fit. The flying showcar AIR4 is something unseen yet and a wink to how this icon could look like in another 60 years.”

SUITE N°4 – the original hatchback reinvented as a 21st century EV

The Renault 4 was unveiled right at the start of the 1960s, a time when people in France were beginning to leave their country lives behind them and move closer to urban areas. However, public transport links left much to be desired, particularly on the outskirts of towns and cities. People began to feel the need for a car suitable for rural and urban areas alike, a car they could drive to the shops or to work. It was also a time when increasing numbers of women were in employment and households’ purchasing power began to expand.

Against that backdrop, the car that would soon come to be known as the ‘4L’ provided a 24/7 solution for both urban and rural living – all thanks to the humble hatch at the back. The fifth door – which is in cars we call ‘hatchbacks‘ – meant that the new Renault 4 quickly became a ‘social phenomenon’.

*The Renault 4L launched in 1961 and (below), a 21st century version of the car that started the hatchback bodystyle.*

The man behind the project, Pierre Dreyfus, CEO of Renault from 1955 to 1975, explained to his teams that he wanted to see ‘a high loading volume’ for a ‘blue jean’ car – meaning a car that would suit people of all ages and social classes around the world. Over 8 million units would be sold in more than 100 countries during a period spanning more than 30 years, so it is safe to say his wish was granted.

“The hatch on the 4L gave rise to a new car model and a new car feature,” said Hugues Portron, Managing Director of Renault Classic. “This wonderful invention resulted in a vehicle that was a saloon car, an estate car and a utility car in one. Hatchbacks revolutionised the automotive industry by offering greater interior modularity.”

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4, the French brand decided to reinvent the model to show what it would be like as a 21^st century product. The company teamed up with designer Mathieu Lehanneur to create the SUITE N°4, an original concept car inspired by a nomad hotel suite.

“The collaboration with Lehanneur was a natural fit,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “We asked him to come up with a concept car showcasing his vision for the 4L. The finished product is extraordinary. A car which really encapsulates everything the brand has set out to achieve through the Renaulution strategic plan: create modern and innovative cars that provoke emotions.”

Lehanneur’s vision was fuelled by the parallel worlds of automobile and architecture. SUITE N°4 is a tribute to the 4L, channelling the same pure, understated and simple spirit while prioritising efficiency and spontaneity. On top, this concept car projects the model into the designer’s contemporary aspirations.

SUITE N°4 suggests a new mobility and travel experience. “I wanted to merge the worlds of cars and architecture to create an open-air hotel room. Even better than the finest palatial suite, the car is exactly where you want it to be, whether that’s by the sea, in the middle of a field or driving around the city you’ve always dreamed of,” Lehanneur explained.

The concept car maintains the same exterior dimensions (about 3.65 metres long, 1.5 metres wide) and lines as the iconic model but comes with a radical twist. The rear section and the hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate windows that provide transparency and lighting on a par with that of architectural glass. The transparent solar panels on the roof let light through while helping to charge the battery of the car as it is fully electric and emission-free.

The front of the car sports the same iconic lights, lines and silhouette as the original. The front grille in polished aluminium is both the designer’s signature and an ode to evasion. It creates waves and gives the car an effect of fluidity, dynamism and movement. The architectural inspiration can also be found on the body of the car, which is coated with three layers of paint that give it the mineral aspect of cement.

Inside, Lehanneur decided to let in the ambience and materials typical of residences, and combine the automobile technical requirements and the sophistication of the French art de vivre. The seats and the dashboard are upholstered with an energetic yellow velvet. In contrast, the space on the back is finished with a thick, ribbed chenille fabric and accessorised with two laps, for a robust look.

Bolsters and pillows complete the boot, transformed in a moving room. The experience is finalised by a wooden bench which slides like a drawer and can be extracted to provide sheltered seating when the hatch is open. Like for the original 4L, all of the materials are ‘Made in France’ and supplied by Paris-based artisans.

