Renault | Car Reviews

Captur (2013 - )

Good: Clio based SUV that combines height of an SUV with space of an MPV and driving attributes of a sporty hatchback.

Bad: Competes directly with Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Mokka, Nissan Juke, etc.

Clio (2013 - )

Good: Bigger, better looking, yet lighter Clio is a big improvement on previous model. Both 90 TCe petrol and 90 dCI diesel under 100g/km CO2. 90 TCe very smooth. Heavier 90 dCI has better road feel.

Bad: First deliveries February 2013.

Clio Renaultsport (2013 - )

Good: Great handling and grip, improved refinement and ride compared to previous version, better quality interior feel, a very useable hot hatch.

Bad: Has lost the raw edge of the old Clio Renaultsport. No manual gearbox only a twin-clutch EDC with paddleshifts.

Fluence ZE (2012 - )

Good: Electric powered compact saloon, refined and comfortable, 100 mile range, battery can be leased for £70 a month.

Bad: Small saloons not very popular here.

Kangoo Van (2008 - )

Good: Useful vans and combis, now in three different lengths including a 5,527mm Maxi version. Cruise control with speed limiter. 6-speed box.

Bad: Harder ride than Berlingo and Partner. UK sales of SWB Kangoo Compact (not standard length and LWB) Kangoo ended January 2012.

Master (2010 - )

Good: Bold new range of monocoque frame front and rear driver vans from the market leader. Economical new 2.3 litre chain cam diesel engine.

Bad: Double passenger seat squabs too short for long distance comfort.

Megane (2008 - )

Good: Soft riding, yet fine handling hatchback with superb steering. Improved for 2012 with new chain cam 1.2TCe 115 petrol engine and excellent chain cam 1.6 dCI 130 diesel.

Bad: Some interesting new engines, especially new low emission 1.6DCI 130. Less practical coupe is better looking. SW most practical of all.

Megane Coupe (2009 - )

Good: Fine riding and handling and stunning looking coupe just £400 more than the five-door hatch.

Bad: Poor rear visibility, getting in and out of the back is hard work, fiddly stereo and sat nav system.

Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (2010 - )

Good: Stylish looks, impressive glass-panelled folding roof, comfortable and relaxing to drive, good quality interior, useable boot space, refined even with the roof down.

Bad: Fiddly sat nav and stereo, fairly pointless rear seats, emissions and fuel consumption of top dCi 160 on the high side.

Megane Renaultsport (2009 - )

Good: Excellent combination of smooth power, good steering, surefootedness and ride quality, even on 19" wheels with 235/35 tyres. Top of the class.

Bad: Gearchange its only jarring feature. Not as good as the rest of the car.

Megane Sport Tourer (2009 - )

Good: Stylish station wagon of 2009 Megane, with same range of low CO2 engines, decent handling and steering, versatile interior.

Bad: Surprisingly for a rep's car, no cupholders.

Scenic (2009 - )

Good: Third generation Scenic ticks all the boxes, comfortable for seven, great chain-cam water-cooled petrol turbo 1.4 TCe 130 engine. Brilliant new chain-cam1.6DCI 130 diesel engine from mid 2011.

Bad: 2.0 dCi torque a bit disappointing.

Scenic XMOD 2013 ( - )

Trafic (2010 - )

Good: The most popular van of its size in Europe. Makes a very useful 9 seater bus in 5,182mm length. Now has Renault 2.0 chain cam diesel. Robotised manual option.

Bad: Slightly harder and harsher than Peugeot/Citroen's Expert/Despatch.

Twingo (2012 - )

Good: Revamped Twingo, first Renault with new corporate styling, dCi version just 85g/km CO2, retains rear seats that slide.

Bad: A revamp rather than an all-new car.

Twizy (2012 - )

Good: Electrically powered with a 50 miles range. Quirky mix of a moped and small city two-seater. Ideal for city commuting.

Bad: Doors are an optional extra. Minimal protection from the elements. Can't be parked in motorcycle bays or driven in bus lanes. Top speed of 53mph.