renault singapore Archives

2016 Automobile Review- The All-New Renault Kadjar

By delta April 10, 2016

An adventurous crossover with class-leading torque and fuel-efficiency, the Renault Kadjar is indeed impressive. We took it out for a spin over three days and our first impression of the Renault Kadjar was its robust and assertive appearance.
The modern sporty design is visually-stunning and definitely a head-turner. Although the build of the Renault Kadjar may seem somewhat similar as the Nissan Qashqai; they are in fact quite different as the Renault Kadjar is bigger in size and seems more like a facelifted version of the Nissan Qashqai.

The Renault Kadjar certainly stands out from the crowd with its raised ground clearance and distinctive appointments, such as Renault’s new signature C-shaped LED daytime-running lights, 19” sport rims, sporty longitudinal roof rails on top of dynamic front and rear skid plates.

As for the interior, the cabin of the Renault Kadjar is exceptionally plush and roomy and the enveloping seats, soft-touch dashboard, high and wide centre console convey a refined finish. The controls were all within reach and it feels good to be in the driver’s seat. What was quite impressive about the interior was also the fact that it was equipped with a BOSE premium sound system that comes with 7 speakers and subwoofer.

So, what about its driving performance?

Well, I must say, the driving experience was somewhat a let-down as I expected the drive to be as fun and sporty as its exterior appearance. Instead, the driving experience that I got from the Renault Kadjar was one that is more family-oriented (slow and steady). When I pedalled hard on the accelerator, the pick-up wasn’t as fast as I had wanted it to go but it was way better than the Renault Captur that I test drove last year.

Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine that is mated to the 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox, the Renault Kadjar is very fuel efficient; albeit a little noisy at the lower gears when the stereo isn’t switched on.

For the more safety conscious ones out there, the Renault Kadjar is equipped with lane departure warning, blind spot warning (my personal favourite), traffic sign recognition, reverse camera and a self-parking system which can tackle parallel, perpendicular and diagonal parking spaces. You might also want to know that the Renault Kadjar was awarded the top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Overall, the Renault Kadjar provides an economical and pleasant driving experience for the slow and steady driver who aspires to own a sporty and spacious car. However, for the aggressive driver that drives fast and furious, the Renault Kadjar may not be that suitable.

In terms of style and design, the Renault Kadjar is a worthy contender but when comparing its driving performance with its competitors, the Renault Kadjar certainly have room for improvement.

If the Renault Kadjar is on your shortlist, you might want to know that Wearnes Automotive is having a promotion for the Renault Kadjar at just SGD$111,999 and it even comes with a 5-year factory warranty. Hurry though, the promotion ends on 15 April 2016!

For more information about the Renault Kadjar, head down to the Renault showroom for a test-drive session or alternatively, you can check out Renault Singapore’s Website!

[Automobile Review]- The New Renault Fluence Privilège

By delta September 14, 2015

It’s been a month since we took the new Renault Fluence Privilège out for a spin and one thing that is still clearly etched in my mind since the test drive is the excellent fuel economy that the executive sedan has to offer.

The most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, the Turkish-built Renault Fluence Privilège qualifies for SGD$10,000 in Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme [CEVS] rebate and it is also perhaps the most value-for-money sedan when compared to its rivals.

When we first saw the Renault Fluence Privilège, we were very impressed with its exterior styling. The new iconic front grille and signature LED daytime-running lights gave the Renault Fluence Privilège a very confident and alluring approach while the curvy lines and full surfaces radiates a more dynamic and assertive stance.

The interior of the Renault Fluence Privilège is rather impressive and there is ample headroom and legroom for the driver and passengers. The plush upholstery, stylish chrome accents, and state-of-the-art technological features onboard the Renault Fluence Privilège is very appealing to the eye and they give the cabin a classy and refined atmosphere. However, if there’s one thing that I feel Renault should do, it would be to automate the adjustment of seats because right now, adjusting the seats is still primitively manual.

