Nice New Renaults

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

Back during the 1980s Renault cars, in alliance with the now defunct American Motors Company [AMC], were sold at American dealers. Once Chrysler purchased AMC, Renault retreated and quit selling cars in the US. A recent announcement by Renault that the U.S. market may once again be a candidate for Renault cars has been met with only tepid enthusiasm by the automotive press. Will Renault return? More importantly: does anyone care?

Renault’s exit from the US during the late 1980s was hardly noticed by most consumers. As makers of the tiny LeCar, the compact Alliance, and the midsize Medallion/Eagle Premier, not much distinguished Renault from the competition.

Today, Renault is quite a different company with a very different outlook and product line. Ever since its purchase of the Nissan Motor Company, Renault’s focus has shifted from a predominately European stage to a global stage. With Nissan technology incorporated into many current vehicles, Renault quality and reliability levels have risen. This is good news as Renault previously was criticized in the US for building poorly made cars. Better made cars than AMC, but not rising to the quality level that many had expected.

Press reports indicate that Renault will tackle the Chinese market first before even considering the US…if ever. Is it because Americans remember the poorly made Renault products of the past that is behind the company’s hesitancy to reenter the market? Or, could it be Renault’s perception that America doesn’t much like the French right now?

We don’t know for sure, but I am guessing that it is a little bit of both. Regardless, a high quality affordable Renault automobile would be a welcome change to the junk sold here a generation ago. Let’s hope that Renault has learned a valuable lesson from Nissan on how to build and sell a top quality product. If so, then bring them here.

Back during the 1980s Renault cars, in alliance with the now defunct American Motors Company [AMC], were sold at American dealers. Once Chrysler purchased AMC, Renault retreated and quit selling cars in the US. A recent announcement by Renault that the U.S. market may once again be a candidate for Renault cars has been met with only tepid enthusiasm by the automotive press. Will Renault return? More importantly: does anyone care?

Renault’s exit from the US during the late 1980s was hardly noticed by most consumers. As makers of the tiny LeCar, the compact Alliance, and the midsize Medallion/Eagle Premier, not much distinguished Renault from the competition.

Today, Renault is quite a different company with a very different outlook and product line. Ever since its purchase of the Nissan Motor Company, Renault’s focus has shifted from a predominately European stage to a global stage. With Nissan technology incorporated into many current vehicles, Renault quality and reliability levels have risen. This is good news as Renault previously was criticized in the US for building poorly made cars. Better made cars than AMC, but not rising to the quality level that many had expected.

Press reports indicate that Renault will tackle the Chinese market first before even considering the US…if ever. Is it because Americans remember the poorly made Renault products of the past that is behind the company’s hesitancy to reenter the market? Or, could it be Renault’s perception that America doesn’t much like the French right now?

We don’t know for sure, but I am guessing that it is a little bit of both. Regardless, a high quality affordable Renault automobile would be a welcome change to the junk sold here a generation ago. Let’s hope that Renault has learned a valuable lesson from Nissan on how to build and sell a top quality product. If so, then bring them here.

Copyright 2005 — Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Samples from his portfolio are available right online.

When the Renault 5 GT Turbo first arrived in the UK back in 1985 it caused quite a considerable stir amongst its potential hot hatch rivals. It wasn’t just the looks of this pocket rocket that caused it to stand out, with the turbo changed engine and minimal kerb weight, it also had the power and pace to put its rivals firmly in the shade.

The Renault 5 GT turbo marked the start of a Renault hot hatch dynasty that progresses through the distinctive gold wheels of the Renault Clio Williams and on to the limited edition Renault Clio Trophy and the latest Renault Clio 197. Under the bonnet, the Renault 5 GT Turbo used the uninspiring 1.4 litre engine from its bigger Renault 11 brother. However the addition of a Garret T2 turbo and intercooler meant that inside the Renault 5 it produced a respectable 115 bhp.

Whilst 115 BHP seems quite laughable by modern standards, it is important to remember that the Renault 5 was not burdened by today’s airbags, air conditioning, side impact bars and power steering and so the overall weight of the car was just 850kg. This was light enough to give the Renault 5 GT turbo a very modern 0-60 time of just 7.5 seconds, and quick enough to beat its contemporaries, in the shape of the Fiat Uno Turbo and Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi.