The 4L’s anniversary is to be a year-long celebration with different initiatives. These include a global social media campaign, posting a variety of content each month. International media have had the opportunity to take a ride in different historic Renault 4L models, some of which have been retrofitted with an electric powertrain. A collection of 30 different editions of the iconic French model is also on display at the Atelier Renault in Paris.

Renault’s Mobilize brand offers an all-electric sedan designed for ride-hailing industry

Mobilize, the young brand within Renault Group, was conceived with the aim of going ‘beyond automotive’ to offer services related to mobility, energy and data. Its business will be based on sustainable open ecosystems, in line with the group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and its ambition to develop the value of the circular economy.

“Our goal is to maximize car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO of Mobilize.

One of the first results from this new brand is the Mobilize Limo, an all-electric sedan with associated services for the ride-hailing industry. It is the fruit of the joint venture between the Renault Group and China’s Jiangling Motors Group in 2018.

Only offered through subscription plan
The Limo, to be unveiled at the Munich IAA Mobility 2021 event next week, will be available solely on subscription. It is a response to the evolution of the ride-hailing market that has been growing in many parts of the world in the past few years. As the ride-hailing market will experience a fast and widespread increase in electrification in Europe, in particular, electric models will soon become essential for those wishing to access city centres facing traffic restrictions such as the low emissions zones that are popping up Europe-wide.

Mobilize Limo is therefore the solution for drivers looking for emission-free vehicles that are prestigious and cheap to run. It will be marketed as a joint offer combining both the car and services, with packages for everyone be they full-time, part-time, or one-off drivers.

Close to D-segment size
The Limo measures 4.67 metres in length and 1.83 metres in width, and a 2.75-metre wheelbase. This places it close to a D-segment model. It has a modern design that reflects the transition to electric vehicles and will be available in three popular body colours.

Advanced features include flush door handles that unfold when unlocked, and LED lamps with a sophisticated lighting signature and scrolling indicators. Inside, the Limo has satin-finish TEP (leather effect) upholstery that is soft to the touch and easy to clean. The interior door panels feature a light strip and faux-metal inserts for a premium ambience, while the interior lights come in 7 different colours to customise the lighting mood.

The dashboard, which has decorative carbonfibre inserts, incorporates a 2-screen digital interface that spreads across the upper section. The 10.25-inch screen is for the instrument panel and the 12.3-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard is for multimedia controls.

Designed for professional drivers
The driver’s seat in the Limo is designed to give professional drivers the most ergonomically and acoustically comfortable seat possible, taking into account the long periods they will be in the car. It has 8 electric settings (4 on the front passenger side), and the steering column can also be adjusted for both height and depth, so drivers have the ideal position no matter their body type. A refrigerated storage compartment is located between the two front seats.

The wide-opening rear doors give passengers easy access to the back seat. The rear bench seat can comfortably fit three adult passengers, especially given the flat floor. The removeable middle armrest also includes two cup holders, and passengers can plug in their smartphone or tablets into USB ports. They also have easy access to the volume control knobs located in the back, as well as the adjustable air-vents and booklights.

The Limo is powered by a high-performance electric motor that can generate 110 kW (150 hp) with immediately available torque of 220 Nm. If in a hurry, the car can go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 9.6 seconds and cruise up to a top speed set to 140 km/h. The 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is said to be able to provide enough energy for a range of up to 450 kms. That is deemed enough to cover the average daily milage of most professionals (250 kms/day) for a whole day of intensive use, with plenty of remaining charge for those drivers used to covering more ground. With fast charging, the battery can gain 250 kms of range in 40 minutes.

Renault’s E-TECH powertrain began as a prototype made from LEGO parts

The development of Renault’s E-TECH powertrains drew on the company’s experience in Formula 1 and also contributing has been a LEGO model. Yes, those little plastic blocks that can be attached together to form cars which have entertained children for over 70 years. The development story actually began at the end of the last decade. It was a time when Renault was stepping up its electrification program and advancing hybrid technology was an important step towards developing electric vehicles (EVs).

Nicolas Fremau, a member of the hybrid powertrain team, saw that using the LEGO parts – which includes gear wheels, could form a drivetrain. He built a working model from the parts and then demonstrated it to Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif, Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect and his team. Immediately, the engineers realised that if it could work in the LEGO prototype, it could surely also work as a working powertrain for a car.

*Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif (left), Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect, was involved in the E-TECH’s development which began with a prototype made from LEGO parts.*

Smooth operation a priority
Ahmed, who works as a control specialist, needed to ensure that transitions between driving modes were possible with a simple ‘dog clutch’. Normally used in competition cars, the dog clutch system – which replaces both a sprocket and synchronising ring in a clutchless configuration – is a gearbox boasting superior efficiency due to the reduced number of components.

This particular type of ‘flat’ version works well over time and is more reliable than other types of dog clutch. However, the team needed to find a solution to make the system smoother, as the components are less likely to fit together than in alternative setups such as a ‘roof’ dog clutch. Furthermore, unlike racing car drivers, customers who bought cars from a showroom for daily use also expected quality and smoothness.

“We’re used to using dog clutches in Formula One, for a racing engine. But it was something completely new for a ‘general public’ engine. We had to make this simple object usable by customers,” explained Ketfi-Cherif, who understood that a smooth and refined drive of much higher importance than winning lap times.

Adding a high-voltage starter generator
The team quickly came up with the solution to ensure enhanced smoothness by adding a second electric motor, called a High-voltage Starter Generator (HSG). “Its role is to replace the synchronisers of a traditional gearbox to facilitate the clutch and therefore the gear change. By working in conjunction with the electric motor, it allows very precise regulation of the speed of rotation of the gearbox for smooth gear changes,” he explained.

From this, the original LEGO model concept was updated and tested on the road. They discovered the HSG brought other benefits with immediate torque contribution smoothing acceleration at low speeds, avoiding any break in torque delivery when changing gears.

This also meant the system could operate as a series hybrid for enhanced comfort and flexibility, without the need for an excess of stored energy or a charging socket. According to Ketfi-Cherif, the possibilities for use in the range were multiplied, with both E-TECH hybrid and E-TECH plug-in hybrid powertrains now possible.

At the end of these tests, the E-TECH development teams were reassured that what had worked in the LEGO concept and in simulation also worked ‘extremely well’ in real life. A ‘toy’ had become an engineering reality, allowing up to 80% of urban driving to be done on just electricity, and having the extra boost in power or range with the petrol engine assisting when needed.

Renault’s approach to reducing accidents – limit its vehicles’ top speed to 180 km/h

Speed doesn’t kill – it’s the driver behind the steering wheel who kills himself or others because he or she does not drive in a safe manner. In a perfect world, there would be no need to speedtraps, speed limits and speedbumps because every motorist would know how to drive sensibly and safely according to the conditions. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect where motoring attitudes are concerned and because of the reckless drivers who cause accidents – some fatal – the rest of us are also constrained by measures meant to keep us under control.

For decades, manufacturers have tried to find ways to address accidents with their vehicles and because they could not control the attitude of the driver, they instead made their cars as safe as possible, providing sufficient protection when an accident occurred. Then they also added driver assistance features to help drivers keep their cars under control, or to take actions to prevent accidents.

Still, the accident numbers are high, even in developed countries. Police still issue thousands of summonses for speed limits being exceeded. As one way to reduce accidents, Volvo made a decision in 2019 that all its vehicles would have the maximum speed limited to 180 km/h. Regardless of how powerful they are, the top speed will be fixed with the hope that it will make a difference over time.

Speed-limit policy starts in 2022
Now the Renault Group is doing the same thing, announcing recently that it will limit the top speed of models of the Renault as well as Dacia brands to 180 km/h as well. The first model in 2022 to be subject to this policy will be the Megane-E which will come equipped with an automatic speed limit adjuster, set by default to prevent it from going faster than 180 km/h. However, high-performance models may not have a speed-limiter.

This move is just one part of the carmaker’s Safety Plan in which it strives to optimise safety for its employees and all those who use its vehicles. The plan covers Prevention and Rescue, with the former encompassing ‘Detect and Inform’, Guide, and ‘Act’. For Rescue, the company will provide access for first responders at accident sites as well as install a Rescue Code to help them.

