Joie de Vivre Vehicles

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Throwback: Renault Sold Over 2,000 Cars In A Month In South Africa

November 2021, Renault South Africa had a rather good sales month, selling an impressive 2 081 new vehicles. The French automaker's sales figure is the eighth-best in South Africa at the time, putting it ahead of Kia, Haval, and Mahindra brands.

Renault's local portfolio has recently been expanded with the introduction of the Kiger, a small crossover that replaced the Sandero. The vehicle has all the makings to be a success in South Africa, offering buyers the chance to get into the crossover/SUV game without breaking the bank, especially when utilising Renault vehicle finance. For years now, Renault's approach has been to fill the market with affordable vehicles and simple, affordable vehicle financing. Think first-generation Duster, Kwid, and Triber.

Sales split

As expected, the Kwid remained Renault's top-selling model in South Africa. The previous month, 876 units of the small city car were sold, putting it ahead of the seven-seater Triber. These two vehicles make use of the same engine and transmissions and are among the most affordable in their respective segments.

The Duster has been around for almost a decade and continues to impress with each passing year. The robust SUV has been updated recently and offers the same value it first entered the market with. By the end of November, 2021, a total of 150 units were sold.

According to the sales data released by Naamsas, South Africa's Automotive Business Council, the Kiger and Kiger Turbo are listed as two separate vehicles. Together, the Kiger has an accumulative sales figure of 257 units. The last few units of the Sandero II are slowly moving off showroom floors, with Naamsa listing 58 units having been sold last month.The Koleos, Renault's large SUV, found 21 new owners during this single month.

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Article shared from https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/throwback-renault-sold-over-2000-cars-in-a-month-in-south-africa

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Renault Triber Long-Term Month-To-Month Reports

During its 10-month stay with this reviewer, the Renault Triber did its job in a commendable manner and, suffice it to say, without any real niggles. The Triber isn’t just about clever space management though, it’s also a very comfortable vehicle.

Long Term Report: October 2020 (End of Term)

I primarily used the Triber for my daily commute to the office and back home – a run of 56km – along with some occasional road trips to the hills. And in all those months, I’ve really enjoyed its company. Mind you, by ‘enjoyed’, I don’t mean it’s exciting to drive in any way – it’s more of a compliment for its practicality, comfort, and fuss-free nature. First and foremost, the Triber is a proper seven-seater. Initially, I used to think it was a marketing ploy. But, no, as the days went by, I realised that it’s very spacious and comfortable – even in the third row, you’ve ample legroom and headroom (thanks to the cleverly scooped-out roof). You even get your own AC vents. Yes, in a sub-`8 lakh car! In addition to the space for passengers, it also has a very practical cabin – you’ve lots of storage pockets everywhere in the cabin, and there’s a cooled storage compartment as well.

The Triber isn’t just about clever space management though, it’s also a very comfortable vehicle. The ride quality is pliant, and it has typical sturdiness and road manners that you’d associate with expensive Renault cars like the Duster. However, it doesn’t feel crude or basic inside. In fact, its quality and fit-and-finish are more than decent. The Renault Triber is also well-equipped. The infotainment system is one of the best in the market. It’s large, intuitive, lag-free, and comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Speaking of useful features, it also has projector headlamps, which are very good. I also quite like the design of the car – it’s a very pleasant-looking car. And those faux alloy wheels, well, that’s another smart touch. It won’t be wrong to say that the Triber looks more expensive than it really is, and I believe, the Triber’s aesthetics are one of its main USPs.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder powertrain is a mixed bag. During daily driving or even during long drives, it felt underpowered. The low-end is weak, but the mid-range is more than adequate for daily duties or even occasional highway runs. What’s more, it’s quite refined at mid-revs, and the cabin is well-insulated. At high revs – above 4,500rpm – the engine does sound coarse, and there isn’t much juice to extract as well. The problem arises while driving with more people/load and AC turned on full blast, for the whole task becomes a bit laborious, especially in the city. On the highway, once you’re doing speeds above 80km/h, there’s no problem, as the Triber cruises comfortably, regardless of the number of people on board. The high-speed stability is also very good. Having said that, a bigger engine will definitely make the Triber more complete.

The build quality of the car is, surprisingly, very impressive, too. In the last 10 months, we haven’t witnessed any rattling panels or unwanted noises in the cabin. 

Overall, the Renault Triber MPV is nearly a perfect car for its price. It's spacious, comfortable, feature-packed, efficient, and, most importantly, very easy and pleasant to live with.

Long-Term Report: September 2020

Last month, the Triber’s radiator fan stopped working due to a blown fuse. It was fixed by Renault service quickly. However, when the car came back, the USB port stopped functioning. 

I thought it was a blown fuse again, and being the qualified engineer that I am, I turned it into a DIY assignment since I had nothing better to do. However, the access to the fuse box is really complicated in the Triber (inside the glove box), and you can’t pull a fuse out with your hands – you need to have a pair of pliers. After hopelessly trying to fix it myself for nearly half a day, I gave up and rang the folks at Renault service. They reverted promptly, sending a technician to my place the very next morning. It was fixed in just 5 minutes. The issue wasn’t a blown fuse, in fact, it was a loose connection. All I can say is that it isn’t funny to be proved wrong every now and then as an engineer, you know. The car is now running fine, and it’s back to being a fuss-free and comfortable daily runabout. It’s also hit 10,000km, meaning a service is due soon.

Long Term Report: August 2020

As soon as the lockdown ended, the very first thing I did was to drive down to where I would spend some time with my family. It was a leisurely 250km drive in the Triber. The weather was nice and the roads were empty. Everything went smoothly. Upon reaching my destination, I was quickly put into home quarantine for two weeks, meaning no driving or stepping out. Sadly, I managed to drive the Triber again only when it was time to come back home. 

When I reached home, it was pouring – which is another way of saying that our roads had turned into large water-harvesting reservoirs of sorts. Unfortunately, I drove the Triber through a heavily waterlogged street, and while it came out unscathed, the radiator fan suffered a blown fuse and stopped working. I realised this the next day as the AC kept tripping and the temperature gauge shot up. I called the Renault service, and it was fixed rather promptly. However, after the car came back from service, the USB port stopped working – I am hoping it’s just another blown fuse and nothing else.  

