Renault Scenic E-Tech

Renault Clio

Renault Megane E-Tech

france-steps-in-to-prop-up-car-makers

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

France has become the first country to provide credit guarantees to the financing arms of its car makers, with a 779 million (711 million) payment to be split between Renault and Peugeot. As part of the deal brokered by President Nicolas Sarkozy, the companies have promised not to move jobs abroad or to close factories. The car industry employs 10% of the nation's workforce, and there have been fears that the dramatic drop in car sales will lead to cuts in production and mass redundancies.

Meanwhile, the US Government is close to agreeing a $40 billion (26 billion) bail-out for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. Both Chrysler and GM have admitted they don't have enough money to survive beyond 2008.

France has become the first country to provide credit guarantees to the financing arms of its car makers, with a 779 million (711 million) payment to be split between Renault and Peugeot.

As part of the deal brokered by President Nicolas Sarkozy, the companies have promised not to move jobs abroad or to close factories. The car industry employs 10% of the nation's workforce, and there have been fears that the dramatic drop in car sales will lead to cuts in production and mass redundancies. Meanwhile, the US Government is close to agreeing a $40 billion (26 billion) bail-out for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. Both Chrysler and GM have admitted they don't have enough money to survive beyond 2008.