Renault plans raft of new models

Latest News

• MG gives local workers 15% discount
• Citroen launches recall website
• New Audi A3 vs Merc A-Class, Volvo V40
• Renault Alpine concept car leaked

Renault is planning to offer UK buyers a new city car, a pair of 4x4s and a new luxury car, What Car? has discovered.

Insiders have revealed that the next-generation Twingo city car will go on sale in the UK in 2005. The old model has been sold on continental Europe since 1993, but it will be the first time Renault has converted the city runabout to right-hand drive for UK buyers.

Expect to pay around £7000 for the Twingo, which will face stiff competition from the Ford Ka, the new Citroen C2 arriving late this year and Peugeot’s 107 which goes on sale in 2004.

A new rival for the Honda CR-V will be launched in 2005 using the same platform as the Scenic MPV. A bigger Volvo XC90-sized 4x4 will follow by early 2006. Insiders say its styling closely resembles the dramatic Koleos concept unveiled in 2000.

In spite of the early demise of the Avantime coupe, Renault also intends to build a conventional range-topping luxury saloon that will sit above the Vel Satis in its line-up, although this won’t arrive until 2007 at the earliest.

Hot RenaultSport versions of most models are also planned, beginning with a sporty Megane late this year which Renault claims will be faster than a Honda Civic Type-R.

A stretched-wheelbase Grand Scenic is also set to arrive early next year, followed by an all-new Clio supermini by the end of 2004.