FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

In February 2013 issue of Automobile Magazine, the mag published its Top 100 cars for reliability, chosen from over 100 models from 25 brands. 7 Renault models were ranked in the Reliability Top 3 in their respective categories, and the other Renault models placed in the Top 10 at least.

These excellent results stem from the work Renault has carried out in recent years to produce vehicles with the highest levels of robustness and reliability as standard. The Automobile Magazine classification recognises not just the performance results of specific models, but a general and sustained improvement in terms of quality and reliability across the whole Renault range.

The Automobile Magazine Reliability Top 100 has confirmed this trend, with the Twingo awarded the top prize once again for its “exceptional” level of reliability, and the Megane and Megane Coupé also joint first in their category.

Born with quality in their DNA, the Scenic, Grand Scenic, Laguna and Laguna Coupé all took 2nd place in their respective categories.

The Clio III was one of the first products of the renewed focus on quality that began in 2005, and it also gets a Top 3 rating.

Reliability has become an asset for Renault, and all models are now rising to the top of the quality ratings in independent studies, customer surveys and press reviews in a number of countries.

This is the direct result of the quality operation that Renault has carried out in recent years. It has been implemented across the board, in every factory and every territory. Renault production sites worldwide are now working to the same standards. Strict application of the Renault Production System (SPR) enables quality requirements to be implemented in mass production and across a range of models.

Renault has succeeded in making permanent improvements. And as a gauge of reliability, robustness in design and manufacturing are now at the core of every vehicle. Renault is already working hard to make these intrinsic qualities visible and effective for customers.

The fastest front-wheel drive car in Nurburgring has made its debut in Malaysia. This evening, TC Euro Cars officially launched the new Renault Megane R.S. 265 Cup at Renault Petaling Jaya (PJ) Showroom with a price tag of RM 235,000 on-the-road before insurance.

At the same time, TC Euro Cars took chance to brought in 5 units of the exclusive Renault Megane R.S. 265 Red Bull RB7 Limited Edition out from 522 units worldwide. This limited edition car is priced at RM 250,000 on-the-road before insurance. Exclusive for Malaysian market, all 5 examples of R.S. 265 RB7 Edition will received a signed plaque by F1 Champion, Sebastian Vettel.

Tested by Denis Lian – Former A1-GP Team Singapore Driver, the new Megane RS 265 Cup has set a new record of 2 minutes 41 seconds around Sepang International Circuit. This is against the 2 minutes 43 seconds set in 2010 with the Megane RS 250 Cup.

The maximum power of the new Renault Megane R.S. 265 Cup is now increased from 250hp to 265hp and peak torque up from 340Nm to 360Nm, comparing to its predecessor – Megane R.S. 250 Cup. The Megane R.S.’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine received a tweak on the turbocharger from 2.3 bar to 2.5 bar. The air intake design has been revised to take the higher pressure and higher running temperatures after uprating the engine performance. The Brembo brake callipers and 340mm diameter ventilated discs at the front are remained the same.

Thanks to the additional 15hp, the R.S. 265 Cup now takes 0-100km/h from 6.1 seconds to 6.0 seconds, a top speed of 250km/h and the 1,000m standing start in 25.4 seconds (down 0.3 seconds). The fuel efficiency has been optimised to return combined-cycle fuel consumption of 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 190g of CO2/km, which represents a savings of 0.1 litres/100km and 5g/km over Megane R.S. 250 Cup.

In terms of looks, the front end of the new R.S. 265 Cup is now added with two rows of 6 LEDs and darkened headlight masks. This car is fitted with a new 18-inch matt black “Tibor” alloy wheels as standard. Interior wise, a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vents surrounds, plus a carbon-effect finish to the door panel inserts and Recaro bucket seats.

By switching ‘On’ the R.S. Dynamic Management with a push of a button, the R.S. 265 Cup can trim the performance from 265hp to 250hp, 360Nm of torque to 340Nm for smoother acceleration for daily use. Whenever you feel for more, you can switch it to ‘Sport Mode’ for swifter engine response with a max power of 265hp and torque of 360Nm. For “naughtier” drive, the driver can switch it to ‘Off Mode’ to enjoy the max power like the ‘Sport Mode’ and fully disconnect the electronic stability programme (ESP).

The new Megane R.S. 265 Cup is available for viewing at Renault PJ Showroom from today. Moreover, TC Euro Cars have 3 unregistered units of the Megane R.S. 250 Cup left in stock.

Photo Gallery: Renault Megane R.S. 265 Red Bull RB7 Limited Edition Unveiled in Malaysia

Renault and Caterham Group announced their partnership to design develop and build sports cars. Accordingly, this agreement reflects a common passion and expertise in sports and motorsports vehicles.