To ‘Detect and Inform’, Renault will install equipment in vehicles that will generate a ‘Safety Score’. This will be based on an analysis of driving data using sensors around the vehicle. By being aware of this ‘Safety Score’, it is hoped that safer driving will be encouraged.

To ‘Guide’ drivers is a ‘Safety Coach’ which can process road and traffic data to inform drivers of potential risks on their route. It can also give real-time warnings on danger-prone areas. Ultimately, greater awareness of hazards along the road should help reduce the chances of an accident occurring.

‘Act’, which uses ‘a fail-safe mechanism’ is likely to be a pro-active and autonomous system that assist drivers, which is available with other brands nowadays. The mechanism will trigger automatically in the event of a clear and present danger (eg a dangerous turn, loss of steering wheel control for a prolonged period, drowsiness, etc.). With a ‘Safe Guardian’, the vehicle will slow down and return to a safe driving mode.

*How fast rescue teams can extract occupants from a vehicle in an accident is crucial and Renault is working to make it as fast as possible.*

Helping rescuers work faster
The attention given to first responders – the people who reach an accident site first and can provide assistance – is aimed at reducing emergency response time and give emergency services easy vehicle access in the event of an accident.

The Renault Group has also developed two major innovations, which will be rolled out on all future releases in Europe. The first is called ‘Fire-fighter access’ which will help fire-fighters put out accidental battery fires (which can occur mainly in electrified vehicles). It considerably reduces response time (from nearly 2 hours to only a few minutes). Already a feature on electric vehicles, it will be added to all future hybrid rechargeable and electric models of the Group.

Each vehicle will have a ‘Rescue Code’, and this is a QR code to help first responders identify a vehicle and access its structural information. This can help them safely and quickly reach and extract the occupants. The Renault Group has already trained fire-fighters in 12 countries in Europe on how to use the code, while also donating several hundred vehicles to be used for training purposes.

2021 Renault Koleos available with choice of 3 variants, priced from RM182,000

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

The 2021 Renault Koleos is now available from TC Euro Cars (TCEC), with a choice of three variants – Koleos, Koleos Signature and Koleos Signature Plus. All have improvements in many areas including exterior styling and interior comfort.

Excluding insurance (Peninsular Malaysia registration), the prices range start from RM181,885.68 for outright purchase but customers can also opt for a subscription plan from 1 – 3 years. The monthly instalments of the subscription plan cover roadtax, insurance and regular maintenance services but at the end of the subscription period, the vehicle has to be returned or can be negotiated for purchase at a depreciated value.

Regardless of whether a purchase or subscription plans is chosen, the Koleos comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty or maximum of 150,000 kms travelled after registration.

PureVision LED headlights
The obvious update in styling is in the headlights, which now have a new lighting signature with PureVision full LED units that are standard for all the variants. Renault’s PureVision LED technology provides strong and clear illumination and at the same time, reduces energy requirements by 10% (compared to the previous headlamps used). At the rear, dynamic turn indicators are incorporated in the redesigned 3D-style cluster, giving a strong visual signal when making a turn or lane change.

Five exterior colour choices are available, with Highland Silver replacing the previous Ultra Silver.

2.5-litre engine with X-Tronic CVT
All variants use the proven 2.5-litre petrol engine which delivers up to 171 ps/226 Nm for strong performance. All that output flows to the front wheels through an efficient X-Tronic CVT which can operate automatically or the driver can manually select gears.

The spacious interior space has been refreshed for the 2021 models. There are two interior styles available – the Koleos comes with an elegant black Riviera leather upholstery with dark striped wood trim, while the Signature and Signature Plus come with luxurious new Sand Grey Nappa leather upholstery with natural grain Grey wood trim.

The luxurious front seats of the Signature and Signature Plus variants have ventilation as an adjustable length for the seat. This provides additional support that can reduce fatigue on long journeys. The wide Relax headrests also give more support for the head and neck while the driver’s seat has massage and memory functions.

