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Renault
Country of Origin:
France
Models:
Clio
Espace
Laguna
Megane
Scenic / Grand Scenic
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Key:
| * |
Top speed electronically limited |
| 2.5SC |
2.5-litre supercharged engine |
| 2.5TC |
2.5-litre turbocharged engine |
| 2.5D |
2.5-litre diesel engine |
| 2.5TD |
2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine |
| I4 |
4-cylinder engine in inline configuration |
| V6 |
6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration |
| FWD |
Front-wheel-drive platform |
| RWD |
Rear-wheel-drive platform |
| 4WD |
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform |
| 5M |
5-speed manual |
| 5A |
5-speed automatic |
| 5AM |
5-speed automanual |
| CVT |
Continuously variable auto transmission |
| l/100km |
Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms |
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Renault Clio
The all-new Mark 3 Clio is already out in European markets, but the Middle East soldiers on for the time being with the older Mark 2 model. The Clio is the smallest car in Renault's rejuvenated range, and offers buyers a number of trim options and petrol engines, in either hatchback or sedan form. The basic 1.4-litre engine powers the standard five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The hot 2.0-litre engine powers the three-door Clio 182 model, with a stock manual transmission. The unique combination of sizeable engines, unique styling, competitive pricing, safety features and equipment levels make other cars in this category look bad. The Clio is available with a host of trim levels, with names like Authentique, Expression, Privilege, Initiale, Dynamique and, for the hot 182 model, Renaultsport. Standard features include electric power steering, some sort of stereo, available power features and more. Class-leading levels of equipment include ABS with brake assist, dual front airbags, remote control central locking, power windows.
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Sub-Compact Sedan / Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Peugeot 206
Skoda Fabia
Toyota Yaris
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Price Range |
Dhs 35000 - 71000 (US$
9500 - 19300) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1004 - 1054 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
1.4 I4 FWD
2.0 I4 FWD |
5M/4A
5M |
98
182 |
127
200 |
6.7-7.3
8.1 |
10.5-12.9
7.1 |
186
222 |
Good |
Manoeuvrability, cabin features, economy, fair price |
Bad |
Limited rear space, aging platform |
Renault Espace
The Espace is famous for being the first minivan to grace European roads back in the 1980s. Packed with abundant space and numerous safety features, it has the maximum rating in crash tests conducted by European governmental agencies. It comes in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase body styles, all seating as many as seven passengers, with luggage space to spare. With the new slide and lock seating system, the latest Espace can offer even greater versatility. At the rear, passengers can adjust the position of their seat for better legroom. Whether the cargo is a large number of passengers or a large load, switching between 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or even 2 seat configurations is a simple affair. Standard features include a stereo, power windows and more. It is equipped with ABS brakes and Emergency Brake Assist, plus an Electronic Stability Programme with understeer control, as well as ASR traction control. Passive safety features eight airbags, including thorax airbags in the second row of seats.
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Large Minivan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chrysler Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Previa
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Price Range |
Dhs 114000 - 120000 (US$
30900 - 32600) |
Body Styles |
5-door minivan,
5-door long minivan |
Weight (kg) |
1705 - 1740 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.0TC I4 FWD |
4A |
165 |
250 |
10.3-10.4 |
10.6-10.7 |
197 |
Good |
Versatile interior, safety features, spacious in most ways |
Bad |
Tight third row seat, not too fast, pricey with options |
Renault Laguna
The Laguna is supposed to be an alternative to the average car in the boring midsize segment. The Laguna looks somewhat like a sedan, but is actually a liftback, with a rear hatch that opens upwards for easier access to the luggage trunk. There are two new engines. The base model comes with a simple 2.0-litre four-cylinder, mated to an automatic gearbox in this region. The top model gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder setup with unique suspension that is lowered by 10 mm and comes with stiffened springs and dampers. The Laguna became the first car in Europe to achieve the top rating in European governmental crash tests, and is one of the safest cars in its class. Standard safety features include ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, anti-whiplash head restraints, front, front-lateral and front/rear curtain airbags, with de-activation for the front passenger seat. Other standard features include remote central locking, immobiliser and alarm, power windows, electric mirrors, CD stereo and more.
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Midsize Liftback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Opel Vectra
Peugeot 407
Volkswagen Passat
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Price Range |
Dhs 77000 - 96000 (US$ 20900 -
26100) |
Body Styles |
5-door liftback |
Weight (kg) |
1315 - 1340 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.0 I4 FWD
2.0TC I4 FWD |
4A
5A |
135
170 |
191
270 |
8.6
8.9 |
12.3
9.0 |
202
219 |
Good |
Looks different, handling, safety, fair interior space |
Bad |
Looks different, not too fast, above-average pricing |
Renault Megane
Renault is pushing the limits of design with their Megane. While the four-door sedan and two-door hard-top convertible are more or less ordinary designs, the three-door and five-door hatchback range features unique shapes not seen on any other car in this category. The Megane is available in four trim levels, namely Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege, while the sportiest models are the Renaultsport hatchbacks, available in both three-door and five-door form. Engines for these front-wheel-drive cars include a 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre, both with manual or automatic, while the Renaultsport gets a 2.0-litre turbo, with only a manual. Unlocking and starting the car is by means of the Renault Card, a card which slips into a slot on the dash. Other notable features include remote central locking, variable power steering, height adjustable driver’s seat, five height-adjustable headrests, and trip computer. The Megane also offers dual front airbags, front lateral airbags, side curtain airbags, and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
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Compact Sedan / Hatchback / Convertible
Road Tests & Articles:
2006 Renault Sport Megane road test
Competitors:
Nissan Tiida
Peugeot 307
Volkswagen Golf
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Price Range |
Dhs 51000 - 99000 (US$
13800 - 26900) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 3/5-door hatchback, 2-door convertible |
Weight (kg) |
1175 - 1450 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
1.6 I4 FWD
2.0 I4 FWD
2.0TC I4 FWD |
5M/5A
5M/4A
6M |
115
136
225 |
152
191
300 |
7.0-7.5
8.2-8.7
8.8 |
10.9-13.1
9.2-11.5
6.5 |
192-194
195-200
236 |
Good |
Unique looks, decent price, ride, fast engines |
Bad |
Resale value, too many gimmicks that can go wrong |
Renault Scenic / Grand Scenic
The latest Scénic is based on the Megane platform. It is what could be called a compact people carrier, with a longer seven-seater version also available, called the Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, and with two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area. It is available in the region with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with an automatic. The Scenic employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and technology, such as the Renault Card keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on some trim levels. Features include folding front passenger seat with integrated table, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 'child minder' mirror, and front and rear electric windows. An optional upgrade enables all the exterior body mouldings to be painted to match the bodywork. Safety features include dual front airbags, front lateral airbags, side curtain airbags, and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
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Compact
Crossover Hatchback /
Midsize Minivan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Kia Carens
Mitsubishi Grandis
Toyota Innova
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Price Range |
Dhs 70000 - 77000 (US$ 19000 - 20900) |
Body Styles |
5-door
hatchback, 5-door minivan |
Weight (kg) |
1438 - 1585 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.0 I4 FWD |
4A |
136 |
191 |
8.5-8.6 |
10.9-11.0 |
190 |
Good |
First and second-row cabin space, safety, economy |
Bad |
Outdated automatic, not too fast, tight third row |
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Drive Arabia serves Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates car markets, but is also relevant to the Middle East region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Bahrain.
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