SMC Renault New Cars - New Models for 2008

Clio Sport Tourer Coming June 2008

Clio Sport Tourer packs versatility and appeal, with features that set it apart from the hatchback model. This new car meets the expectations of motorists looking for a car that combines dynamic design with generous loading space.

At 4,202mm long, Clio Sport Tourer is one of the most compact estate cars on the market. It’s true to the Clio III style, with its emphasis on vitality and driving pleasure.

Clio Sport Tourer adapts effortlessly to different situations and usages - outdoor leisure pursuits, sports events, family outings, etc. – thanks to its generous loading space of 439 dm3 (50% more than Clio III hatchback), 60:40 split-folding rear seat and removable boot floor which frees up a perfectly flat loading surface. And like all models in the Clio III family, Clio Sport Tourer has a welcoming, well-finished interior, and ride comfort evocative of a much larger car.

Koleos 4 X 4 Coming July 2008

Renault's Koleos due for launch in the Uk in July 2008. As you can see it's going to be a rugged-looking SUV, with the promise of "the roominess and comfort of a crossover".

Developed by Renault-owned Samsung in Korea, where it will be built, featuring a 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine (180bhp, with particulate filter) and six-speed manual gearbox. Design-wise, it's clearly descended from the original Koleos concept (2000), but has been modernised with led headlights, a more pedestrian-friendly front end, and more production-friendly detailing. That said, this is still very much a show car, with its glass roof, aluminium roof bars, door mirror-mounted lights, 19-inch alloys with bespoke tyres, twin exhausts and bright aluminum skid plates.

Sitting 200mm off the ground, the Koleos will have electronically-controlled torque-split 4WD system plus hill descent control and ESP. Enough off-road ability for most owners, and a bit of light trailer-pulling, then.

Accessing the interior is made easy by fold-down aluminium door sill extensions, and this show car has a four-seat layout with individual beige leather seats. The glass roof aids a light, roomy atmosphere, and there are numerous storage areas as in Renault's MPVs, and a split-opening tailgate which doubles as a picnic table or seat for two - ideal for doing car-boot sales. And just in case you've forgotten this is a 4x4, the dashboard incorporates data on altitude, gradient, compass bearings and atmospheric pressure; everything an urban adventurer could need to know.

Laguna Coupe Coming October 2008

Reaching the UK in October 2008, the sensational new Lag¬una Coupé shows the Renault brand is returning to flamboyant design – building on the legacy of the Avan-time MPV and the luxury Vel Satis, with shades of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage from the rear. Stephane Janin, the man in charge of Renault’s concept car des¬ign, is pleased with the results.He said “We wanted to produce a car that people would desire and want to buy. The Coupé is a sexy model with a lot of drama that should appeal to a much wider audience.”

At the front, piercing headlights stretch back into the bonnet. They’re accompanied by two slim-line LED fog lamps that light up the ground-hugging grille. The side profile is particularly striking, and is distinguished by its steeply raked roofline and shal¬low windows, which give the newcomer a racy and athletic stance.

Sadly, the show car’s exotic scissor doors are too costly to put into production, while the glamorous cabin – with its minimalist layout, intricate dials and spade-shaped auto selector – will be replaced by an up market version of the standard Laguna design. In fact, the interior will be a real strength – high on quality and comfort – and our drive showed Renault has got the basics right. The driving position is low, the seats hug you and small glass areas provide a cocooned feel.

There will also be plenty of engine choices. Driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic box will be a 168bhp 2.0-liter petrol turbo or a 2.0 dCi turbo diesel. Flagship cars get a powerful new 3.5-liter petrol V6 shared with the Coupé’s Nissan 350Z stablemate or Renault’s fresh 180bhp 3.0 V6 diesel. The latter combines a 0-60mph time of seven seconds with economy of around 45mpg. Add it all up and we are confident that this car will not only turn heads, but it will only enhance Renault reputation for style and design even further during 2008.

*** Prices, release dates and specification are all subject to final confirmation.
To be kept up to date on further developments on these exciting new models during 2008 please contact us.