Long Term Report: July 2020

After being parked for nearly two months, the Triber finally went back to work with full force in the last month. Since it's the only small big car in our long-term fleet, it's our camera team's first choice for a tracking vehicle or for transporting people and equipment. Not to mention, with its seven-seat layout, we all can also maintain social distancing inside the vehicle. 

However, with full camera equipment and three heavy-weight people on board, the Triber does struggle to gain momentum, especially with the aircon on full blast. However, once you get up to 50-60km/h, it doesn't feel as 'powerless'. So, the key is to thrash the motor in each gear and get up to speed really quickly. But this comes at the expense of fuel economy. However, more importantly, this aggressive driving style has affected my 'Eco Scoring' (shows on the touchscreen) adversely, as my score now stands at 74 / 100. Plus, it's given me a mediocre 3-star rating in the 'Gear shift' category. On the upside, in 'Acceleration', I scored a 4, and I got a full 5 stars in 'Anticipation'. So, overall, I am happy that I haven't completely gone down in the Triber's estimation.  

Long Term Report: June 2020

In spite of some lockdown relaxations now, going out isn’t an option for me. This is because the border between where I stay and the office is still sealed. However, a couple of days ago, I was fortunate enough to take the Triber out on a cross-border expedition, as I had to drop a friend at the airport. It was after nearly 80 days that I was driving the Triber again! 

The drive turned out to be a very pleasant affair – after being caged for over two months, getting to drive a car back on open roads again felt so gratifying. Plus, there was virtually no traffic, so that made it even more enjoyable. That said, there were scores of private cars on the road. In some parts, it even made me wonder if there ever was a lockdown in place. Everything seemed normal, although I am not sure if I should be happy or worried about this. Strange times, indeed! 

As for the Triber, it did this short journey without any trouble. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by its air-conditioning system. In 42 degrees of heat, the cabin remained cool and engine performance was decent. Hopefully, I’ll get to drive it more often from next month.  

Long Term Report: May 2020

Until a few hours ago, I hadn’t driven the Triber for over a month! Sure, I cranked it up once or twice around two weeks ago to keep its battery from draining, but it didn’t move an inch. However, since I had to get the odometer readings for this report, I went down to my apartment’s basement parking to check it. A few moments later, I noticed there was not a single soul in the parking lot, so I decided to take it for a spin, quite literally – I drove the car around the pillars of the parking lot for a good 5 minutes. I am happy to say that it’s the most fun thing I’ve done since the lockdown! Yes, that’s what it has come down to, sadly. 

However, before we were asked to stay home for an indefinite period, I managed to take it on another short road trip. As I have said in my previous reports, it’s not really a thrill machine because of its pint-size three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. Despite that, it manages to cruise at 100-110km/h quite comfortably. It returned a decent fuel economy of around 16km/l during the road trip. However, it’s not that efficient in the city, as I only manage to get around 14-15km/l of fuel efficiency. And trust me, I don’t thrash the motor at all. Plus, I don’t think that it’s going to get any better in summer because of the air conditioning. But then, who knows if we will be allowed to step out this summer, let alone drive our cars?   

Long Term Report: February 2020

Usually, I prefer motorcycles to cars for commuting in cities. The reason is simple – it saves me a heck of a lot of time, and riding a motorcycle is not half as infuriating as driving a car in peak-hour traffic. But last month, it got bone-chillingly cold here, so, naturally, I ditched my motorcycle and used the Triber. And within a few days of driving to work, I realised that the Triber had turned me into a driving monk!

You see, unlike other cars, the Triber has somewhat calmed me down as a driver. Now, I am not implying that it’s the most refined car in the segment – it’s not! In fact, the engine sounds very gruff during cold starts and even in traffic, the drivetrain feels very harsh. Plus, it’s not a car to drive enthusiastically. But, truth be told, I kind of like that fact – the fact that it’s a relatively slow car. I don’t know about other road users, but the Triber’s relaxed pace has forced me to be non-competitive on the road. I don’t fight for a tight spot in traffic, I don’t chase someone down if they cut me off, and I don’t get into traffic light drag races anymore. Instead, I stick to a lane, connect my music using Android Auto, and just drive leisurely without a care in the world.  However, if there’s one thing that makes me lose my cool while driving this car – the lack of steering audio controls.  

Long Term Report: January 2020

The Renault Triber entered our long-term fleet this month, and, surprisingly, I’ve been handed the keys to this spacious 7-seat crossover. I am no family man, but I’ve to say that I like the extra space that this car offers. On the very first week itself, I drove the Triber to nearby and beyond, with four passengers and their ‘winter’ luggage on board. Of course, on paper, the 1.0-litre motor may not look ready for such a job, but, actually, it turned out to be pretty good. The engine, albeit whiny, cruises comfortably at 100 – 110km/h. Overtaking, however, requires you to send multiple requests to the engine – the motor feels strained and is reluctant to send all its horses to the wheels. Drive it at a leisurely pace, though, and it’s a very comfortable mile-muncher – yes, even when it’s fully loaded. The ride quality over bad roads stands out in particular. 

In the city, the driveability is decent. There’s enough grunt to pull the car into second gear in start-stop traffic. The clutch has a high biting point, though, and I also feel the pedal is set at a weird angle. The 8-inch touchscreen feels very premium. But I do miss steering-mounted controls. We will talk more about the Triber’s quality, practicality, and driving dynamics in next month’s report…  

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Report shared from https://wheelwonderings.postach.io/post/renault-triber-long-term-month-to-month-reports

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Renault SA Talks About The Challenges Faced Due To The EV Shift

Renault SA Managing Director,  Tshifularo about his career path, products and Renault SA’s prospects after the 2035 European fossil fuel ban on cars

Shumani Tshifularo hails from a village outside Thohoyandou, Limpopo. He is a chartered accountant and his work experience includes CFO at a local airline, a stint in the heavy machinery leasing sector and posts in several divisions at the Motus Group.

