Renault Launches 5 New Models
Petaling Jaya, 18 October 2008 – TC Eurocars Sdn Bhd has scored what could be a historical first here in Malaysia by launching not one, but five new models at one go, today in its showroom in Petaling Jaya.
This move not only makes available more choices for the Malaysian consumer, but also signifies a revival of the Renault brand here. Hitherto, the mainstay of the brand has been the little Kangoo which is local assembled, and available as a passenger-car or commercial-vehicle.
In the renewed Renault range, there is a model for every discerning driver, including a seven-seater luxurious and powerful MPV.
 |
The smallest of the 5-car range is the Clio Renault Sport, a two-door very, very hot performance hatch built in limited numbers by Renault Sport, the racing arm of Renault. The Clio Renault Sport comes with a naturally aspirated, high performance, high-revving DOHC engine that produces a staggering 197 horsepower at 7,250 rpm, and 215Nm torque at 5,550 rpm. Mated with a close ratio six-speed manual that carries a sporty, low final drive, the Clio Renault Sport will out-drive and out-perform almost anything in its class, and quite a lot of cars with bigger engine capacities too.
 |
Back home in Europe, the Clio Renault Sport is sold to enthusiasts who love racing. To promote the model, there exists a Clio Cup Series racing championship that has been ongoing for some years. This sporty version is based on the base Clio platform, but has flared arches with an air extractor built in on each side of the front arches and 17-inch wheels. The result is a really great looking hot hatch that excites even when standing still. At the rear, an F1 inspired diffuser (one that that really works) provides an additional 40 kg of rear down-force for high speed stability. A sports suspension with light-weight aluminium parts reduce un-sprung weight and provide excellent handling characteristics. Brembo brakes and low profile tyres keeps the Clio Renault Sport sure-footed in any road condition. In its production form, it is almost race-ready bar the roll-over cage, removal of the seats and fitting of the extinguisher system. This is a car that will appeal to young driving enthusiasts.
 |
Next in line is the Clio 1.6 Sedan, which is also an impressive performer when compared to other vehicles in its class. The Clio 1.6, even with its standard road suspension which provides an excellent ride, handles very well too, thanks to some excellent chassis-engineering.
 |
Being of the latest design by Renault, the body has very high rigidity, which makes promotes better handling characteristics. The Clio boasts of a 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Standard safety equipment includes an automatic rain sensor for the wipers, automatic headlight sensors that turn on the headlights in poor lighting conditions, ABS, EBD, and EBA. In the event of a collision, the Clio takes all possible steps to protect its occupants, in the form of a reinforced body structure that will distort to absorb impacts, supplemented by Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP), comprising of 6 airbags and 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
The Clio also comes standard with an on-board driver information system that provides information on distance travelled, average speed, current fuel consumption, overall fuel consumption, and vehicle range. Cruise control is also standard, as is an audio with a single CD player system with fingertip control.
For family types, the Clio comes with ISOFIX child seat mountings in the rear seats, which, in addition to the standard two mounting points, has a third mounting point at the rear of the backrest to prevent tilting.
The Clio 1.6 engine produces 111 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 151 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is 12.2 seconds, and top speed is 186 km/h. Transmission is a ‘pro-active’ 4-speed adaptive automatic, and fuel consumption is mooted at 7.5 litre per 100 kilometres (combined cycle).
 |
For those who prefer to drive around in style, the Megane Coupe Cabriolet is a must to see and test drive. It seats four adults comfortably, and the designers have dialled in a ride that is on the comfortable side of firm, to provide a good balance between handling and ride comfort, as this car is meant more for cruising rather than exuberant driving, although it will do it if necessary.
 |
The key selling feature of the Coupe Cabriolet would be its electrically-operated roof that folds neatly into the boot area at the touch of a switch. Activation time is a mere 22 seconds.
 |
The Megane CC, as the Coupe Cabriolet is popularly referred to, is equipped with a 2.0 litre engine with variable valve timing that produces 135 horsepower at5,500 rpm, and 191Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. Coupled with a 4-speed adaptive automatic transmission, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is 11.7 seconds, and top speed is claimed at 200 km/h. combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.4 litres/100 km.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, and EBA. Light and rain sensors are also standard equipment.
 |
For the man who wants a car with supreme performance, the Megane F1 Team R26 would be the most appealing of the Renault range. Packed with technology derived from Renault F1, the Megane F1 Team R26 brings driving to new heights. The race-bred 2.0 litre turbocharged engine produces 230 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, and 310 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. Acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometres per hour is 6.5 seconds, while top speed is 236 km/h. Equipped with a six-speed close ratio gearbox, the Megane R26 has longer legs than the Clio Sport, and is of course larger in size. Handling is very precise, thanks to a sports suspension and if you overcook it, a traction control system will help to bring you back in line again.
 |
To match the performance, huge Brembo brakes with drilled discs are standard for the Megane R26, with 4-piston callipers at the front. Power is transmitted to the front wheels, and a limited slip differential is standard equipment. In addition, there is also a close ratio steering rack with an overall ratio of 2.74:1. With a kerb weight of only 1,345 kg, the Megane R26 is one awesome and mean machine, guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding enthusiast.
 |
Finally, the Renault Grand Espace is one of the best family vehicles in the market. Powered by a 2.0 litre engine, the Espace can economical when it is required to be. This engine is also turbocharged, giving it the get-up-an-go that is so lacking in many vehicles in this class. The engine develops 170 horsepower, and generates 270Nm of torque. Zero t o100 km/h acceleration is an impressive 10.6 seconds, while top speed is 197 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 litres/100 kilometres.
The Espace seats up to seven people in comfort in its spacious interior, and occupants can enjoy a great view through its panoramic roof, which also includes an electrically operated sunroof. With a special mounting system for the rear seats, the Grand Espace offers great versatility for the occupants to move the position of their seats around or rearrange them in various combinations. Each of the rear seats can also be easily removed to configure the Grand Espace from a two-seater to a seven seater, and anything in between, making it a truly versatile vehicle.
 |
As with everything that is Renault, the Espace handles extremely well for an MPV, and is light on the throttle to drive. It easily out-accelerates most other vehicles in its class, and can hit an incredible 200 km/h. Cruise control allows you to set your speed and free your right foot for long distance runs.
In terms of safety, the Espace also enjoys a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety features include ESP, ABS, EBD, and EBA, and is equipped with a total of 6-airbags. A light sensor and automatic headlights are also included.