The future vehicles will be distinctive, differentiated, and carry the respective DNA of Alpine and Caterham Cars, the automotive division of Caterham Group. The cars will be built at the Alpine plant in Dieppe, Normandy, in France.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault said, “This innovative partnership with Caterham embodies a longstanding ambition: the creation of a sports car with the Alpine DNA. It carries both opportunities for the Dieppe plant and the development of its historic know-how.”

The Caterham Group will own 50% stake in the Automobiles Alpine Renault company, currently 100% held by Renault SAS. The Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham, which will be resulting from this partnership, shall be created in January 2013. It will be managed by Bernard Ollivier

This project, which ensures the Dieppe Plant a sustainable future, was made possible thanks to the incentive and to the substantial support and commitment provided by the French State and the Région Haute Normandie which also involved the contribution of Dieppe Maritime.

Caterham Group Chairman, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes commented on this partnership, “I have not felt as excited about a new venture since I launched AirAsia in 2001 and I want to thank Carlos Ghosn and Carlos Tavares and everyone in our new Renault family for having the belief in Caterham Group to create this partnership. Many people doubted us 11 years ago when we launched our airline and I am sure that there will be doubters again this time, but we will not fail your trust. We know the markets we are going into and, particularly in my playground in Asia, there is a huge opportunity to replicate the AirAsia model and give consumers access to exciting, affordable products that marry our interests in F1 and technology and help make their dreams come true.”

Yesterday, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) as the sole distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, is proud to announce the delivery of the 100th unit of Megane RS 250 Cup in Malaysia. This event marks a major milestone for Renault Sport in Malaysia. Malaysia ranks third behind Japan and Australia in terms of volume sales of the Megane RS in Renault’s markets in Asia & Oceania.

As part of this occasion, ORIS, the official watch partner of the Williams F1 Team has specially prepared an ORIS TT1 Day Date timepiece to congratulate Mr Barani Shanmugam – the new owner of the 100th Megane RS 250 Cup. To top it off, 2 private driver training sessions has also been specially arranged by Kegani Racing – an established chassis and suspension tuning centre and successful race team for Mr Barani to make full use of his new purchase.

TCEC is happy to be able to share the Renault Sport passion with so many enthusiasts in Malaysia. Since the launch of the Megane RS 250 Cup at the end of 2010, it has been unanimously acclaimed by enthusiasts as one of the best performance hatches money can buy. Testament to the engineering magic of Renault Sport, the Megane RS 250 Cup still holds the Sepang Circuit Lap Record of 2:43.02, for a showroom stock standard car with road going tires with no other official attempt by other manufacturers to best that time.

What is more, TCEC also organizes a series of Track Days (6 days in total for 2012) exclusively for Renault Sport owners to fully exploit the limits of their cars. The Renault Sport Track Days are designed for Renault Sport owners to truly appreciate the engineering excellence of their cars in a safe and controlled environment, whilst still creating some healthy competition amongst owners to achieve the fastest lap time of the day.

Starting the topic about the new facelift Renault Koleos that has just launched by TC Euro Cars Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. This crossover was initially launched in 2010. For 2012, this car received a revised front fascia with a new chrome grille and slimmer headlights. LED turn indicators have also been added to the side mirrors.

Mechanically, the new Renault Koleos comes with a 4×4 system, which is paired to a 170hp 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 6-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. According to the factory specification, this car delivers all-round performance both on and off-road with a fuel consumption figure of 9.5L/km.

To ensure maximum usability of its performance, the new Renault Koleos has balanced proportions ensuring it’s perfectly at home in built-up areas, while its precise power steering and stability deliver a reassuringly nimble drive. Despite its higher ground clearance, the new Koleos handles more like a saloon car but with the additional active safety aspects of all-wheel drive. The MacPherson-type front suspension combines with the independent multilink rear arrangement to deliver a high standard of comfort and handling, while also limiting body roll through corners.

Amazingly, the new Renault Koleos claimed to have real off-road ability unlike others. The ground clearance of this Koleos is 206mm and approach and departure angles of 27 and 31 degrees are evidence of its off-road credentials. The all-wheel drive transmission on the new Renault Koleos was developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. There are three ‘drive’ modes that can be selected; Auto, LOCK or 2WD – with each delivering optimal drive throughout a varied range of driving conditions. If you read until here, tell us which Nissan car that you think this Koleos is identical to?

On the safety side, this car features six airbags, seat belts with load limiters for the front and the outer rear seats, ISOFIX anchorage points in rear, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist as well as a smart all-wheel drive system that adjusts the front and rear torque split at the first sign of understeer or oversteer. Combined with the latest developments in safety cell technology and crash structure design, the new Renault Koleos has been given a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The new Renault Koleos comes with 3 years warranty and retailing at RM223,810.70 in Peninsular Malaysia. The Koleos is available to view at TC Euro Cars showroom in Jalan Kemajuan Section 13, Petaling Jaya.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Renault Koleos