Working his way up

In 2007, Tshifularo was Africa operations MD of Eqstra Fleet Management, and in 2009 he became CFO of Toyota Forklifts — another division — and then MD.

He left the group briefly in 2019 and rejoined Kia SA as its commercial director. The Korean car brand along with Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Renault, form part of the Motus vehicle import division that represents 23 passenger and commercial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in SA. 

His stint at Kia lasted a year before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Thereafter, he joined Renault SA as commercial director, leading the project to convert and bring to market the Renault Triber Express panel van, among other projects.

In March 2022, he succeeded former Renault SA MD Jaco Oosthuizen who now leads the Motus Group in Australia.

Products   

Growing the Renault brand forms a large part of his immediate responsibilities. The company ranks in the top ten best-sellers nationally. The focus is on strengthening model numbers, starting with the new Renault Captur. It’s an important and popular model with SA customers. The Austral SUV, the perfect replacement for the Kadjar, is not confirmed.

Another model in contention is the Renault Oroch, a half-tonne bakkie based on the Renault Duster. Market research continues on this cool-looking yet perplexing bakkie, which is more a lifestyle loader than a workhorse.

“We must ensure that we get the price and positioning correct before deciding if the Oroch gets the green light,” emphasised the MD.

Renault Stellenbosch has covered this topic a number of times and will most likely continue to provide the latest on the Oroch bakkie.

A batch of 55 Megane RS Ultime — the last model to wear the now retired Renault Sport logo — is now available for order, and though production of right-hand drive Alpines has commenced, we could not draw the MD into this topic. Besides, we sought a more interesting local angle. This raises excitement for local Renault dealers like the popular Stellenbosch branch.

Going electric 

Efforts to launch the Renault Arkana hybrid in 2024 are at an advanced stage, and this will mark Renault’s first foray into electrified mobility in this market. Dacia is the Romanian-born sister brand of Renault, and it markets a technical twin of the popular Renault Kwid, now with a fully electric version.

Is the brand not picking up on the opportunity to sell affordable electric cars in SA?

Tshifularo says his team is looking at various solutions, but there are challenges, especially load-shedding. He recently commuted in Paris in the all-electric Renault Zoe city car and says there were some issues, mostly non-functioning street-charging stations. So, it seems some European grids also are not coping with demand.

Another challenge with the electric Kwid is pricing. Prices start at €17,000 (R333,000). This is about R100,000 more expensive than even the priciest Kwid in this market. It would be unattainable and pointless to Kwid’s customer base, added the MD.

2035 fossil fuel ban

With Europe set on banning the manufacture of fossil fuel cars by 2035, Tshifularo outlines what he foresees will be the saving grace for markets behind the electric curve. He says the majority of Renaults sold in SA are built and sourced from India, and he anticipates this arrangement will continue beyond 2035.

He says there is talk of some of the Indian assembly plants already planning affordable new energy vehicles by then. Based on these outcomes, perhaps there will be something small, fully electric and suitable for our market conditions.

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 News shared from https://bonjourrenault.wordpress.com/2023/10/29/renault-sa-talks-about-the-challenges-faced-due-to-the-ev-shift/

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Why The Renault Clio Is The Best First Car - According To An Expert

Passing your test is an exhilarating moment. After months of study and examination, you are finally allowed on the roads by yourself.

The first drive with zero company beside you is both thrilling and slightly scary. My first time was driving to a local shop to buy some milk and I remember the thrill of finally flying solo.

However, once you’ve passed your test the next step is to find a car, easier said than done when you’re 17 and premiums are sky high.

As a result, most young drivers believe they are limited to cars with small engines, even smaller power reserves, and not much in the way of fun.

This isn’t the case, as I discovered with the 2012 Renault Clio Dynamique which had a small engine, and no power, but several reasons why it made a perfect first car.

It was easy to see out of

I’ve wanted to drive since I was about eight years old. I counted down the years until the day I could legally do my test.

Despite this, when it came to choosing a first car, I was quite nervous and worried about getting in everyone’s way.

What was great about the Renault Clio, later named Furry in honour of the Brad Pitt film Fury, it had great visibility out of the front of the car, making it easy to manoeuvre through busy urban streets.

Furthermore, the Clio wasn’t just able when it came to busy streets, when life got busy, the Clio hatchback was adept there too.

It was practical

The little Clio has a high rear end and a wide boot aperture. What this means is that it’s easy to get big things in and out of it.

The car was so capacious and the boot aperture so square that it had more carrying capacity than some SUVs at the time.

This was perfect at the time as a year later, I travelled to the seaside town of Penryn to study and when I left it took all my things in one go.

With Cornwall, in mind, and the mammoth journey time between London and Cornwall, the car had other tricks up its sleeve.

It was great on long journeys

Two of the most important elements of choosing a car for a new driver is that it must be comfortable and easy to drive.

With soft suspension and light controls, the Clio had these in spades. Despite its 1.2 litre engine, it was an able motorway cruiser with impressive economy for the engine’s diminutive size.

It was a friend

This sounds weird, but for those who are into cars or who are passionate about them, there is something about cars that endears you to them occasionally.

During Top Gear’s Africa Special: Jeremy Clarkson once described a BMW 5 series estate as “a mate”. He explained: “That’s what makes a car special, that’s what makes a car great, you start to think of it as a person.”

What made the Clio special

On Cornwall’s twisting roads, en route to a racetrack or to France with friends, it was another member of the crew, another person on the adventure.

This isn’t to say everyone will have the same experience, not everyone will think as fondly about their first car as I do mine.

And this isn’t to say the Clio was faultless either, but it was what you need in a first car.

It was practical, economical, easy to drive, reliable, and fun.

Test drive the latest Renault Clio and see if you think it’ll suit you as your first car.