On the road, the Renault Fluence Privilège is sturdy and a pleasure to drive. Despite its longer width and wheelbase, the light steering makes cornering, turning, and parking an easy task. Furthermore, the new 1.5-litre turbodiesel dCi engine that is mated to a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox gives the Renault Fluence Privilège sufficient torque [110bhp] and power [240Nm] for a fuss-free city drive. What’s on the downside would probably be the audible engine noise that is expected of most vehicles running on diesel engines.

For families with young children, the Renault Fluence Privilège offers a very spacious 530-litre boot space that can fit about two strollers and still leave ample space for large grocery shopping bags. With so many useful features on-board the Renault Fluence Privilège, it is pretty obvious why we say that it is a value-for-money executive sedan car.

If you are considering to purchase a spacious European executive sedan that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, the Renault Fluence Privilège is definitely a worthy contender when compared to its rivals. With a promotional price of SGD$107,999 that comes with a 5-year factory warranty, the Renault Fluence Privilège is a beauty to own.

[Test Drive Review]- The All-New Renault Captur

By delta June 7, 2015

Introduction

Image Credits to Renault

The All-New Renault Captur is the first-ever urban crossover from Renault. Built at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain, this revolutionary new urban crossover from Renault brings a splash of welcome colours and glamour without losing sight of the need to deliver everyday practicality at the same time.

Exterior

The New Renault Captur comes across as appearing more imposing than its actual dimensions might suggest. Its flowing lines highlight its distinctive proportions, while its large wheels, generous ground clearance, wide tracks and steeply raked, forward-set windscreen form a unique blend of MPV, SUV and hatchback.

As Renault’s first urban crossover, the New Renault Captur’s expressive style and everyday practicality provide an open invitation to discover the world.

With various dual-tone paintwork combinations available, in addition to an optional selection of upholstery fabrics and graphic motifs, the New Renault Captur will certainly appeal to a particularly broad spectrum of tastes and desires.

Interior

The All-New Renault Captur is particularly roomy and its sliding rear seats provide an ideal balance of space for passengers and their luggage. With a maximum luggage volume of up to 455 Litres, space is aplenty with the All-New Renault Captur.

Image Credits to Renault

What is also interesting in the passenger cabin is the patented ‘Zip Collection’ removable and washable zipped seat covers that allows easy washing and maintenance.

The 7-inch coloured touchscreen of the Renault R-Link multimedia system takes centre stage on the dashboard, providing all on-board with a familiar and intuitive user-interface to control various functions of the car from navigation to Bluetooth® handsfree audio streaming.

Image Credits to Renault

Our Personal Opinion of the All-New Renault Captur

With its sporty, bold, and sleek outlook, the All-New Renault Captur is definitely impressive and a head-turner. The striking Arizona Orange colour of the vehicle is simply stunning and it leaves a lasting impression. As for the interior, it is comfortable and rather spacious for both the driver and passengers.

Image Credits to Renault

However, with such an outstanding and sporty design, the driving experience of the All-New Renault Captur was a disappointment and I felt that it did no justice to the excellent first impression that I had of the car.

When I sat down in the driver’s seat, gripped the steering wheel and floored the accelerator pedal, I literally felt like I was driving a panel van. While I do appreciate the fact that the All-New Renault Captur comes with an ECO mode that assists the driver in reducing fuel consumption, the speed pick-up was rather slow and the feeling was very much like driving a heavy goods vehicle.

Image Credits to Renault

Apart from having just an ECO mode, I really hope Renault considers having a SPORTS mode for its future variants of the Renault Captur.

In terms of handling, the All-New Renault Captur corners, turns, and brakes well and I have no qualms about that aspect. With the raised driving position that is characteristic of an SUV, parking the All-New Renault Captur was a breeze. Just so you know, the All-New Renault Captur is one of the most efficient and cleanest vehicles in its class and because of its ultra-low emission figures, it qualifies for a SGD$15,000 CEVS green rebate.

Image Credits to Renault

If you are interested to find out more about the All-New Renault Captur and would like to arrange a test-drive session, head down to the Renault Car Showroom! Even #CottonTheSpitz is excited to meet his fellow furry friends at the Pet Adoption Drive organised by Renault Singapore.

