dCi – Automobiles Review

2013 Renault Kangoo Van

Renault has announced the new facelifted version of Kangoo Van. The 2013 model is offered with two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75HP, 90HP and 110HP) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo Maxi. The five seat “Crew” version features a rear seat that can be tipped forward to accommodate particularly long loads.

The 2013 Kango boasts superb fuel-efficiency. The dCi 75 Stop&Start and dCi 90 Stop&Start engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km or 65.7mpg (equivalent to 112g/km of CO2).

To help drivers reduce their fuel consumption further still, the latest-generation engines available for Kangoo come with a gear shift indicator as standard equipment, as well as an ECO mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10% by acting on engine torque, the gear shift indications and accelerator pedal mapping.

New Kangoo Van benefits from a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional, or standard equipment for ‘Sport’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation previously available for Phase 1 Kangoo, plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails. The range of radios has evolved, too, with a choice of three solutions. All radios come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while the next level up is equipped with a CD player. The premium radio integrates with the Renault R-Link system.

Also available is new-generation ESC combined with Hill Start Assist, plus Grip for improved traction in difficult conditions. It goes without saying that New Kangoo Van continues to be available with the many innovations that have forged its reputation, including the sliding rear roof flap.

Source: Renault

February 1, 2013

Fourth Generation Renault Clio Debut

The neat and sexy Renault Clio is back for a fourth generation which will add even more versatility and style to the family. Despite being packed with new and exciting features and looking curvy as a maxi model, the 2013 Clio weighs around 100 kg less than it’s predecessor.

It’s also lower and with a wider track. That way, Renault have added aggression to an already impish hatch. The Clio’s face also looks menacing while the strictly 5-door policy emits a certain degree of seriousness. Inside, a predominantly minimalist dashboard appears in the form of an “aircraft wing”. As standard, from the Dynamicque trim and upwards, the 2013 Clio gets a seven-inch wide touchscreen R-Link system that connects you to the outside world. That includes a TomTom sat nav and a software that gives insight to the car’s electronic systems. Through it, one can access to an advanced eco-driving function which analyzes and aids the user’s driving style.

Renault Clio (2013)

And if it’s eco what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the two new engines that come with the fourth-gen Renault Clio. One is an Energy TCe 90 Petrol unit that has three cylinders and 0.9-liters of displacement. But because it’s turbocharged it develops 90 hp and still manages to average 65.7 mpg when taking into account the economy-optimised gearbox and the Stop&Start system. The second engine is a 1.5-liter Energy dCi 90 unit which also has 90 hp to play with but because it’s a diesel it returns even more economy – 88 mpg and even less CO2 emissions per kilometer. You get quite a lot of torque as well: 220 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.

For the more dynamic individuals, there will be the TCe 120 which will be available during the first half of 2013. We are talking about a 1.2-liter, 120 bhp engine that packs a 190 Nm punch at 1,750 rpm as well. The power will be transmitted through a six-speed EDC automatic transmission (EDC stands for Efficient Dual Clutch) – technology that has been unknown to the Clio range up until know. The dCi 90 engine will also have this gearbox as an option.

Further details of New Renault Clio will be provided at the international media road tests in September and at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Renault

July 4, 2012

2012 Dacia Lodgy – Price €9900

Dacia Lodgy is priced from just €9 900 in France. The family MPV can be equipped with up to seven seats and combines a high standard of comfort with a roomy cabin and a spacious boot.

The engine range includes: a 1.6 liter MPI with 85PS, a 1.5 liter dCi with 90PS and with 110PS. The new 1.2 liter TCe will be available later this year. It will develop 115PS and return very good mileage.

The impression of quality exuded by Dacia Lodgy’s occupant-friendly cabin is optimised by a long list of features:

a new dashboard design incorporating a new centre fascia-mounted radio and multimedia MEDIA NAV system with seven-inch (18cm) wide-screen display,

new status-enhancing upholsteries,

chrome trim details: air vent surrounds (depending on version), centre console surround, door handles, gear lever knob insert, logo surround, plus gloss black details for centre fascia and steering wheel (depending on version),

driver-friendly controls: door-mounted front/rear electric window controls, door mirror adjustment control on the left-hand side of the dashboard and heater/climate controls towards the top of the centre console,

a practical, safe and driver-friendly high-up driving position.

Check out the specs and prices below.

Dimensions
Length	4,498mm
Overall height (without roof bars):	1,682mm (five seats) / 1,679mm (seven seats)
Width	1,751mm
Wheelbase	2,810mm
Front/rear overhang	822mm / 866mm
Front/rear track	1,492mm / 1,478mm
Front/second row/third row elbow room	1,408mm / 1,466mm / 1,370mm
Second row/third row knee room	177mm / 144mm
Boot volume with seven seats/five seats/two seats in place	207dm3 / 827dm3 / 2 617dm3
Load sill height	605mm
Maximum load length	1,230mm to 1,500mm
Prices	Lodgy	Ambiance	Lauréate	Prestige
1.6 MPI 85	€9 900	€10 900
1.5 dCi 90		€13 900	€14 900	€15 900
1.5 dCi 110		€14 500	€15 500	€16 500

Options list:

• Seven seats: €490
• Metallic paint: €460
• ESC: €300
• Spare wheel: €120
• MEDIA NAV (standard for Prestige versions): €430
• Rear parking sensors (standard for Prestige versions): €200
• Dacia Plug & Radio (Ambiance and Lauréate versions): €200
• Manual climate control (Ambiance version): €900
• Electric rear windows (Lauréate version): €150

Source: Dacia

March 14, 2012

2012 Nissan Note Price – £11 200

Nissan is going to attract more buyers for Note in the UK by offering further upgrades for 2012. The supermini-MPV is very successful with over 100 000 units sold.