It wasn’t just in the power stakes that the Renault 5 GT could trounce its rivals, with all new springs, dampers and anti roll bars the R5 could also run rings around them when it came to handling too. The GT also proved to be extremely popular amongst the aftermarket fraternity, who could easily modify the engine to produce up to 200bhp.

The distinctive looks of Renault 5 GT Turbo were penned by Marcello Gandini, who already had the Lamborghini Contach in his portfolio, and with its wide wheel arches, imposing front grill and fake vent ducts it is certain to make an impression wherever it goes. Whilst the yellow fog lights give the Renault 5 a certain French flair a modern driver would probably want to upgrade the weak headlights to more powerful xenon headlight bulbs.

Because so many Renault 5 GT Turbo’s were modified with engine upgrades, suspension changes and body kits, finding a totally original model today can prove to be quite a challenge, but one well worth pursuing as this performance icon has now achieved cult status and still has the performance to keep up with modern traffic.

The Renault 5 GT Turbo is destined for classic status and whilst being more fragile than a MK1 Golf GTi, its lack of modern comforts and safety aids mean it will always remain a true drivers car.

Whilst the Renault 5 GT Turbo still has the performance to keep up with its modern day rivals, you will find that the lighting performance from its standard Car Bulbs to be quite lacking, especially on demanding night drives. Fortunately you can very simply and easily improve your Renault’s car lights by upgrading the Headlight Bulbs from halogen to new xenon bulbs to really light up the road ahead.

The company, officially known as Société Renault Frères or simply Renault S.A is a French vehicle manufacturer. The company was established in the year eighteen hundred and ninety nine and began its production line toward the end of the same year. Among its huge line of fleet production, Renault churns out various automobile options that include cars, buses, trucks, vans and tractors. Owing to its association with another auto manufacturer Nissan, Renault is today the fourth largest vehicle manufacturer.

The company headquarters are located in Boulogne-Billancourt, France and it is a privately owned company. It operates in a hundred and eighteen companies all over the globe. Moreover it owns a number of subsidiaries in various parts of the world including the Romanian car manufacturer Automobile Dacia and the South Korean automobile maker Renault Samsung Motors. Renault owns up to ninety nine percent and eighty percent stake in both companies respectively.

The company is world famous for its innumerable ground-breaking blueprints, safety expertise and speed racing. Renault’s most unbeaten car model is the Renault Clio which is a supermini, that is, a classification bigger than a city car yet smaller than a small family car. The Renault Clio first rolled into production in nineteen ninety and is at the moment in its third production model. The basis of the Renault market is in France itself.

Société Renault Frères was started by a man named Louis Renault, together with two of his brothers Marcel and Fernand and another two of his comrades Thomas Evert and Julian Wyer. Louis Renault was born in the year eighteen seventy seven at the very core of Parisian bourgeoisie – which is a term used to define the upper or mercantile class in French society, whose rank emanates from either employment, schooling and prosperity as opposed to the aristocracy whose illustrious social status is hereditary. His father was a prosperous trader in textiles and button, while his mother was the offspring of well-heeled merchants.

It was the publicity that their vehicles generated from motor racing that the brothers realized and exploited into the backbone of what is Renault today. In fact there first sale was after a test drive conducted by a friend of Louis’ father who was so awed by the ease with which the car dashed and ascended the streets that he immediately purchased it. This was on Christmas Eve of the year eighteen ninety eight. The make of the vehicle was the Renault Voiturette 1CV.

Renault established their stance for novelty right from the beginning. In eighteen ninety nine, the company commenced fabrication of the first sedan vehicle, retailing at an average of three thousand francs which would have required the normal worker at the time a period of ten years worth of salaries and wages to accumulate. The new Renault company insignia was launched in nineteen seventy two. It was part and parcel of the of the huge trademark overhaul put into place to concur with the unveiling of the Renault 5 hatchback.

The birth of the popular auto, the Renault, was marked by the primary contribution of one single individual – Louis Renault. On Christmas Eve in 1898, Louis Renault who had a passion for mechanics drove his new car, which was a De Dion-Bouon cycle converted with a universal jointed propeller shaft with three gear speeds. His friends and brother made fun of his invention when he parked it outside.

Taking up the challenge, Louis Renault drove his “Voiturette,” as it was called, down the steep hills of Rue Lepic several times much to the amazement of his friends. His efforts won him an order for the first 12 cars, marking his beginning as an auto maker. It also started a long era of Renault’s list of patents starting with Louis Renault’s universal jointed propeller shaft, which came with a three-gear box including reverse, with the third gear in direct drive.

