Details of the new additions to Renault Australia’s showroom in 2014.
Renault Megane facelift (Q2)
The entire Renault Megane range will be updated with the French brand’s new family face, already seen on the Clio, Koleos and Captur. The Megane hatch, wagon and coupe body styles debuted the new look at September’s Frankfurt motor show, while the Coupe-Cabriolet completed the refresh with its December unveiling. The restyled front-end features tinted headlights integrated into a black grille that moulds around the diamond-shaped Renault badge. Revised lower intakes, foglights and LED daytime running lights contribute to the Megane’s fresh face, while subtle cabin and equipment changes are also expected in the updated line-up. The 2014 Renault Megane range – comprising the regular variants, GT-Line and RS models – will arrive in the second quarter of the year, with prices tipped to carry over at existing levels.
Renault Captur (mid 2014)
Renault will enter Australia’s booming subcompact SUV class in mid 2014 with the Clio-based Captur. Rivalling the likes of the Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008, the Captur will be offered with two turbocharged petrol engines: a 66kW/135Nm 0.9-litre three-cylinder and an 88kW/190Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder, claiming combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.9 and 5.4 litres per 100km respectively. The former is only available with a six-speed manual, while the latter teams exclusively with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Captur’s rear bench cleverly slides forward to increase boot space from 377 litres to 455L – among the largest in its segment. The Captur will score no higher than four stars for safety from ANCAP, however, as it is not available with rear passenger protecting curtain airbags. Expect a low-$20K starting price for the three-grade Renault Captur range.
Renault Clio GT (second half)
Renault Australia is keen to bolster its compact Clio range with the sporty GT variant in the back half of 2014. The Clio GT fills the gap between the regular Clio models and the performance-oriented Clio RS200. The Clio GT teams the turbocharged 88kW/190Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the standard range with the ‘Sport’ chassis from the Renaultsport model, which brings 40 per cent stiffer front springs, 30 per cent firmer dampers and tweaked bump stops. Additional enhancements include 17-inch alloy wheels, sports body kit, twin exhaust outlets, RS Drive system with ‘Sport’ mode, and gearshift paddles behind a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among others. Expect the Clio GT to be priced around $25,500.
