Renault Scenic E-Tech

Renault Clio

Renault Megane E-Tech

renault-plans-plug-in-hybrids-for-2015

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

Renault is planning a range of plug-in hybrid models that promise to achieve more than 100mpg.The French manufacturer will signal its shift to plug-in hybrids with the unveiling of a concept car in 2014, probably at the Paris motor show in October. This concept will be of Clio or Captur size and will deliver 141mpg, according to Renault engineers.It will feature a lightweight body structure and excellent aerodynamics, as well as the new plug-in petrol hybrid drivetrain. The concept will also showcase an all-new fuel-saving, compact gearbox incorporating the hybrid’s electric drive motor.

This petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrain is likely to appear in the Captur SUV and Clio supermini first, sometime in 2015. A plug-in hybrid version of the larger Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV, also due in 2015, is a possibility too.The development of these plug-in hybrid models represents a significant shift in Renault’s strategy – the company has previously relied on electric models alone to improve the CO2 emissions of its range.

Renault is planning a range of plug-in hybrid models that promise to achieve more than 100mpg.The French manufacturer will signal its shift to plug-in hybrids with the unveiling of a concept car in 2014, probably at the Paris motor show in October. This concept will be of Clio or Captur size and will deliver 141mpg, according to Renault engineers.

It will feature a lightweight body structure and excellent aerodynamics, as well as the new plug-in petrol hybrid drivetrain. The concept will also showcase an all-new fuel-saving, compact gearbox incorporating the hybrid’s electric drive motor.This petrol plug-in hybrid drivetrain is likely to appear in the Captur SUV and Clio supermini first, sometime in 2015. A plug-in hybrid version of the larger Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV, also due in 2015, is a possibility too.The development of these plug-in hybrid models represents a significant shift in Renault’s strategy – the company has previously relied on electric models alone to improve the CO2 emissions of its range.