His car came to be known as Renault Voiturette Type A. In the year 1899, the company, Renault Freres, was formed when Fernand and Marcel Renault joined hands with Louis Renault. When the company started to offer their patented creation to others, the money flowing in from the patent was channeled towards the expansion of the company.

Understanding the role played by racing in the publicity of the car, the Renault brothers started to take active involvement in racing their own creations. Unfortunately, Marcel Renault experienced a tragic death during the 1903 Paris-Madrid race.

In the meantime, the company’s introduced the Type B and the first commercial vehicle, the Type C and the Type K with enhanced features that were capable of driving at a speed of more than 60 kph. This drew a lot of attention from the public…

The year 1902 saw another great brainwave from Louis Renault’s, the “supercharged engine” that paved the way for the company’s entry into the F1 racing in the 1970s.

But it was the Marne Taxi, the first taxi in the history of Paris that made Renault widely known.

Louis Renault was a great visionary who recognized the potential in making a giant step towards aeronautics, diversifying into the production of an aircraft engine in 1907.

After the death of Marcel in 1903, the company came into the sole hands of Louis Renault. In 1908, he renamed the company to the Societe des Automobiles. During World War I, his attention was directed to the production of war vehicles, including the aircraft Avant Renault and the FT17 tank.

Renault went under the control of German administrators during the fall of France during World War II. After the death of Louis Renault in 1944, the company continued its direction in racing with Renault’s turbine-powered Étoile Filante — creating a world speed record that still holds good today by travelling at a speed of 308.9 kph.

Through numerous mergers and acquisitions, innovative design and revolutionary technologies, Renault has continued its saga as a great auto manufacturer, moving into the fourth position after its alliance with Nissan.

Don’t let car insurance for teenagers in your house cost you more than it has to. Compare insurance rates for young drivers at Auto Insurance Rates Direct.

Second generation Renault Laguna was offered in 2001 and designed till 2007. Though, the body styles as well as layout were not changed in these cars, but size of the cars was modified. The length, width and height of the second generation Renault Laguna were about 180.2 inches, 69.8 inches and 56.3 inches respectively.

The curb weight of the car was about 3461 pounds. Moreover, fuel capacity was also increased to 70 L instead of 66L in previous generation cars. Laguna II was re-offered as IIB with improved comfort, driving performance as well as security system in March 2005. An Electronic handbrake system was equipped in this model.

The car was equipped with 2.0 L 1995 cc engine along with 16 valve dCi I4 engine. The car was producing 175 bhp of power. The top speed of this model was noted about 140 mph. These cars were manufactured from 2005 to 2007. Moreover, the car had got acceleration up to 100 km/hr in just 8.4 seconds of time.

The third generation Renault Laguna was launched recently in 2008. Except the previous estate and lift back models, this new model was also offered as a 2-door sedan. The company had announced its launch of new brand saloon in near future.

The third generation Laguna models are more spacious in comparison to its previous generation models with length, width and height of 184.8, 71.3 and 56.9 inches respectively. The curb weight of car is measured to be about 3439 pounds. In terms of fuel capacity, Laguna III model is similar to its first generation models with 66 L of fuel capacity.

You can check out the latest Renault Laguna Pictures Here

When shopping out there for a car, you have to be sure of the features that you want in order to come up with the right model. Nowadays, buying the best model of car is not easy because all the manufacturers who manufacture these vehicles claim their makes to be the best, only for one to find out later that they are expensive in regards to fuel consumptions and the maintenance cost. Some of the factors that should be put in mind include the cost of maintenance, availability of the spare parts, comfort, safety, reliability among other features. When you buy a Renault Clio car, you are guaranteed safety because this car is fitted with air bags that protect one from injuries in case of an accident. In fact, the Clio is one of the safest hatchback cars on UK roads today.

For those that travel for long distances, comfort is guaranteed because this car is fitted with nice seats that are comfortable to sit on or even sleep while on the journey. The safety belts that are fitted ensure that all the passengers are fully secured from bumpy roads and instant brakes.

The engine of this car is also designed in a manner that the fuel is economized which ensures that the money is saved for other purposes. The tyres of this car are strong and durable ensuring that the journey is comfortable and less tedious. Buying a used Renault Clio car guarantees one pride as they have an attractive and strong body which is easy to clean and it is not affected by weather. The music system fitted on this car makes one to feel at home away from home and makes the journey shorter because the passengers are fully entertained. The spare parts are also available from the available shops which mean that it has simple maintenance that can be done at the nearest garage at any time.