#EasyLife technologies
The Koleos has #EasyLife technologies which include a powered rear door that can open on its own without requiring the press of a button. Just placing a foot under the rear bumper will set the opening and closing motion in action. This feature is standard for all variants.

Other examples of #EasyLife technologies are the Easy Folding System where the seats fold completely to provide a flat floor. R-LINK2 navigation and multimedia is presented in a customisable 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making it easy to connect and transfer apps from compatible smartphones.

Additionally, the Signature and Signature Plus variants have an electric panoramic sunroof to let skylight in. Of course, in our hot sunshine, that may not always be desirable but it would certainly be nice to have the night sky overhead while driving.

2021 Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is here!

With the pandemic situation easing off (and hopefully headed that way), many new models are now making their debut in the Malaysian market and at TC Euro Cars, the Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy hot hatch is now in the showrooms.

This is the facelifted successor to the car that set a new record for the fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring circuit in 2019. Priced at RM326,476.61 (excluding insurance and with 50% of sales tax exempted until June 30, 2021), the latest Megane R.S. features cosmetic changes such as new full LED lighting units (with high-performance R.S. Vision) front and rear, a honeycomb radiator grille which incorporates R.S. double diamond logo, and 19-inch Jerez wheels featuring a diamond-cut finish with red borders.

The R.S. version can also be identified by the red Brembo brake calipers, wing-mounted air extractors, which optimise airflow through the wheelarches, rear bumper with a built-in diffuser and the iconic central exhaust, and the narrow roof spoiler. Inside, there’s exclusive R.S. upholstery, high-end materials, sophisticated finishes and distinctive details representative of the Renault Sport identity

Upgraded powerplant
The powerful 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine has also been upgraded and with turbocharging and direct injection, now produces up to 300 ps/420 Nm. This impressive output passes through a 6-speed EDC transmission on the way to the front wheels and the driver can make gear selection via paddle shifters at the steering wheel if preferred.

4-mode R.S. Drive and 4CONTROL
The shifting characteristics can be varied to suit driving conditions using the R.S. Drive mode which has four modes. There’s also Launch Control for a positive start using maximum output, and enable the car to get from standstill to 100 km/h within a claim 5.7 seconds.

The R.S. models are developed with the assistance of Renault Sport, an experience organisation which has been involved in F1 and other high-level motorsports. As such, its chassis in particular benefits from motorsport experience and in the case of the Megane R.S. 300 TROPHY, the Cup chassis features a Torsen mechanical Limited Slip Differential. For the 2021 model, there is new calibration which enables more precise entry to corners and improved traction when exiting corners.

The car also comes with 4CONTROL, a 4-wheel steering system that enhances agility through tight turns and improves cornering stability at higher speeds. While skilled drivers may not always like electronic aids, such systems allow less skilled drivers to explore the very high limits of cars like the Megane R.S. with more safety.

While the 4CONTROL 4-wheel steering ensures that the turning circle is not compromised by the differential, the use of bi-material brake discs shaves off 1.8 kgs of unsprung mass in each corner, making for razor sharp high-speed manoeuvring. In addition, rally-inspired technology is evident with the installation of 4 hydraulic compression stops on all shock absorbers. These maintain the car’s poise on bumpy roads and optimise tyre-ground contact for better grip.

The new Megane R.S 300 Trophy comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). Customers have a choice of 5 colours options, with the signature Liquid Yellow and Orange Tonic costing an extra RM9,000. Besides purchasing with a Hire-Purchase loan, customers can op[t for TCEC’s Subscription plan with 1-year to 3-year terms.

Renault Kiger debuts in India, to go on sale from March 2021

*To know about other promotions, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

In spite of the hugely challenging conditions last year, Renault continued to improve its business in India, giving it confidence to accelerate expansion plans and double our annual sales volumes over the next couple of years. The market has remained strong in the French carmaker’s Africa-Middle-East-India-Pacific market, accounting for about 20% of sales.

The push forward today gained an additional offering for the Renault range for the sub-continent with the unveiling of the new Kiger SUV. The concept model was shown late last year and the production version looks very similar; in fact, Renault already said that around 80% of what was in the concept would be retained in the production model.