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Article shared from https://wheelwonderings.postach.io/post/why-the-renault-clio-is-the-best-first-car-according-to-an-expert

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2022 Renault Kiger Review

If you are someone looking for your first car or planning to graduate from your generic hatchback to a sub-compact SUV, then you are quite literally spoiled for choice. Today, we have both indigenous and global brands offering exciting options in this space and among them is Renault’s offering the Kiger SUV, which received a number of updates for 2022. We recently drove a 2022 model of the sub-compact SUV and here are our impressions

Exterior & Upgrades:

The Renault Kiger for sale was a good-looking product from the beginning when it launched back in February 2021, with sharp creases and proportionate dimensions. Renault reports that it has produced over 50,000 Kiger compact SUVs since its launch in 2021. 

For the 2022 update, Renault added some tidbits to amp it up. Like the turbo decal stretching across the door panels, a red Renault badge in the centre of the 16-inch machined alloy wheels and an all-new stealth black body colour. The Kiger now also gets a skid plate on the front and a chrome strip on the tailgate for 2022, while the door handles and ORVMs get a blacked-out treatment that gives good contrast.

On the inside, not much has changed visually but there are noteworthy upgrades. The Kiger models on sale now have a wireless charger as standard, across all variants. The grey plastic insert that ran through the middle of the dash now features a sporty red theme. The blacked-out fabric seats feature red stitching as well for 2022 and the quilted texture also looks and feels nice. But the major upgrade in 2022 for the Kiger is the addition of Cruise Control for comfortable highway rides.

Engine & Transmission options:

The 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine is offered in three different states of tune out of which two are turbocharged and the top of the line even offers a CVT gearbox, and for the budget-conscious, there is also an AMT transmission on offer. Overall, the Kiger offers 20 variants spread between the Rs 6 to 10.6 lakh band that are intended to suit a wide spectrum of buyers. 

Amidst the fierce competition, the Kiger is relying on its modern styling and European design characteristics to woo buyers. But what about its driving and handling characteristics? Do they live up to the standards that we have come to expect from a Renault SUV since the Duster? 

Performance & handling:

The 1.0-litre turbocharged engine produces 73 kW of power and 152 Nm of torque with manual transmission and 160 Nm of torque with the X-Tronic CVT. Whereas, the 1 litre Energy engine produces 53 KW of power and 96 Nm of torque. The turbocharged version that we drove, felt peppy and did not feel out of breath under any circumstance. However, you can notice the typical rubber band effect of the CVT transmission. But it is nothing that one cannot get used to. Renault also claims that the Kiger offers fuel efficiency of 20.5 km to the litre, however, during our test ride, we were able to churn out a little over 18 km/l as per the onboard calculator. 

The Kiger offers three driving modes: eco, normal and sport. While the eco and normal modes are distinct in their own right it is the sport mode where the Kiger really comes alive and performs noticeably well. Even the CVT's response becomes much quicker than it does in normal or eco mode. We also took the Kiger over some rough rural patches and the compact SUV easily tackled bad roads and narrow streets thanks to its modest dimensions and the McPherson strut suspension set-up on the front. However, when going over potholes the suspension does get quite vocal, to the point where passengers could get uncomfortable. Overall, for a car that weighs under 1,500 kilograms, the Kiger is both capable and fun to drive and a lot of the fun factor can be attributed to its turbocharged engine.

Interior: 

We would like to make a special mention of the all-black interior theme which was a personal favourite. As it gives the cabin a sporty appeal and will be easy to maintain in the long run. The digital instrument cluster hosts a lot of information and even changes its configuration depending on the driving mode that has been selected. The central 8-inch infotainment touchscreen has a simple UI and is fairly easy to operate. It is not going to wow you but it will not even disappoint. The audio quality from the 8-speaker system is sufficient and the wireless charger works even with your phone cover on. At the rear, the Kiger offers 405 litres of boot space that easily accommodates our production equipment and several bags. In simple terms, two large bags or three medium-sized bags would fit flush inside the boot. 

However no car is perfect and the Kiger is no exception, while technically it is a five-seater, during long drives, only 4 adults will feel comfortable sitting at the back. Those who appreciate a good fit and finish might end up feeling underwhelmed as there is a noticeable lack of finish in some areas of the interior packaging.

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Review compiled by https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/

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Renault Maintenance: How Often Should Your Renault Be Serviced?

Most of us think that car maintenance is not an easy job, but servicing your vehicle on a regular basis makes the job easier for you.  But, how do you know the time period of regular service intervals? It’s simple. Just follow the owner’s manual as it is the bible for your car. 

Well, coming to the point, when you should service your Renault? It’s always recommended that you take care of your Renault properly and professionally. After all, you expect it to be totally dependable whenever you take it on the road, whatever the climate is, as well as to function at the top of its efficacy and safety conditions. However, like any other technologically advanced instrument, your Renault needs to be frequently kept up to get the best out of it. That’s why choosing a certified branch for your Renault service is crucial.

Regular servicing ensures that everything on your Renault is working fine and promises you the peace of mind that your car won’t give you any trouble while travelling and is safe to drive. Certainly, to be sure that your Renault is being well taken care of, you need to have it inspected and serviced by Renault specialists. At certified Renault service centres, all the technicians are qualified and have been fully trained by Renault to service Renault vehicles. What’s more, they are able to provide all the latest Renault servicing information and software updates. Also, they have made available all the tools and equipment necessary to perform work safely and efficiently on your Renault, whatever the model is.

So, now the question comes is, how often should I service my Renault?

Generally, all Renault cars are to be serviced every year or 250,000 km, whichever comes first. Renault servicing depends on A and B service schedules. The A service is due first and comprises a cabin filter change. The B service is due next and involves an oil and oil filter change. Following this schedule will make sure not only that your Renault is running smoothly, but also that its resale value is being guarded. 

Servicing your Renault as per the schedule can keep your Renault as good as new. Hence, take your car for a regular scheduled Renault servicing, and get specific items inspected such as tyres, seasonal health checks, air conditioning, and major and minor accident damages. 