Along with low running costs the low insurance group for the Clio means that the car is cheap to insure which will makes it a desirable first car for young drivers, especially the with the smaller engine types.

Find your next used Renault Clio by viewing the used Renault Clio search and look through 1000’s of history checked Clios for sale, sold directly by official Renault dealers across the UK.

With the misfortunes of America’s two largest automakers being trumpeted frequently on the news, it seems as if little attention is being paid to some of the other automakers out there. France’s Renault, once in poor shape itself, has rebounded nicely and is prospering with its relationship with Nissan, a company it has controlling interest in. Speculation is that Renault wants a greater piece of the luxury car market, even beyond Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti. Would General Motors consider selling Saab to Renault or would the French automaker be better off looking elsewhere? Let’s take a look at some options for Renault.

Make a bid for Saab. It is no secret that the Swedish automaker hasn’t been much of a hit for General Motors. Unlike the other Swedish automaker Volvo, itself owned by Ford, Saab has produced little benefit for GM since being brought into the fold in 1990. A clash in management styles hasn’t helped with GM’s line management style going up against Saab’s egalitarian style. Although not exactly a luxury line, Saab could be upgraded and give Renault renewed access to the American market and much needed cash for GM.

Go after Jaguar. Much like Saab’s relationship with GM, Jaguar hasn’t done a lot for Ford. Unlike GM, however, Ford has handled its international acquisitions much better and has allowed its new holdings to continue to plan and expand their product lines without excessive dictation from Detroit. Still, the value of Jaguar remains strong and the time for Ford to sell this British automaker off would be now. Let’s just see how well the French and British work things out too!

Ramp up Infiniti. Even in expressing interest in acquiring another automaker, Renault does have its own “in house” luxury line in Infiniti. After a poor start, Infiniti has strengthened its product line and is better poised to compete against Lexus and Acura. A careful “retuning” of Infiniti could also yield a line of cars better suited to compete against BMW and Mercedes who essentially lead the luxury car market in the Europe. Working with the existing lnfiniti brand would be cost effective too.

Introduce a new luxury line. Much as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have introduced luxury lines of their own vehicles, Renault could do the same and profit immensely. With Hyundai expected to do the same, Renault’s new luxury division could give the automaker instant access to the luxury market and prepare the company for reentry into the U.S.

As much as General Motors and Ford are reeling right now, neither Saab nor Jaguar may be auctioned off. At present, both Swedish automakers have a significant cross division investment that cannot be easily disconnected. Planned vehicles in the Saab pipeline would have to be scuttled, which would effectively reduce the automaker’s value overnight.

Renault may still be eyeing Saab, but the logistics aren’t that easily worked out.

Renault is French automaker that, in alliance with the Japanese automaker Nissan, is the fourth largest automaker in the world. The company also owns the Romanian automaker Dacia and the Korean automaker Renault Samsung Motors. It is strong in France, South America, and Africa, while its partner Nissan’s core markets are in Japan, North America, and Southeast Asia. The alliance between Renault and Nissan began in 1999 with each company taking shares in the other company: Renault took a 44% stake in Nissan, and Nissan reciprocated with a 15% share of the French car manufacturer. The alliance has proved very successful for both companies, with each company complementing the strength of the other. Nissan develops gasoline engines, while Renault concentrates on its traditional strength in diesel engines. Nissan concentrates on North America and Japan where the French automaker has no presence, while Renault is able to concentrate on Africa and Europe where it has been traditionally stronger than Nissan.

For the 2009 fiscal year, Renault sold a total of 2.309 million units. While this was a 3.1% decrease from 2008, it was smaller that the total market decline of 4.7%. Because the decline was smaller than the overall market, the group actually increased its market share by.1% to a world market share of 3.7%. The French brand is currently ranked as the third best-selling passenger car brand in Europe. The Company is also the best-selling brand of light commercial vehicles in Europe, a rank it has held since 1998. The Dacia subsidiary of the company logged a 91% increase in sales in Europe in 2009, and now has a European market share of 1.3%. The Dacia Logan passenger car has fueled much of this sales increase, and has helped Dacia become one of the ten best-selling brands in France. Renault Samsung Motors has also posted excellent results for 2009, taking a market share of 9.3%. South Korea is now the Renault group’s third largest market because of the success of Renault Samsung Motors.