2020 Renault Kiger concept — *Renault Kiger concept shown last year, and the production model (below)*

Follows concept model styling
The designers have given the Kiger several features to add sportiness. The front grille’s 3D graphic finish with honeycomb-shaped chromed effects is an example, while the aluminium finish skidplate is a highlight at the rear, along with the LED double C-shaped lighting signature.

The Kiger that will be in showrooms in India has the same overall silhouette of the concept SUV. It has an overall length of 3991 mm and overall width of 1750 mm and sits on the same CMFA+ platform as the Triber and the Nissan Magnite.

Best-in-segment roominess
The Kiger is said to provide ‘record levels of roominess’ and a couple distance of 710 mm between the front seats – the best in its segment. At the rear, there is also claimed to be the best-in-segment second row legroom and elbow room. Cargo volume is also the biggest in class with 405 litres (expandable to 879 litres) with a floor length of up to 1565 mm.

The ‘smart cockpit’ was designed to give a practical onboard experience without detracting from style. It has a high, wide dashboard centre console focused around a large 8-inch floating touchscreen that features wireless smart phone replication for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

1-litre engine, turbo and non-turbo
The powerplant available at launch is only a 1-litre 3-cylinder engine, with and without a turbocharging. The naturally-aspirated engine develops 72 ps/96 Nm while the turbocharged one has an output of 100 ps/160 Nm.

The more powerful engine will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission or X-TRONIC CVT. For the other variant, there is also a manual transmission or the option of an EASY-R robotised gearbox.

Pricing is expected to start from Rs 6 lakh (about RM34,000) with sales to start by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

2021 Renault 5 Prototype

*To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Retro models have a certain appeal to the young and of course to the old, who remember the originals. Perhaps they bring back memories of happier times or of what is perceived to be more adventurous periods in automobile history.

Car designers often look to previous models for inspiration and sometimes use certain elements in a new model. Sometimes they may even recreate or, in the more popular term used today – reimagine – a model in the 21^st century.

Reimagining a cult model
Understanding that the soul of a brand is in its roots, Renault’s designers have chosen to reconnect with the past and draw inspiration to find the spirit of the glorious times. They have created the Renault 5 Prototype, a model that immediately brings to mind the cult model from Renault’s past, the R5.

The role of the Renault 5 Prototype is to show that Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach to the popular and essential car. Like its predecessor, it is a compact and cute city car but with a modern, 100% electric twist.

The modern approach is evident in the chosen finishes and materials, which are inspired by the worlds of electronics, furniture and sports. It has also kept the fun, anti-crisis and mischievous side with the pop of yellow highlights.

Urban, electric, attractive
This prototype embodies modernity relevant to its time – urban, electric, attractive – and is immediately recognizable. With a modern treatment of lines and flush surfaces with futuristic detailing (lights, front face, etc, the result is resolutely in the spirit of the current times.

The styling elements taken from the original design in a modern way hide very modern functions. For example, the bonnet air intake hides the charging hatch; the rear lights include aero flaps, and the foglamps in the bumper are daytime running lights. There is even a hint of the original ‘5’ on the side grid, the wheels and the rear logo.

French in many ways
The front end and the textile roof drawn from the world of furniture are full of ‘French charm’, a hint of mischief, character that pulls on the heartstrings. The front and rear logos light up, bringing the car ‘to life’. The French flag in the rearview mirrors to underline the “invented in France” side of the electric vehicle, while the headrest lights and the name displayed on the small transparent screen on the dashboard, invite you to hop in for a ride.

The fenders extend a bit and those who remember the potent R5 Turbo of the 1980s. It had a more aggressive widebody appearance and the engine was actually in the middle. It won four times in the WRC and is a collectors item today.

‘Renaulution’ strategic plan
Renault has not said anything about this prototype going further and unveiled it in conjunction with the announcement of its ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan. The plan calls for about a third of Renault sales to be electric vehicles by 2025, by which time the company will have launched at least 7 EVs. This could be one of them.

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