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Info shared from https://www.ppsrenault.com/

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All You Need To Know About Renault’s Highly Capable Panel Van

The latest Trafic cabin can be turned into a mobile office, with enough space for a laptop and an A4-size swivel stand

The fourth-generation Renault Trafic panel van is for sale in SA, offering improved exterior styling, technology and cargo storage options. With more than 2.2 million units sold worldwide since the introduction of the series in 1980.

Locally, Renault SA has marketed only the previous two generations, selling just 555 units.

The latest Renault Trafic for sale boasts full LED lights, a new dashboard design and 84.8l of space in the passenger cabin for storing oddments, including a new drawer accommodating 88l — 54l of which is located under the passenger bench seat.

There are also power-adjustable mirrors, cloth upholstery, and wider armrests. A folding backrest on the middle seat turns the cabin into a mobile office, with enough space for a laptop and an A4-size swivel stand to hold any working documents.

The long wheelbase version of the Trafic is 4.15m and has an 8.9m³ loading bay with a single sliding door on the left side and a pair of swing swivel rear doors that can be expanded to 90° and 180°. It’s available in two colour variants: Ice Cool White and Cumulus Blue.

The new infotainment system is integrated with R&Go and turns your mobile phone into a second dashboard with a rev counter and speed change alerts. Radio, Bluetooth and USB and AUX ports are also included.

The new Trafic rides on 16-inch wheels with elegant wheel covers and is powered by a 2.0l turbodiesel engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The eco mode makes for improved fuel efficiency. 

The new Renault Trafic comes with a five-year/90,000km service plan and a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty standard on all models. Services are due at 15,000km intervals.

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Article sourced from https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-renaults-highly-capable-panel-van

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See The Renault Clio In All It’s Glory - Video

The latest Renault Clio for sale has now reinvented itself, becoming a perfect illustration of the Renault brand’s “Nouvelle Vague” brimming with its latest breakthroughs. Its new style is even more compelling and elegant, and its chic and distinguished interior is ushering in a new cycle with the first rendering of the brand’s new design language.

Want to learn more about the Clio V or even find a demo or used Clio V model for sale - check out this website.

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Renault Is The First To Have Waze In Its Multimedia System

Some international news from Renault - Waze is now available on Nouvel Austral and Renault Megane E-Tech electric vehicles equipped with the OpenR screen and the OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google.

Let Waze guide you, only bigger!

Renault has become the first car brand to offer the Waze application directly integrated into the vehicle’s multimedia system. The integration of Waze into the OpenR Link multimedia system, which also has Google integration, naturally offers drivers greater comfort and safety. Without using a smartphone, the driver has access to real-time traffic information, favourite routes and saved destinations on the eye-level screen. Other vehicle features and music remain accessible, even if Waze is activated. No need to worry about your smartphone or USB cable. This new experience with Waze is available in European countries for all Nouvel Austral and Mégane E-Tech electric customers equipped with the OpenR screen and the OpenR Link interface with integrated Google.

How to access the application?

Customers can easily download and install the Waze app for OpenR Link either directly from Google Play via their OpenR Link interface in their vehicle, or from their My Renault mobile app. Customers can then create a Waze account or use an existing Waze account for safe driving, always free of charge.

“Renault is the first car brand to offer Waze directly on the vehicle’s multimedia screen, without activating the smartphone. We are convinced that a large number of Waze users will appreciate this new feature when they drive the Nouvel Austral or the Mégane E-Tech electric. This is clearly in line with our strategy to offer our customers an intuitive, immersive and connected driving experience.“ Jérôme SEROR, Director of Digital Customer Experience, Renault

“As more and more Waze users join us on in-car platforms and as this type of technology continues to evolve, it is important that we provide them with the best driving experiences. That’s why we are pleased and proud to announce our partnership with Renault. The integration of Waze’s real-time routes, navigation and alerts into the screen of Renault’s next-generation vehicles offers a smoother and more streamlined driving experience. We look forward to bringing this all-new driving experience to as many users around the world as possible in 2023.” Aron DI CASTRO, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Waze

As usual, Renault buyers in South Africa will most likely have to wait some time before having access to the latest system integration offered by Renault. We’re sure dealers will make a splash when this comes to SA.

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Article from: https://bonjourrenault.wordpress.com/2023/05/28/renault-is-the-first-to-have-waze-in-its-multimedia-system/

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All The Accessories You Can Get For The Renault Triber

The Renault Triber for sale arrived in India in 2019 and the model turned out to be quite the game-changer given its unique positioning. The MPV is the country's most affordable multi-seater and impresses with its clever packaging despite the subcompact size. The Triber also looks good, is efficient, and packs a frugal, if not very powerful 1.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet. The MPV has found quite a few takers and Renault is offering plenty of accessories to further make the model more exciting for buyers.

The Renault Triber gets four accessory packs, which can be fitted at the dealer level. Alternatively, buyers can purchase standalone accessories that include cosmetic garnish as well as essential feature additions. Here's a look at the accessories on offer.

1. SUV Pack

The Renault Triber's styling is half battle one for the automaker with its rugged appeal. The MPV gets a more SUV-like stance rather than a run-of-the-mill MPV, and buyers can build on this with the SUV Pack. The accessories pack adds exterior elements like body side cladding, bumper garnish, spoiler, and more for a more rugged visual look.

Body Side Cladding 

Rear Bumper Cladding with Red Garnish 

Spoiler 

Fender Cladding 

2. Chrome Pack

Many buyers love chrome and the Chrome Pack on the Triber adds the much-loved bling on the MPV. Accessories include chrome garnish on the grille, door handles, headlamp, window frame, taillights and tailgate, ORVMs, as well as the gear bezel.

Chrome Door Handle 

Front Grille Chrome Garnish

Headlamp Chrome 

Tailgate Chrome

Tail Lamp Chrome Window Frame Kit Roof Lamp Kit 

Window Frame Kit 

Roof Lamp Chrome 

Gear Bezel Chrome 

ORVM Chrome 

3. Urban Pack

Renault is offering some nifty features with the Urban Pack on the Triber including a front parking sensor, illuminated scuff plate, ORVM blinkers, ambient lighting and more. The feature addition does spruce up the value quotient on the car, bringing a more premium feel.

