New Renault line-up confirmed for February 2012 | New Release - Car News Jan 2012

16:35 Friday 11 May 2012

A new product range sees Renault UK and its dealership network focussing on seven core models, plus the Z.E. electric vehicle range.

Every Renault car will now come with a maximum of three different trim levels, excluding Renaultsport editions. In addition to reducing the number of trim levels on offer Renault has also confirmed that it will drop the Modus, Kangoo car and Compact van, Wind Roadster, Laguna and Espace from its range. These changes will take effect from 1st February 2012.

In addition to the departures, there are also some additions to the Renault range. Ordering will be opened up for the Twizy range of electric vehicles from 1st February, ahead of the full launch in April. These will be available from a price of £6,690 with monthly battery hire from £45. There will also be two new versions of the Fluence Z.E. saloon, which will be priced from £17,495 OTR with the Plug-in Car Grant included, with battery hire costing just under £70 per month.

The Renault Megane has been extensively refreshed and restyled for 2012. The Megane range includes Coupe, Hatch and Sport Tourer models, all of which have been given a new styling treatment. This includes a revised front face with LED daytime running lights, and a gloss black finished bumper with chrome highlights. The wheel selection has also been changed.

The new Megane will be offered with Renault's three new downsized engines. These include a 1.2-litre TCe 115bhp unit, a 1.5-litre dCi 110bhp Stop and Start, and a 1.6-litre dCi 130bhp Stop and Start engine. These new engines offer substantially improved fuel efficiency compared to the firm's older engines, without sacrificing performance. The dCi 110bhp Stop and Start, for example, has a fuel consumption figure of 80.7g/km and CO2 emissions of 90g/km.

The three trim levels available for the 2012 Megane are Expression+, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. The entry level Expression+ model has an enhanced equipment list compared to last year, with the addition of 16 inch alloy wheels, higher quality radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. The Dynamique TomTom level adds LEDs and 17 inch alloys. The GT Line TomTom trim comes with Arkamys 3D Sound system, rear parking sensors with camera, and auto parking brake.

The new Renault Twingo will be sold in Dynamique trim, and is to be priced from £10,350. Also the restyled Scenic and Grand Scenic are available to order now, and are being offered in five and seven seat versions of the Dynamique TomTom trim, with the option of a premium Luxe Pack including 17 inch Ari alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, BOSE sound system, and the new Visio System which features lane departure warning and automatic high/low beam (costing £1,500).

The new Clio IV is due for launch later on in the year, but for now the Clio range will come in the three standard trim levels of Expression+, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom.