Nice New Renaults

The Renault Clio, a run of the mill small hatchback aimed squarely at the mass market. A reliable super mini driven by new drivers, mothers on the school run and old dears popping down to the shops. So what happens when you add an insane body kit, rip out the rear passenger seats and shove a growling 3.0 litre V6 in the back of one these sedate little motors? Well Renault decided to find out in 2001 when they did just that and unleashed the Renault Clio V6 Sport in Europe.

The Clio V6 was superficially based upon the MKII Renault Clio although in reality the two cars share few components. This was quite necessary to transform the standard Clio from a front wheel drive, front engine car typically using a 1.2 or 1.4 litre engine, to a mid engine rear wheel drive hot hatch. The major difference is of course the engine – the 3.0 litre V6 being sourced from the Laguna, Renault’s large saloon model, before being heavily tuned to deliver 252bhp.

The most obvious difference to the untrained eye is the Clio V6’s looks. You can still see the standard little Clio underneath the body kit if you squint but it’s a tough job, the original styling drowning in huge bumpers, air intakes and almost ridiculously wide wheel arches. This is not a subtle car and was not designed to go unnoticed. The design ethos extends to the cars practicality – it’s not. With the rear end of the car dominated by the engine, rear passenger seats are gone, the boot is gone, fuel economy is, yes, gone.

Even being as heavily modified as it was, the Clio V6 was not a class leader by any means. Unrefined and very heavy for its humble size, the Clio was little match around a track against the Japanese rivals of the time. And despite the engine, the extra weight meant that much more modest hot hatches could keep up with the Clio V6 in a straight line. Ownership was not a walk in the park either, the Clio V6 having a high price tag, low fuel economy and a high Clio insurance group. This was ultimately beside the point however. In a time of restraint and blandness in the motor industry, the Clio was a breath of fresh air. Quirky, a little bit mad and most importantly – fun.

The Renault Corporation first began producing cars in 1897. The company has actually been in business far longer, however. Starting in the 1700’s, Renaults have been involved in producing coffee, salt and various other products. The road to the production of motor vehicles actually began with crinoline dress. Renault produced the steel rods used to keep the dresses stiff. Machining these steel rods indirectly led to machining other steel products.

Louis Renault was involved in engineering and design, his two brothers, Marcel and Ferdinand had much experience in management having been involved for many years in their father’s textile plants.

Louis Renault was responsible for the sale of the first Renault car, which he allowed a friend father to drive. The man was so impressed with the capabilities of the car that he bought it on the spot.

At this time, European road racing was in its infancy, but the brothers immediately recognized that road racing could give their cars tremendous amounts of exposure to the public. Louis and Marcel actively participated in driving their cars in these races until Marcel was killed in the 1903 Paris Madrid race. This would end Louis’s racing career as well but the Renault vehicles still actively participated in the races. It was the Renault AK 90CV that won the very first Grand Prix motor racing event.

Because vehicles were considered as luxury items at the time, Renault expanded beyond passenger cars to produce taxis, buses and other types of industrial vehicles. Just as most other manufacturers, Renault turned its attention to the war efforts during World War I producing ammunition, aircraft and tanks. Renault’s military contributions resulted in Louis Renault being honored by the Allies at the end of World War I.

Between the two world wars that the world would see in the twentieth century, Renault began to expand the company to produce both large and small vehicles. However, during this time the company experienced problems with both the stock market and their labor force. One of the most significant problems facing the car company was distribution of their product. Renault was finally able to contract with a distributor in the north of France and things picked up significantly for the company.

In the mid thirties, the trend of shipping back expensive European cars prior to World War I had all but disappeared and imports to the United States dropped almost to zero.

World War II was to be a difficult challenge for Renault Corporation when France fell to the Axis powers in 1940. Nazi took control of Renault’s factories and wanted him to produce military vehicles and ammunition for them. Although Renault refused to assist the Nazi’s in this way, he was still accused of collaborating with the Germans and was arrested in 1944. Unfortunately, he died in prison without ever being able to defend himself against the hideous accusations.

After World War II, the company was lifted on the same wave of opportunity that was sweeping the rest of the world. Renault was revitalized and began producing quality cars that rivaled the likes of Morris Minor and Volkswagen’s Beetle.

By the 1970’s, the energy crisis was affecting all auto manufacturers and Renault was not immune. They used this stressful period to try to gain more success in the United States market. This was only marginally successful and by the mid seventies, the French car company had withdrawn back to its shores across the Atlantic.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at SW Engines. He writes about used Renault engines and other related industry specific topics for the company.

If you’ve been following motor racing, you will most probably have heard of the latest Formula One scandal, nicknamed Crashgate. Over the 2008 F1 Singapore GP, the Renault team comprising of Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr, qualified in 15th and 16th place and would normally not have any hopes of winning the race. As it happened, Piquet Jr intentionally crashed his car in Lap 14. His purpose of bringing out the safety car worked, as Alonso, having refueled earlier on, went on to take the lead and became the unlikely winner of the 1st ever night race in Formula One history.

But now the truth is out and the fall out over this scandal begins. Alonso has denied any knowledge of this plot and has been cleared by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) of any wrongdoing. Renault has also been handed a 2 year suspended sentence that would see them banned if they are found guilty of breaking the rules in the next 2 years. But what of the 3 figures central to the scandal? Flavio Briatore, the colorful team principal of Renault was given a lifetime ban in participating in all forms of motor sports while Renault chief engineer Pat Symonds, was banned for 5 years. However, Nelson Piquet Jr., the driver at the centre of this scandal was not penalized as he was given immunity in exchange for providing evidence of the plot.

However, most motor sports fans are up in arms with the feeling that Renault got away easily. Speculation is of the FIA going as far as possible to allow them to stay in the sport, having already lost Honda this season and BMW already announcing their pull out at the end of this season. The penalties from Crashgate, sometimes described as the worst scandal in Formula One history, also pale in comparison to previous scandals. McLaren for example, was fined a whopping US$100 million and had all points in the constructors’ championship forfeited for spying and possessing Ferrari technical data.

A couple of Formula One drivers might also feel aggrieved at the ruling. Felipe Massa, who lost out on the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point, was leading the race before the deliberate crash and might have gone on to win both the championship and the race if he was not forced to make an unscheduled pitstop. Nico Rosberg, the German driver in the Williams team who eventually finished second, might feel that he deserves to be the rightful winner.

And what is the future of Nelson Piquet Jr.? Although many feel that he got off lightly, would any team hire someone who deliberately crashed his vehicle? Only time will tell.

Roger Cruz

The New Renault Clio is considered to be one of the best mini’s on the market. It comes in a 5 door model that is quite spacious and roomy and a smaller sportier 3 door hatch back model. Both feel and ride like much bigger cars. The Clio is a very sturdy, driver friendly car that offers surefooted road handling even at higher speeds and through different terrains. The new Clio has a lot to offer in a small, sleek stylish package.

The 3 door New Renault Clio is a very well priced car starting at an affordable £9,995 for the basic entry level Extreme 1.2. The top range GT comes in at a reasonable £14,445. Equipped with a new fuel efficient engine, a better looking rear and front view and a bigger cabin that allows for sufficient shoulder and leg room this model is much improved over past versions. You may have a factory fitted Tom Tom sat nav system installed for £450 extra, a real bargain considering the price you would normally pay for most integrated sat nav systems.

Renault has always been known for it’s exceptional performance record in the multitude of crash tests their vehicles have all undergone in the past. The New Renault Clio is no exception to this rule. The Clio scored very well when it comes to protecting both adults and children and even pedestrians. The entry level models all come with side and front airbags, they higher range models offer curtain airbags as well. All models have ABS electronic brake distribution and child seat mounting and even a 2 alarm system is available as a standard item.

The New Renault Clio is idea for a small family. It’s fuel efficient, saving you a good bit of money at the pump and it handles very well. There’s plenty of room for 4 to be seated comfortably and it offers passengers a gentler and much safer ride than a few of the past models. All in all the Renault Clio is well made car that has a lot to offer for the cost and it lives up to the famous Renault reputation.

Pete J Ridgard

Renault is well known for manufacturing different and interesting vehicles. The recent addition of their first cross over model, the New Renault Koleos continues that tradition. The Koleos is the first attempt at a SUV for the Renault company and even though it’s taken a little extra time, the waiting has been worth while. The Koleos is a quality vehicle that has a lot to offer. It’s well made, affordably priced and is one of the best new SUVs on the market today.

The New Renault Koleos offers drivers a taste of sophistication and class packaged in an SUV shell. Driving the Koleos is really a pleasurable experience. The four wheel drive and hill descent system that has been installed into the Koleos has done a fantastic job at finding and maintaining grip while traveling along a bumpy roads and winding curves in any weather conditions. The vehicle handles well at any speed in any condition.

If you’re looking for a nice family vehicle the New Renault Koleos offers a lot in that area as well. It’s easily accessible, has a drop down tail and a life up rear door and has easily fold down seats to make plenty of room to carry groceries or sporting equipment. It seats 4 comfortably and has plenty of shoulder and leg room for passengers. The interior of the car is fluid and nicely done. The height adjustable cloth covered seats are chunky and firm but also contoured to add to driving your comfort. The Koleos Privilege comes with heated leather seats.

This new version of Renault is a bit off the beaten track for this car manufacturer. In the New Renault Koleos, they have successfully combined their world class craftsmanship with the newer technology that has brought us a spectacular 4 wheel drive cross over SUV. The Koleos is fuel efficient, something unheard of for most SUVs and it is easy to drive, offers a driver excellent visibility, great precision handling and is truly a pleasurable drive for both any owner of the vehicle. The Renault Koleos is a crossover that will be a valuable member of the Renault family for years to come.

Pete J Ridgard