The new Renault Koleos

The new Renault Koleos The updated Renault Koleos comes with a few minor changes and tweaks here and there but is otherwise very similar to the model it is based on. The biggest change comes with a focus on reducing CO2 emission in the vehicle and there has been a big improvement compared to the current model. The exterior of the new Koleos has seen its front end re-styled; the air-intakes on the current model have been replaced by an elegant chrome grille and a set of new slimmer headlights add to the styling. Rounding off the list of exterior changes sees the door mirrors now equipped with LED indicators. Inside the cabin there is a selection of new upholsteries and trims available, to add some extra elegance and personalization. There has been some refinement to the dashboard of the car, as well as the instrument lighting to be more modern. Other than that though, there isn’t much that has changed. As mentioned, the biggest change comes in the CO2 reduction of the new Koleos. The Koleos will be available in a 150hp and 175hp diesel model, as well as a 170hp petrol version, with all 3 have impressive CO2 reductions.Renault put in a lot of work on the engine and gearbox of the new Koleos to achieve the CO2 reduction and the work seems to have paid off as the emissions from the 4x2 dCi 150 engine clock in at just 148g/km. The bigger dCi 175 clocks in at 166g/km for its emission rating. The new Renault Koleos will be available later this year in Europe, look for more information on a local release as it becomes available.

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Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy smashes Nurburgring front-wheel drive lap time record

It’s only been a short time since the Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy’s official launch and it has already added a very impressive achievement to its record; it established an amazing Nurburgring lap record for a front-wheel drive vehicle with a time of 8 minutes 7.97 seconds. The previous record was held by theMegane Renaultsport R26.R which completed the lap in 8 minutes and 17 seconds on June 23, 2008.

The time posted at the Nürburgring puts the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy on a completely new level of performance that allows the vehicle to be put alongside supercars with power outputs at or greater than 500 HP. This was done with an extra 14.7 HP (11kW) on tap, careful set-up work, and specific Bridgestone RE 050A (235/35 R19) tyres chosen by RenaultSport engineers. These things, plus the vehicle’s "carefully-tuned Cup chassis, the dampers, the fade-resistant brakes, the Recaro seats, the power of the 265hp engine, the ready availability of torque between 2,500 and 5,000rpm" is what development driver, Laurent Hurgon says helped achieve the new record.

In Hurgon’s words: "The Nordschleife is a legendary course. Its length and layout, which is very different to that of a conventional circuit, make it a unique and technically demanding challenge. Its difficulties are extremely varied, ranging from fast and even very fast in places to much twistier and slower portions. Turns like ‘Karusell’ and ‘Pflanzgarten’, for example, make huge demands of the car and driver alike, yet Megane Renaultsport Trophy is very much in its element here and feels particularly reassuring despite the uncompromising nature of the terrain."

gallery:2011 Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy

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2012 Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy

Renault has unveiled the Megane Renaultsport (RS) 265 Trophy - the company’s fastest ever road going model. The special Megane will make its world debut at the World Series by Renault at the Nurburgring next weekend and will be limited to only 500 units. It will only be sold in specific countries in Europe and will be priced from €35,500 (or about $52,000 at the current exchange rates).

Compared to the Mégane Renaultsport 250 model, the new RS 265 Trophy model delivers an extra 15 HP, will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, and will be capable of a top speed of 158 mph. It will feature some very impressive equipment including a Cup chassis, Recaro seats with yellow seat belts and detailing, 19" Speedline alloys in gloss black with red rim, standard Liquid Yellow i.d. metallic paint, ’Trophy’ red decals on F1-style front blade and doors, LED daytime running lights, and Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking.

Hit the jump to read more about the Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy.

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The 2011 Renault Sandero

The new range of Renault Sandero’s are now available and come with a number of improvements on the previous range. As always though, the range focuses on affordability, value and spaciousness, with particular emphasis on spaciousness, something that is not always present in other hatchbacks in the segment. The new Sandero has the best-in-class interior accommodation and luggage space, a factor that should set it apart in its class. The engine options available for the 2011 Sandero include: The 1.4 Ambiance, which is the only car in its category to be fitted with ABS brakes, with electronic brake force distribution as well as driver and front passenger airbags. The 1.4 litre 4 cylinder engine produces 55kW at 5 500 r/min allowing it to complete 0-100km/h in 13 seconds and maxing out at 161km/h. The average fuel consumption comes in at 7 litres/100km and its CO2 emissions run at 164 g/km. For some extra oomph, the 1.6 Dynamique is also available. It is the only car in its category to come with 15 inch alloy wheels as standard and has the largest dimensions in its class. It is powered by a 1 598cc 8-valve multi-point fuel injected engine that produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min, this results in a 0-100km/h time of just 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 175km/h. The average fuel consumption is only slightly higher than the 1.4, clocking in at 7.2 litres/100km. Topping off the range is the more stylish 1.6 Stepway. Compared to the Dynamique; the Stepway’s ride height is increased by 20mm, the wheels are 16 inch alloy, front fog lights have been included along with black/satin chrome roof bars. Additional satin chrome finishes round off the door mirrors, door handles, front and back skid plates and exhaust outlet. These 3 models are available with the following prices 1.4 Amiance R104 900 1.6 Dynamique R124 900 1.6 Stepway R149 900

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