Front Parking Sensor

Illuminated Scuff Plate 

ORVM Blinker 

3D Floor Mat 

Ambient Lighting 

4. Essential Pack

The Triber's Essential Pack is the most useful and should be considered by several buyers. The pack includes a car cover, mud flap, carpet mat and more. Do remember that all the accessories are fitted at the dealer level on the vehicle.

Car Cover

Mud Flap

Carpet Mat

Bumper Corner Protector 

Assorted Accessories

Beyond the accessories packs, Renault offers a host of assorted accessories on the Triber. Most notably, this includes alloy wheels with inserts, body graphics, door visors, roof carrier, bumper corner protector, body side cladding and more. You also get an illuminated logo, illuminated gear knob, puddle lamp, designer floor mats, as well as an IRVM back cover. The French automaker also retails vinyl seat covers for the Triber with different style options. 

Alloy Wheels - with colour-based inserts 

Body Graphics - Criss Cross/Triangles/Gradient 

Bumper Corner Protector (with Black/Chrome Inserts)

Car Cover

Mud Flaps

Fender Cladding 

Body Side Cladding 

Illuminated Scuff Plate

ORVM Blinker 

Illuminated Logo

Illuminated Gear Knob

Ambient Lighting

Carpet/PVC/3D Floor Mat 

Trunk Mat 

IRVM Back Cover

Vinyl Seat Cover 

PRO TIP: Buy a used Renault Triber for sale and add accessories to get the best Triber at the best price possible.

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Info reshared from https://www.carandbike.com/news/

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The Automatic Renault Cars You Can Buy In South Africa For Under R250,000

A car with an automatic transmission (AT) can make driving a lot easier, especially in built-up and heavy traffic areas – which has led to vehicles that offer an AT becoming very popular in South Africa.

According to data from AutoTrader, there has been a considerable shift from manual cars to automatic transmissions, reported News24. The data showed that of the 13% of prospective car buyers using the gearbox type search filter, 82% selected the automatic filter.

Additionally, in August 2020, manual transmission cars made up 54% of the used car market listings, while automatic transmission listings comprised 46%. But by August 2022, the automatic share had risen to 55%, while the share of manual cars dropped to 45%, AutoTrader CEO George Mienie told News24.

In the past, manual transmissions were known to get better fuel economy than their automatic counterparts – which, in the early days, could use up to 10% more fuel than their manual equivalent. However, modern developments in automatic transmissions and variations have meant that this is longer the case.

Among the technological advancements of automatic transmissions came the automated manual transmission (AMT) – also called a semi-automatic gearbox because it marries the clutch and gears of a manual with a set of actuators, sensors, processors and pneumatics.

This type of transmission is used in most cars on this list. Using an AMT system, the driver does not have to do anything, as the system operates the clutch and selects the right gear for the driving situation – although the driver can elect to use the gears manually.

While operating like an automatic, on paper, an AMT gearbox offers the same, if not better fuel-saving benefits as a traditional stick shift transmission.

Unfortunately, automatics often cost thousands of rands more than their manual counterparts. However, the good news is that there are still many small affordable cars on the market with the option of an automatic transmission.

The Renault automatic vehicles you can buy in South Africa right now for under R250,000 is the Kwid and the Kiger.

Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber auto

This Renault Kwid price: R208,999

Fuel consumption: 4.9 L/100km

Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen auto

Price: R239,999

Fuel consumption: 5.2 L/100km

If you want to know more than the fuel usage and pricing of the Renault Kwid and Kiger - you can simply Google it.

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Info shared from https://wheelwonderings.postach.io/post/the-automatic-renault-cars-you-can-buy-in-south-africa-for-under-r250000

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Renault’s Duster Has An Enduring Legacy - Offering Performance, Versatility And Flair

No matter what you drive, which brand you prefer, or what your automotive technology expectations are if there is one name in the SUV category that ticks all the boxes and has redefined the modern-day SUV, it is the Renault Duster.

For years now, the Duster has been one of the brand’s most loved and admired SUVs, and for all the right reasons. Every new edition has only taken that standard a notch above.

What sets the Duster apart?

The Renault Duster reinforces its adventurous persona, ready to join you on all your journeys, and shine the brightest in the galaxy of family-friendly SUVs. A sturdy chassis increased ground clearance, and high-tech features come together to create an impressive SUV that will set you on the path of remarkable discoveries and the hidden joys of travelling. It’s pertinent to note that the Renault Duster fuel consumption is quite impressive in itself - offering low combined consumption rates for an SUV - between 4.8 L/ 100km and 5.2 L/ 100 km.

Eloquent exteriors crafted for excellence:

The all-terrain world of the Duster, with its standout design, grille, and signature lighting, means you will be noticed everywhere you go.

Its dynamic, robust, and ultra-modern design is made to express fearlessness. The latest edition boasts a new front end, roof bars, and expressive, modern, and robust lines. It wouldn’t be surprising for you to take out a moment to admire your Duster before every drive.

The new roof bars are much more than just an addition to the looks, it fulfil the highest requirements of sturdiness, making room for recreational equipment like bicycles or skateboards.

What’s new this time around are the prominent door-side protectors and wing extenders, the statement front, rear, and side style bars, and a practical tool-free removable towbar.

Indulging interiors for unmatched luxury:

With its ergonomic and high-quality interiors, complemented by the highly modular layout of the seats, the interiors are adjustable to your needs. The car’s 1/3 –2/3 foldable bench seat and numerous storage options will make all your adventures a breeze.

The redesigned Duster dashboard is also capable of making your life easier with new adjustment systems for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. What more would you ask for?

The Duster carries the enduring legacy of the SUV while making the right improvements and adding the right amount of innovation with every edition. Renault Duster is all that an SUV should be from interiors, exteriors, engines, fuel consumption and safety. Drive yours home today by visiting a conveniently located Arabian Automobiles showroom.

