2017 is an exciting year for the Renault Group with four new models launched recently and a number of the range refreshed, including the Dacia range and new Clio.
The new Mégane range is available in three body styles - the hatch, grand coupé (saloon ) and sport tourer (estate ) offering something for everyone.
Both the sport tourer and the grand coupe versions are longer and have a longer wheelbase than the hatchback, which helps provide more room in the cabin, especially for passengers in the rear seats.
The Megane sport tourer is priced from €20,490 and the grand coupe from €21,990.
The grand coupe offers a new top of the range signature trim level, which includes full leather interior and LED headlights.
The additional arrival of the distinctive fourth generation new Renault Scénic and Grand Scenic provides a great sales boost for the brand. The new Scenic models offer a range of efficient petrol and diesel powertrain options, including hybrid assist version. They also offer unique-in-segment technologies and 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment and navigation system.
Unprecedented 20-inch wheels are standard across the range and they have a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Some 22,000 Scenics sold in Ireland since 1996, and pricing starts from €26,000 for new Scenic and €28,400 for the Grand Scenic.
The arrival of the fourth generation Scenic signals the complete renewal of Renault’s new family car line-up, and alongside the Kadjar and the new Mégane trio, the French manufacturer now claims to have the youngest model range on sale in Europe.
The Clio, which is coming in at number four in the B-segment after the first 10 days of January, has had its first refresh since 2012 when the brand’s new styling identity was launched. It is more appealing than ever with full-LED lighting signatures, redesigned front top and lower grille, and interior upgrades, including upgraded upholstery across all trim levels. The new Clio also comes in four new body colours.
Dacia is king of affordable motoring
The Dacia brand, which continues to shock Irish motorists with its ridiculously affordable range of cars, has proved to the market that by doing the maths, customers can own a new car for a lot less than a second hand car, or get more bang for their buck than other established brands.
Coming in at 2.8 per cent share for a brand less than five years launched is a great success story for the group. Dacia has now refreshed its entire range of cars, including new Duster, new Sandero, new Sandero Stepway, and new Logan MCV.
Vantastic European LCV leaders
Renault is Europe’s best selling and multi award winning LCV range. The popular Trafic was the best-selling model for Renault, followed by Master and Kangoo. The award winning LCV range, combined with the attractive five-year warranty, makes Renault LCV an affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes.
Bank on Renault
The French carmaker points out that Renault and Dacia continue to be Ireland's fastest growing network with 28 dealerships nationwide (and this will be capped at 30 ), all of which operate a branch of its own bank.
Renault says the availability of finance through its own bank is also a key factor in the success of the two brands, as is Renault's unique five year warranty which is available across the entire range of Renault vehicles. Renault Bank celebrated five years in Ireland in September 2016.
Finally, there is more to come from Renault. There will be a longer-range Zoe electric car in April. Currently the Renault Group has 18 vehicles in its ranges in Ireland this year. And there are two new models to come: the Koleos SUV, built on the same platform as the Nissan E-Trail, and the new Alaskan pick-up carrying strongly from the latest acclaimed Nissan Navara.
