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Renault (pronounced Ren-oh) is a French car maker and was founded in 1899, when it was then known as the Société Renault Frères, or the Renault Brothers Company. Since then, the vehicle manufacturer has bloomed, growing into the ninth largest automotive brand in the world and the fourth largest when taken as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.
The companies pool their resources for development projects and share vehicle platforms. Underneath the Renault Koleos SUV you’ll find a shared platform that is employed on the Nissan X-Trail. Like Nissan, Renault produces multiple battery-powered electric vehicles.
The company also runs a well established, two-time world championship-winning Formula 1 team in addition to providing its in-house developed engines to teams like McLaren and Red Bull
Drive away prices in this guide are for postcode 2000.
In Australia, Renault sells four car models: the Renault Clio hatch, the Captur SUV, the Megane hatch (plus sedan and wagon body variants) and the larger Koleos SUV.
The Renault Captur is available in two different specifications: the basic Zen model and the better equipped Intens.
Zen base spec includes a rearview camera and parking sensors, a 7” infotainment touchscreen system with sat nav, 16” alloy wheels, auto headlamps, hands-free entry and engine start, plus cruise control and speed restrictor. For an entry-level model, it’s got a lot of tools in its toolbox. You can purchase a Zen Captur with either a 1.2-litre, turbocharged petrol engine and automatic transmission or a 0.9-litre turbo petrol with a manual gearbox.
Intens specification adds front and rear LED daytime running lights, a fixed panoramic sunroof, Android Auto phone connectivity, parking assist, blind spot warning and larger 17” alloy wheels. Intens Capturs are only sold with a 1.2 turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox.
Captur Zen models start at $24,990 for solid white paint and the 0.9-litre petrol engine. Metallic or pearlescent paint is a $600 option. Opting for a Captur Intens takes the price up to $31,490 drive away for solid white paint (the only flat colour option) and the more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine.
The Koleos is wading into a highly competitive segment, facing up against opponents like the popular Nissan X-Trail, the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda’s CX-5. There are five trim levels to choose from. Starting with the Life specification, you get a 2.5-litre petrol FWD with a CVT auto transmission. This car has a 7” tablet-style infotainment screen, large 17” wheels and can tow 2,000kg. It costs $29,990.
Next, we have Zen models, which have inbuilt navigation, front and rear parking sensors plus a rearview camera, faux-leather heated seats and one-touch collapsible rear seats. You can spec this model with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox, in either 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. Finished in solid white, you’ll have to hand over $34,990 and upwards.
Building upon Zen model specification is the Intens line. These models have the option of the first diesel in the Koleos range, with an enlarged 8.7” tablet-style touchscreen and Bose sound system. Faux leather is superseded by the genuine article with both heating and ventilation for the front passengers. There’s a panoramic sunroof up top, Renault’s Easy Park Assist system and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for safety. If you’re carrying an armful of shopping, you’ll appreciate the hands-free opening boot lid. As a 4x4 for a white 2.5 petrol auto, you’ll pay $48,993. The 2.0-litre diesel 4x4 costs just under $1,000 extra.
Finally, there’s the Koleos Initiale. This model wears a special edition metallic paint, has jumbo sized 19” alloy wheels, plus all the features of the Zen trim. A Koleos Initiale will set you back $47,990.
The Clio is an edgy and progressive hatchback that garnered a widespread positive reception from car reviewers. There are three Clio trim levels: Life, Zen and Intens.
An entry-level Life Clio hatch comes with either a turbocharged 1.2 petrol auto or a 0.9-litre engine and manual gearbox combo. In solid Glacier white, you’ll be charged $19,990 for either power plant. The fitout even for this base spec is admirable. For the money, you get a whole host of safety assists, Bluetooth® phone pairing, LED headlights, rearview camera and parking sensors as well as cruise control.
Zen Clios add to the Life spec a set of C-shaped LED headlamps, a 7” touch entertainment screen with sat nav, all-round parking sensors, front fog lights and some striking 16” dual-tone alloy wheels. You also have the choice of two solid colours, which are free. Prices start around $23,990 for a 1.2 petrol and auto.
The Intens edition Clio compliments Zen line cars, with a more racy look. This model get’s 17” two-tone alloys, automatic climate control, interior LED lights and Easy Park Assist. In solid white, with the black accessories, it looks striking and costs $27,490.
This is the ultimate Clio hatch. Renault offers this model in Sport, Cup, Trophy and LE R.S 18 editions. The model is motorsport-inspired, using some of Renault’s F1® born technology and drivers get to choose from a series of high power performance engines. Prices start at $33,990 for a Sport model, with a 147kW turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. The RS cars have sport-tuned chassis and lightweight alloys for a thrilling driving experience. The top of the range R.S LE R.S 18 has a 162kW turbocharged engine, with a Formula One style livery, a trophy motorsport chassis and leather interior. It comes in R.S 18 black and costs $43,668.
The Megane is Renault’s answer to the VW Golf and is bigger than its sibling, the Clio. Renault produces the Megane in Life, Zen, GT-Line and GT variants.
Life hatch models have the option of manual or automatic transmission working in conjunction with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. In solid Glacier white, you’ll have to hand over $24,490. Life Meganes have a 7” touchscreen media system, rear parking sensors and a camera, low-light sensing headlights and rain-detecting wipers plus dual-zone climate control.