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Article shared from https://wheelwonderings.postach.io/post/renaults-duster-has-an-enduring-legacy-offering-performance-versatility-and-flair

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Latest Renault Clio Hatchback Specs Discussed

Renault launched its new fifth-generation Clio hatchback in SA in 2022.

The Clio V Turbo LIFE basemodel starts at under R300,000. It's followed by the mid-tier Clio V Turbo ZEN, priced at R321 999 and a range-topping Clio V Turbo INTENS that comes in at R359,999.

Packed with features

Offering up-to-date styling, the car comes with unique daytime running lights, LED Pure Vision headlights, parking sensors, electronic stability control (ESC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and emergency brake assist (EBA) as standard. Depending on the model, you also get up to six airbags and ISOFIX seat anchors. All contribute to respectable safety credentials.

Renault says the Clio 5 has undergone a complete revolution inside, offering high-quality materials and finishes. The new high-tech driver-orientated cockpit is distinguished by cocooning seats and Multi-Sense customisable ambient lighting. 

A high-tech driving experience is promised, thanks to a customisable 7-inch digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brake (EPB), and a prominent 9.3-inch Easy Link multimedia touchscreen entertainment system, the largest screen in its class. 

The cutting-edge infotainment system is integrated with the Renault CONNECT universe (download the app on your smartphone). The EASY LINK system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allows for easy access to all your multimedia content on your mobile device. You can also use your favourite navigation apps, such as Waze, to navigate by voice input, using Siri if you use an iPhone.

Satisfying performance

The Renault Clio V is equipped with an entirely new 1.0-litre TCe 100 turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. It serves up 74kW of power and 160Nm of torque, an improvement of 8kW and 20Nm compared to the Clio IV. They say it will sip 5.7 litres/100km of unleaded in a combined cycle.

With a dynamic chassis setup and direct and precise steering, a more intuitive driving experience is expected. Renault notes that the car's suspension and soundproofing have also been upgraded for the comfort of all occupants.

All models are front-wheel-drive, and they come with a five-speed manual gearbox only for now.

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Article reshare from https://www.news24.com/

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A Cheap And Frugal Used Car That Won’t Cause Pain When Filling Up

Though having the means to own a vehicle is something we certainly shouldn’t take for granted, it’s a particularly tough time to be a motorist in SA. Not only is the cost of purchasing a car on the rise, but the price of fuel is at an all-time high, with a litre of 95-octane petrol costing in excess of R21 inland.

To make matters worse, Russia’s military action in Ukraine is expected to move international oil prices even higher in the coming weeks, which will ultimately have a nasty knock-on effect on local fuel prices. So, what can you do to cut your costs?

Since AutoTrader’s database uniquely drills down to the variant level and provides live market data, we decided to pick out the most fuel-efficient variants from the list of on average cheapest used cars over the first two months of 2022. As SA’s largest and most advanced motoring marketplace, AutoTrader lists car prices at scale so is able to provide the most accurate live data on the market.  

What sort of cut-price options exists for motorists looking to scale down?

The Renault Clio for sale offers a claimed consumption of 6.7l/100 km, with the average list price dropping below R30,000. The average mileage on a used Clio for sale, however, is more than 300,000 km.

The Renault Clio 1.4 Expression offers a claimed consumption of 6.7l/100 km, with the average list price dropping below R30,000.

“Motorists are at the mercy of rising international oil prices, with early data suggesting we can expect a further hefty fuel price hike at the start of April. While you can’t control the cost of petrol, you do have the option of switching to a relatively inexpensive used car that’s fairly light on fuel,” said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie.

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Info rshared from https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/a-cheap-and-frugal-used-car-that-wont-cause-pain-when-filling-up

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Used Renault Sandero Stepway Techroad Drive Review

The Renault Sandero for sale is still a great vehicle.

The Renault Sandero first entered the market in 2009 and over 64 100 units of the Sandero have found homes in South Africa since 2009 and over 30 500 Stepway variants have been sold since their introduction in 2011. 

So, as a manner of celebrating the Stepway’s success, the French automaker introduced the Sandero Stepway Techroad which sits on top of the Sandero range.

You may also be interested in: Find a used Sandero Techroad of your own.

Besides the familiar C-shaped daytime running lights as well as C-shaped rear lights, the Techroad is fitted with freshly designed front and rear bumpers. 

Other exterior styling cues include an integrated roof spoiler, roof bars and rear skid plates that give the Stepway an off-road stance.  The Sandero Stepway Techroad rides on 16-inch hub-capped wheels. 

The cabin feel is not bad even though you get a lot of plastic material on the dash and on the door panels - everything is well put.  The space inside is generous with ample leg and headroom.

The luggage space is measured at 292 litres and if you think that is not enough, folding the rear seats can further expand it. 

The seven-inch infotainment system allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Bluetooth and a reverse camera. It is the same system that lurks in the Kwid and I found it very easy to fiddle with. 

The infotainment system comes fitted with on-board navigation and honestly, I never used it even once, thanks to the Android Auto smartphone mirroring feature that let me project my phone’s Waze on the Sandero’s infotainment system via a USB connection.

The 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 66 kW and 135 Nm delivers adequate shove. Build up the revs and the engine pulls off smoothly with no hesitation in all five gears.

The suspension is fairly soft and manages to suck up most bumps pretty well, and even potholes do not send particularly nasty jolts through the car.

Safety comes courtesy of airbags, ABS with ESP and ASR as standard. It is also fitted with EBA and HSA. 

In conclusion, the styling of the Renault Stepway Techroad gives it a sense of purpose and whatever the French brand did to make it impressive, works.

The Sandero Stepway Techroad comes with Renault’s 5-year / 150 000 km warranty together with a standard 2-year / 30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000km intervals. Update: The Renault Sandero range was discontinued in 2022 to make way for the new Kiger, but you should get a Renault Sandero used model if you’re looking for a great, affordable hatchback.