[Test Drive Review]-The New Renault Clio R.S. Hatchback

By delta November 9, 2014

One month ago, we had the exclusive privilege of taking the new Renault Clio R.S. 5-Door Hatchback out for a spin and we had such an exhilarating time that even till now, we really miss driving this pocket rocket! In this blog post, we will be sharing about our driving experience with the Renault Clio R.S. and what we think about it.
Exterior Appearance

The new Renault Clio R.S. is passionately sporty. Dynamic, distinctive, and stimulating, the Renault Clio R.S. sets hearts racing. Equipped with an F1-style aerodynamic front plate, R.S rear spoiler, and gloss dark metal rear diffuser with integrated chrome rectangular twin exhaust tail-pipes, one can truly feel the sporty passion of the Renault Clio R.S.

The LED daytime-running lights forms a distinctive lighting signature that is recognisable by day or night and the F1-style aerodynamic front blade is inspired by Renault’s F1 expertise, reducing drag by channelling airflow under the vehicle to improve penetration through the air.

The R.S. rear spoiler and gloss dark metal rear diffuser accounts for 20% and 80% respectively, of the extra down force generated at the rear for optimum aerodynamic efficiency.

18-inch Gloss Black Radicale Alloy Rims & Red Brake Calipers For A More Aggressive Stance

In terms of the exterior appearance, the new Renault Clio R.S. is extremely stylish and can be easily mistaken as a two-door hatchback. The new Renault Clio R.S. has a fluid, compact, and muscular silhouette. With its coupe-like profile, confident lines, and cleverly hidden rear door handles, the new Renault Clio R.S. exudes an unmistakeable presence on the road.

Interior Appearance,

Extrovertly bold, the new Renault Clio R.S. is provocative and expressive with its impeccably finished interior.

Tasteful additions of red anodised inserts on the steering wheel, gear knob, side air-con vents and side door panels, together with exclusive contrast red stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob gaiter, and seat upholster, are readily associated with the notion of passion.

Upholstered in premium bovine leather, the R.S-badged sport steering wheel is sculptured to offer a firmer grip for a more aggressive drive.

The gloss black centre console with chrome trimmings houses the Renault R-Link multimedia system with a 7-inch coloured touchscreen and automatic air-conditioning controls.

The interior appearance of the new Renault Clio R.S is definitely catchy and very sporty. The rear seats are spacious enough for three adults and it can be folded down to create even more space for luggage and shopping bags.

What We Think Of The New Renault Clio R.S.

At the first impression, we were fooled into thinking that the new Renault Clio R.S. is a two-door hatchback because its door handles for the rear passengers are so well hidden. In contrast to the dominantly elegant black interior, a number of catchy red details draw the attention to the shapely cabin structure.

A stylish pocket rocket, the Renault Clio R.S. is also capable of providing a very comfortable and yet sporty drive. For the car enthusiasts, the superior performance of the Renault Clio R.S. is not to be taken lightly because it can be adapted on demand to suit its driver’s moods and desires, according to the intended journey type. At the push of the RS Drive button, its unmistakably sporty characteristics become apparent at once!

Under The Hood of the new Renault Clio R.S.

How the new Renault Clio R.S. adapts so instantly is that it adjusts the response and parameters of the engine, Efficient Dual Clutch [EDC] transmission, steering, throttle inputs, and Electronic Stability control [ESC]. For the ladies, the new Renault Clio R.S. is very easy to handle and it delivers all the qualities expected of a Clio, such as a quiet ride, a high level of travelling comfort, and low running costs.

From its well-padded seats to its accommodating suspension, the new Renault Clio R.S. attains levels of comfort far higher than one would expect from a car of such sporting temperament. Despite being heavy-footed throughout the test-drive, the fuel consumption of the new Renault Clio R.S. is very remarkable. Then again, for Singapore’s rather congested roads, it would be more prudent to save even more fuel by being light-footed. It takes 6.7 seconds for the new Renault Clio R.S to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and we always find ourselves at the 80 km/h mark within 3 seconds.

Designed by Renault Sport Technologies, the new Renault Clio R.S. is made in Dieppe, Nomandy, France, and it targets those who appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.