Adding to Life guise, Zen models get front and rear parking sensors, adaptive airbags, LED daytime running lights with a 3D edge effect and 16” alloy wheels. This range retails for $30,490.
Moving through the line-up, we have the Hatch GT-LINE. This model has multiple driver modes, a panoramic sunroof, Easy Park Assist, a larger 8.7” touchscreen and navigation system, AEB and adaptive cruise control. Not bad for $34,990!
Finally, we have the Hatch GT, which has added RS performance features. Hatch GTs have four-wheel steering, an RS driving mode, Easy Park Assist and launch control. This model also gets a larger 1.6-litre petrol engine with an automatic. All this is yours for the princely sum of $40,990.
Last but not least, we have the Megane wagon and sedan body styles.
Renault markets three wagon trim grades, the Zen, GT-LINE and GT. Zen wagons benefit from a 7” touchscreen mapping and multimedia system, all-round parking aids and a rear-facing camera, adaptive airbags, dusk-sensing headlights and automatic windscreen wipers, plus LED daytime running lights. The total for a 1.2-litre petrol powered Zen wagon is $31,490.
Mirroring the Megane hatch, you can also specify a wagon in GT-LINE form. It has the same multiple personalised driver modes, a panoramic glass roof which opens, parking assist, the larger 8.7” touchscreen and sat nav interface, plus contoured sports seats clad in Alcantara cloth. Additionally, drivers receive an advanced driver assistance system with autonomous elements. The price? $36,490.
Last, we have the GT wagon, which has a 7” touchscreen and sat nav, adaptive airbags, auto lights and wipers and LED daytime running lights, all carried around by a 1.6-litre petrol engine. This wagon is priced at $42,490.
Drivers who favour a sedan body will find the Corolla sedan competitor an attractive prospect. Renault’s only sedan car is offered in either Zen or Intens trimmings. Zen models come equipped with sat nav and multimedia entertainment on a 7” touchscreen, front and back parking sensors, a rear camera, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and locking rolling on classy 16” alloy wheels. Zen models start at $29,990.
Intens models add more luxury to the Zen level, with an 8.7” touchscreen, 18” dual tone alloy wheels, a hands-free boot lid, parking assist and a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These models retail for $35,990 drive away.
Looking to buy a Renault? Here’s a run-down of all the available financing routes.
Here’s a comparison of key Renault financing options, in this case for a Renault Koleos SUV with the following specs:
Renault Koleos Intens ALL MODE 4x4 powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an automatic CVT transmission. The comparison car is painted in solid white, which is a free colour option. This car has 18” alloy wheels, satellite navigation and a large 8.7” infotainment touchscreen, as well as a panoramic sunroof and leather heated/cooled seats.
Drive away cost: $50,044
| Renault consumer loan | Secured car loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost per month | $1,116* | $1,169.72 |
| Total to pay | $58,583.43 | $56,523.87 |
| Interest over loan | $8,539.43 | $6,479.87 |
| Comparison interest rate | 8% p.a | From 6.1% |
| Loan term | 48 months | 48 months |
| Optional deposit? | Yes – 5% or $2,502 | None needed |
| Trade-in given? | No | Not needed |
| Repayment frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Balloon payment | 5% ($2,502) | None |
*These figures are from Renault’s finance calculator tool.
As the above table demonstrates, secured car loans can give substantial savings on interest over a loan term. While the Renault consumer loan estimate includes both a 5% deposit and balloon payment, the secured loan only requires a $195 application fee. The secured car loan also has a $5 monthly service fee, but even factoring in those costs, you could save $1,624.56!
Finding all this car loan financial information confusing? Use our car loan repayment tool to see the costs laid out in an easy to read graph.
Renault running costs are comparable with other brands that have vehicles in the same sector.
For example, the Koleos SUV is available from new with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, four years' roadside assistance covering the whole of Australia and three years' capped servicing costs. You’ll pay a maximum of $349 for each of your first three services, the equivalent of 36 months or 90,000km, whichever comes first.
Only you know your personal circumstances, so read through our above comparison of each financing method carefully. Buying a car on finance is quite a big commitment, so sit down and work out a budget. This way, you’ll know the upper limit you can afford each month. Here are a few pointers that may help you narrow down your choice:
Renault is one of a handful of large vehicle manufacturers that builds several different models, spanning various vehicle classes. It has the sizeable Koleos SUV, perfectly suited to large families or pet owners who like to travel. The 4x4 model is ideal for towing a caravan, trailer or boat. The Clio hatch is a fun and lively small car, with sporty variants for sale in the form of RS models. You might find the Captur mini-SUV matches all your needs. Then again, the Megane hatch, sedan and wagon models provide larger cabins and more luggage capacity.
Renault also builds commercial vehicles, like the small Kangoo and mid-size Trafic van. Couriers or tradies with a lot of tools will appreciate the ginormous Renault Master van.
Renault even makes one of only a few commercially available electric vehicles in Australia, the Renault Zoe. It’s a compact car with a 300km real-world range. Prices start at $51,990 for this eco-friendly model.
Renault Australia has almost 60 service and sales outlets nationwide, including one in the Northern Territory and four in Western Australia. You can check your nearest Renault dealer online.
Renault might not be the most widely known brand in Australia, but its cars generally have favourable reviews online. The company has even been awarded a string of best car awards, although the market is highly competitive and the last accolade was won in 2015.
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