Renault launches two new models
Pictured, from left, are the Renault E-Tech Electric Scenic, the new flagship Rafale E-Tech full hybrid coupe-SUV and the heavily revised Captur SUV.
Renault has launched two new models in Ireland, the E-Tech Electric Scenic and a new flagship Rafale E-Tech full hybrid coupe-SUV as well as a heavily revised Captur SUV.
The launch star is the new E-Tech Electric Scenic, Renault’s electric family car which was voted European Car of the Year 2024. This new model is a real head-turner with its strong design of curves and sharp lines. Aerodynamics played a key role in its design to maximise efficiency and increase range.
Built on a dedicated electric platform, the car’s 2.78-metre long wheelbase allows for a roomy cabin. The dash is made up of two screens in a continuous L-shaped configuration, a horizontal 12.3-inch driver’s screen and a 12-inch touch screen in the middle of the console compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It uses Google's automotive operating system which can respond to 70 different voice commands.
Rear passengers have 278mm of knee room for extra comfort and generous headroom. The 545-litre boot can expand to 1670 litres with the rear seat bench folded down. An ingenious rear armrest features two swivelling arms for each of the passengers, storage space for smartphones and tablets, folding out stands to comfortably watch screens, and two USB-C ports.
Four trim levels are Evolution, Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic with the Scenic E-Tech electric the first electric vehicle in the brand’s line-up to feature the sporty Esprit Alpine trim.
Engines are a 125 kW (280 Nm torque) and a 160 kW (300 Nm). Newly developed batteries are a 60kW with a rated range of 430km (consumption 16.3kWh/100km) and a long-range 87 kW unit with a range of up to 610km and a claimed consumption of 16.8 kWh/100km. Power outputs are 170hp and 220hp.
There are more than 30 safety aids onboard. Some 24pc of the car is produced from the circular economy and the car itself is 89pc recyclable. Prices are from €39,995.
The Rafale E-Tech hybrid is the first Renault car designed completely under the design direction of top designer Gilles Vidal. It captures the aesthetics and lines of an aeroplane in full flight, reflecting the Caudran Rafale touring aeroplane of the 1930s produced by a subsidiary of Renault.
The car’s assertive character is evident in its styling with sculpted lines and high-tech features. The styling includes a decorative insert above the lower air grille. The rear has a coupe-style, with a floating spoiler and with a slightly raised fastback style.
Seats are in Alcantara upholstery. It is the first car to include a real slate insert and tinted cork in the cabin. Two versions are available, Techno and Esprit Alpine.
Technologies include OpenR Link multimedia with Google built-in, a Solarbay sunroof which doesn’t need a roller blind, the ingenious rear armrest and four Control Advanced 4-wheel steering system. There are 32 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The 200hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain comprises a 3-cylinder 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 130hp with 205 Nm of torque and two electric motors. The car can remain in electric mode for 80pc of the time in cities. You can select one of the four levels of regenerative braking via steering wheel-mounted paddles. 0-100km/h takes 8.9 seconds. The car has a total range of over 1,100kms.
A plug-in hybrid Rafale E-Tech AWD with 300hp will arrive this autumn.
Prices start at €51,495.
Renault has substantially updated their Captur SUV, which has been around since 2013 selling two million globally and 14,000 in Ireland. The model is likely to be their best-seller this year.
The exterior re-design includes a very striking new front end and more athletic lines while the interior's versatility is demonstrated with a sliding rear bench that allows more rear legroom or boot space, according to customer needs. Every version has a large 10.4-inch touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with many new technologies including a system developed with Google, standard on Techno and top Alpine models. The OpenR Link multimedia system has the Google operating system built-in, which is a first for a B-segment car.
Changes to the car’s dynamics include some work on the suspension and allowing more dynamic handling. Renault claims an average fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100kms for the E-Tech full hybrid 145 powertrain. The engine line-up includes a TCe 90 petrol with manual transmission.
New-generation driving aids like Active Driver Assist, with Level 2 autonomous driving and Predictive Hybrid Driving (with the hybrid powertrain) optimise efficiency by maximising the use of electrical energy while driving. The My Safety Switch lets drivers enable or disable their preferred settings for five ADAS safety features at the same time, at the touch of a button.
Grades are Evolution, Techno and Alpine. The Tce 90 is priced from €29,120 while the E-Tech full hybrid is from €33,990 to €38,590.