In a nutshell, the new Renault Clio R.S. is versatile, understated, and user-friendly, but every bit as efficient as before. Fitted with a remarkably high level of standard equipment, the new Renault Clio R.S is also more fun and easier to drive. For more information about this high-performance hatchback, do check out Renault Singapore Official Website or schedule a test-drive and feel the prowess of the new Renault Clio R.S.!

[Automobile Review]- The All New 1.5-Litre Renault Mégane Hatch

By delta March 2, 2014

Last week, we had the privilege to take the all New Renault Mégane Hatch out for a zippy ride and we absolutely love the responsiveness and comfort that it brings. Our driving experience with the New Renault Mégane Hatch was indeed pure sheer enjoyment!

Since its launch in late 2008, the elegantly French and sensibly efficient Renault Mégane has been a best-seller in Europe, thanks to its widely acclaimed styling and road-holding performance. Retaining the model’s original styling, which has proven to be a hit with customers, the New Renault Mégane Hatch now boasts a more contemporary look.

The front end now features LED daytime-running lights for a distinctive new lighting signature. The bumper is finished in gloss black with chrome highlights and it features an enhanced air intake grille with a sleek new design to underline the impression of robustness. Gloss black inserts and chrome fog lamp housings bring a touch of elegance.

And if the design of the New Renault Mégane Hatch is not enough, you will be awed by the fact that the New Renault Mégane Hatch also stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in its class, thanks to its venerable 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel engine, which is mated to Renault’s latest Efficient Dual Clutch [EDC] transmission.

Just how fuel efficient is it?

Theoretically, the New Renault Mégane Hatch can take you from Singapore to Thailand with just one full tank and though we have not personally tried doing this, our driving experience tells us that the New Renault Mégane Hatch is extremely fuel efficient!

Throughout the time that we had with the New Renault Mégane Hatch, we were very heavy-footed and we tried to spam as much fuel as we can with every start-stop traffic movement. The pick-up of the New Renault Mégane Hatch was extremely fast and we often find ourselves at the 60km/h mark within a timeframe of 3-4 seconds. Cornering was also smooth and manageable even at 60km/h and the braking grip is firm and tight.

Even after the intensive but enjoyable driving experience that we had with the New Renault Mégane Hatch, the fuel indicator was still at full when we returned the car to Renault Singapore! This just goes to show that the 1,461cc block certainly stands out for its low carbon dioxide emissions performance, qualifying for an outstanding SGD$15,000 CEVS Green Rebate. Capable of delivering high torque and power from low rev brands across a broad rev brand in all situations, the New Renault Mégane Hatch is definitely a winner.

Inside the cabin, the New Renault Mégane Hatch offers a host of comfort equipment, with a special focus on its occupants.

The dual-zone automatic climate control is equipped with an Air Quality Sensor that monitors the quality of outside air entering the cabin and it automatically activates the air recycling mode if necessary.

The front and rear seats are very spacious and it provides enough leg room for occupants. Furthermore, the rear seats can be knocked down to create an even bigger boot space which by the way, is already big enough to accommodate all your shopping needs.

We also like the onboard speed limiter feature as it keeps us within the speed limits while driving along the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway [KPE] and Marina Coastal Expressway [MCE].

The only qualm that we probably have with the New Renault Mégane Hatch is the audible engine noise inside the cabin; which is only natural given the powerful 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel engine. We reckoned that the customised 8-speaker surround sound system with 3D sound should be able to overpower the engine noise with additional sound-proofing and drivers would probably be able to get used to it.

If you are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient car that is value-for-money, we will definitely recommend the New Renault Mégane Hatch. In fact, the New Renault Mégane Hatch is a trustworthy car for long-term driving and it is worth renewing a Certificate of Entitlement [COE] even after 10 years.

The Renault Mégane Hatch is currently available at a promotional price from just SGD$126,999 and this promotional price is valid till 5 March 2014. The promotional price also includes a 5 years warranty as well.

You really got to see and test drive the New Renault Mégane Hatch for yourself in order to believe that it is a worthy car. And as for us, we will definitely put the New Renault Mégane Hatch as a consideration for our next car.

Head down to the Renault Singapore Car Showroom and book your test drive now!