During 2012, the Note will benefit from better equipment and style. The popular Acenta model will now feature two-tone 16” alloy wheels, chrome-effect door mirror covers and front fog light surrounds. There is also new seat fabric with blue stitching, climate control, automatic headlights and rain-sensitive wipers all now come as standard.

The best-selling N-TEC model also comes with increased equipment – rear parking sensors, darkened rear privacy glass and the touch screen Connect SAT NAV system.

The Connect includes CD/radio, iPod gateway, Aux-in, USB connection and Bluetooth phone connection.

The 2012 Note Visia is priced at £11 200. The new Acenta at £13 000 and the new N-TEC+ a further £500.

The engine range includes a 1.4 liter and a 1.6 liter petrol and 1.5 liter dCi power units. The Pure Drive badged 1.5dCi emits a CO2 level of just 110g/km with a combined economy figure of 67.3mpg.

Source: Nissan

January 25, 2012

2011 Nissan Juke 1.5-litre dCi – 57.6mpg

Nissan has announced updated version of 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel models. Both engines now benefit of improved fuel efficiency thanks to revised gear ratios.

In other words, the 1.6-litre petrol variant now returns 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle, which is an improvement of 2.3mpg. The emissions have dropped to 139g/km of CO₂, a reduction of 8g/km. This also reflects on taxes by putting the model in VED Band E.

The revised 1.5-litre dCi diesel now returns 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of just 129g/km.

These revisions come at no additional cost, so you really can save around £200.

Over 22 000 units have been sold in the UK since Juke was launched on 24^th September 2010.

Source: Nissan

September 22, 2011

Renault Grand Scenic – 1.6-litre Energy dCi 130

Renault has announced a new state-of-the-art 1.6-litre 130hp “Energy” diesel engine with just awesome results. It powers the Scenic and Grand Scenic, pricing starts at just £20 900 OTR. The cars also come with Dynamique TomTom.

The 1.6 litre dCi delivers 130PS (96 kW) at 4000RPM and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) at just 1750RPM. But the power is not everything! The new engine returns 64.2 mpg and emits just 115 g/km of CO2. An impressive results, which reflect not only on your pocket for fuel, but the taxing is dropped significantly.

These amazing results are thanks to a number of advanced technologies. The engine comes with EGR and Stop&Start technology. It complies with Euro5 emissions legislation and is Euro6 ready.

This engine will be manufactured in France at Renault’s Cléon plant which is acclaimed for its production expertise in the field of technologically-advanced diesel engines like – the V6 dCi, 2.0 dCi and the new 2.3 dCi which powers the Master van.

Once again, the new 1.6 Energy dCi 130 is available with Scenic and Grand Scenic Dymanique TomTom versions. The prices start at £20 900 and £22 200 OTR and the first deliveries are expected in July 2011.

Source: Renault

May 19, 2011

2011 Renault Latitude – the newest flagship

2011 Renault Latitude will join the company line-up. Latitude is specially designed to become the flagship model in Russia. The car measures 4 887mm in lenght, 1 832mm – width, 1 483mm – height and a wheelbase of 2 762mm.

The executive saloon features adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, chrome accents, and an optional panoramic glass sunroof. (more…)

August 30, 2010

2011 Renault Megane GT UK Price

Developed by Renaultsport, the GT range adds a further dash of excitement to the Megane line-up. Available for the Hatch, Coupe, Sport Tourer and Coupe-Cabriolet versions of New Megane, this new specification includes a sports chassis setting, new GT-design front and rear bumpers, 18-inch wheels, Renaultsport 250-specification seats with specific GT upholstery and additional lateral support, Renaultsport 250-style steering wheel, aluminium pedal set and a dark charcoal interior trim with polished carbon highlights, rear parking sensors and bespoke badging on the grille and boot lid. (more…)

March 26, 2010

Renault Announces its Lowest CO2 Emitting Production Car

Behind the scenes, the development of several of Renault’s electric vehicles continues relentlessly ahead of their launch in 2011. Meanwhile, in the pursuit of some purer air before then, the forward-thinking French brand has announced its cleanest production car yet with the new dCi 86-powered Clio, emitting just 98 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Set to be available in three- and five-door guise, the new versions offer not just reduced guilt driving, but also the promise of lower fuel consumption, at 76.3 mpg (combined cycle, an increase of 12.1 mpg) and a theoretical range of 923 miles between fill-ups. (more…)

January 12, 2010

Renault Launches Laguna 2010 Range

Continuing its inexorable product offensive, Renault has now released UK pricing for the new Laguna 2010 range, ranging from £16,795 to £25,650.

Featuring a new ‘GT’ sport look for the core-selling versions in the Hatch and Sport Tourer ranges, Laguna 2010 also introduces several new equipment features and ten eco² versions. Emphasising the increasing growth of Renault’s eco² programme, all eligible versions of Laguna 2010 will feature its badging, as well as the label as part of their full model name. (more…)

May 28, 2009

Nissan: Note the changes for 2009

First seen at the 2008 Paris motor show, the compact and spacious family car from Nissan is about to grow up, with changes made to the exterior and interior providing a new look with innovative and friendly technology. (more…)

December 16, 2008

Renault launches new alliance v6 dCi engine

The Renault-Nissan Alliance unveiled its brand-new V6 dCi diesel engine in the Laguna Coupé at the Paris Motor Show, in October. This engine is the first diesel V6 engine developed and produced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. It will equip top of the range vehicles to meet the growing worldwide demand for engines that are powerful and yet fuel and CO₂ efficient. The Alliance cooperation has made it possible for both Renault and Nissan to offer a state-of-the art premium powertrain to their customers, all around the world. (more…)

November 20, 2008

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