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Review compiled by https://boksburgadvertiser.co.za/

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Renault Duster Range Updates

In South Africa, the Duster boasts over 23 000 sold since its initial launch in 2013.Next-level styling

Next-level styling

Visually extremely muscular, the design tone is set by its aggressive lines, expressive front and wider rear, and new prominent rear spoiler, heightening the impression of stability. The Renault Duster’s tough stance is emphasised by its bold, more horizontal lines, and newly designed 17” Diamond Cut wheels, ensuring a more assertive profile, striking silver roof rails, and front and rear skid plates that support its adventurer credentials. The chrome trim of the grille, alongside a raised waistline and the newly updated C-shaped front and LED rear light signature with Daytime Running Lights, complete the powerful stance of the new Duster.

The current-generation Renault Duster range offers a class-leading ground clearance of 210mm, 30° high approach and 34° departure angles respectively, deeming it suitable for all-terrain driving.

It offers a spacious and passenger-friendly cabin. Numerous clever stowage spaces are easily accessible with improved accessibility to controls, and new backlit steering wheel controls add convenience.

The new Duster also offers a modular interior layout to easily adapt to needs, with the rear bench seat featuring a 1/3 to 2/3 split-fold function, while the boot boasts a best-in-class loading capacity of up to 478L.

Features include onboard GPS navigation, wireless smartphone replication mirror compatibility and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Convenience features include Automatic Climate Control, Speed Limiter and Cruise Control functions, and a semi-flush eight-inch multimedia touchscreen, which not only looks great but also ensures an enhanced connectivity experience.

Safety is provided by ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) in conjunction with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), rear park distance control and Hill Start Assist.

Power and performance

The phenomenal new Renault Duster comes in diesel, with two versions of the incredible 1.5 dCi turbo engine – manual or EDC – across the various derivatives.

With the Duster 1.5dCi, driver confidence and comfort are brought to the fore. The diesel 1.5 dCi 4×2’s engine has outputs of 66kW and 210Nm and consumes only 5.1L/100km. The 4×2 EDC and 4×4 manual versions have outputs of 80kW and 250Nm and 260Nm respectively, with impressive consumption from only 4.8L/100km, a major plus in these times.

For greater comfort and pleasure, the six-speed Dual-Clutch EDC automatic gearbox is now available with the 1.5 dCi diesel engine. Upshifting is fast and smooth, with no jerking or loss in acceleration. The fuel consumption is comparable to the manuals from only 4.8L/100km.

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Article shared from https://bonjourrenault.wordpress.com/2022/11/24/renault-duster-range-updates/

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What Is The Renault Triber AMT Like To Drive Long Term?

This tenacious little workhorse enters our fleet on a positive note.

The Renault Triber’s tenure in our long-term fleet has drawn to a close, and you’d need to be some sort of mutant to count on your fingers the number of shoots that this dutiful little workhorse has facilitated. It has come along on everything, from quick affairs within the city to a 1,500km round trip to the forests of northern Karnataka, and remained largely faultless through it all.

Compact dimensions, light controls and good outside visibility make driving the Triber in dense city traffic a breeze.

You wouldn’t usually find an MPV on a list of ideal city cars, but the Triber, with its compact dimensions, light controls and good outside visibility, has proven to be a breeze in dense urban surroundings. This is also where the convenience of its AMT has shone through the brightest – not having to bother with a third pedal is a real boon in traffic.

On the more open stretches of road, though, the gearbox does fall short. The shifts aren’t the quickest or smoothest around, but the biggest issue is the fact that they’re not very intuitive either – the car will often go for a shift almost exactly when you don’t want it to, like in the middle of an overtake, for example. And it takes some learning to figure out how to play with the throttle to get the gearbox to behave the way you want it to. The wear on the clutch is also rearing its ugly head and engagement from a standstill is occasionally quite jerky.

When you combine the not-so-sharp gearbox with the not-so-meaty 54 kW engine, the Triber’s performance levels are decidedly pedestrian, and highway cruising isn’t exactly what you’d call effortless. You’ve got to be patient when gathering speed, and even holding triple-digit speeds on the highway requires fairly large throttle inputs. In the city, too, you can’t be too opportunistic with seizing gaps, and speed is never at the forefront of the experience when driving the Triber. If you do decide to be a little stubborn and go chasing it anyway, you can expect fuel efficiency figures to plummet a little – I only saw a touch over 12kpl with my spirited driving style, which isn’t exemplary considering it’s a small 1.0-litre motor with humble output figures in a sub-1,000kg vehicle.

Fortunately, when you encounter a rough patch, you don’t have to shed too much of that hard-earned speed, because the suspension set-up is very adept at gobbling up the rough stuff. The effect of bumps and potholes is greatly reduced inside the cabin, and you feel well isolated from whatever is beneath. And it manages this without coming across as wallowy when you begin to push it hard, which is quite commendable.

With the addition of fancier steeds like the Kia Carens and Renault Kiger to our support car fleet, the fairly basic equipment levels on the Triber have become even more stark in contrast. The cabin feels rather spartan, the infotainment system won’t keep you entertained for very long, and the halogen headlights could definitely be better, but on the upside, the keyless operation on the Triber has proven to be a major boost to convenience.

As you’d imagine, a lot of shuffling of cars takes place in our parking lot, and taking the Triber along on our shoots means packing a lot of equipment into it. Being able to do these things without taking the key out of your pocket is always handy.

But being a support car on motorcycle shoots also means it becomes our only source of shelter during monsoons in remote locations. On one such occasion, a couple of us bikers had to seek refuge in the Triber during a sudden downpour, and the fabric seat covers didn’t gel too well with a pair of wet motorcyclists, and now the foul odour just won’t go away. Granted, this is a rather specific case, but it’s not uncommon to end up with a slightly wet occupant in your car during the monsoon.

All in all, though, this car has been a poster child for the phrase ‘big things come in small packages’, and you can’t ask for too much more from a car at this price point. The space on the inside has been a big plus, especially considering how much baggage auto journos come with. And while it certainly won’t get your heart racing from behind the wheel, it has never shied away from any task thrown at it, nor has it faltered along the way. We bid goodbye to it with memories of a dependable, persistent little car - the Renaut Triber MPV.

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Review compiled by https://mydroll.com/