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As you’re considering your next practical vehicle to buy, a car brand that should appear as a frontrunner is Renault. Whether you’re opting for a Renault Clio for sale or another model, here’s what Renault cars are known for.
A Brief History
When the company started in 1898, there was no way that the Renault brothers could have imagined just how successful their car company would become. Within the next 100 years, the company would become an award-winning, international vehicle supplier with many accolades under its belt, including being the vehicle of choice in World War I, where Renault was instrumental in the defense of France.
Following the 1930s economic crisis, Renault became the foremost vehicle producer in France, having expanded from racing and personal cars to planes, tractors, and other engine-based engineering marvels. When the allies won World War II, Renault was put under the control of the French Government and would remain a state-owned enterprise until the early 1990s.
Once control of the company was put in private hands, Renault began consistently churning out masterpiece after masterpiece, winning European Car of the Year with the Renault 9 and the Renault Clio, which was so popular that it was not only one of the best selling cars of the 90s but won best selling European car in 2006.
Now Renault is part of the Nissan-Renault partnership which, after Mitsubishi joined in 2017, sells more than 1 in every 10 cars sold globally at any time, and leads the world in plug-in electric car manufacturing.
Renault’s illustrious pedigree speaks for itself and shouts its high quality from the rooftops. It consistently leads the pack, proving its worth repeatedly with award after award. It’s fair to say that motoring would not be anywhere near where it is today without Renault.
Why Should I Buy A Renault?
A fair question! Sure, there may be flashier cars, great big spaceships that glow in the dark and go half the speed of sound the moment your foot touches the accelerator, but how often are you ever going to get to use a car like that? When it comes to practicality and affordability, a Renault is a perfect car for everyday work, leisure, and family life. From compact city cruisers that fit in all the parking spaces to spacious SUVs for the whole family, there’s a Renault to suit every preference and need.
A key factor when purchasing a car is reliability. That’s what you’re buying when you buy a Renault. You’re buying reliability and peace of mind, and you’re doing it relatively cheaply. According to the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Renault Clio was ranked 9th as the most reliable small car aged up to 5 years old, a petrol Renault Kadjar ranked 7th as one of the most reliable family SUVs, and the Renault Zoe ranked 6th in the electric car reliability category. Overall, Renault ranked 16th out of 30 for the most reliable car brand. The results speak for themselves.
Business Tech reports that Renault cars are amongst the most affordable to own and drive in South Africa due to relatively inexpensive service, repair, and crash parts. And in a rising economic climate, car owners value having their cars repaired without having to take out a second mortgage on the house. For entry-level and city vehicles, the Renault Kwid was titled winner of the best-priced service and crash parts. The Renault Duster and Sandero are in the top 3 least expensive service parts.
A Renault vehicle is also ideal for those committed to doing their part for the environment as the brand advocates for sustainable mobility, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in new models and in-use vehicles. In fact, they were the first to champion the all-electric car. So from production to your driveway, rest assured they’re doing their part to help you live an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
There’s a reason why Renault has won European Car of the year multiple times and with different cars. People know what’s good, and they obviously believe that Renault knows what they’re doing, which is why they managed to sell just under 3000000 cars in the middle of a pandemic! What more could you want?
As you continue your hunt for your first or next durable car, finding a Renault Clio for sale is an excellent choice when investing in the Renault brand. They have what you need: Peace of mind.
The Outlander features a modern design, the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating for seven occupants making it a fitting flagship to the Mitsubishi range.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been locally revealed to the public at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, the largest agricultural show in the Southern hemisphere.
Modern design
Staying true to what the Mitsubishi brand stands for, the Outlander features a modern design, the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating for seven occupants making it a fitting flagship to the Mitsubishi range.
Upfront Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield creates a substantial presence that is accentuated by LED front fog lamps, LED sequential indicators and daytime running lights, a front and rear skid plate, silver roof rails, a rear spoiler with LED high-mounted brake light and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet
Both derivatives of the new Outlander are fitted with a 2.5-litre DOHC engine that produces 135kW at 6000rpm and 245Nm at 3600rpm. An eight-speed CVT transmission delivers effortless acceleration from any speed, slick gear changes and a smoother ride. Designed to keep the engine at optimum performance at all times, the CVT ensures improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions with Mitsubishi claiming that it will use just 8,1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control ensures that the Outlander lives up to the off-road pedigree that Mitsubishi models are synonymous for. This electronically controlled AWD system uses intuitive sensors to maximise control, distributing power to all four wheels, while four driving modes balance economy and performance.
Inside story
The cabin oozes superior luxury and offers a spacious interior. The layout, comprising seven seats offers multiple configurations for any and every loading need. A 12,3-inch Digital Driver display is flanked by an eight-inch Smartphone-link display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on GLS models or a nine-inch unit on Aspire derivatives.
Model range
When it goes on sale later this year the Mitsubishi Outlander will be offered in two derivatives badged GLS and Aspire. GLS models boast an extremely high level of standard specification while Aspire models gain eight-way power adjustable, power lumbar support, a memory function driver’s seat, leather seats, a nine-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Navigation as well as a power sliding panoramic sunroof.
In addition to the overall win, the Ford Ranger also took victory in the popular double cab category. The locally built Ranger impressed the judging panel with its cutting-edge technology and safety features, powerful engines and excellent driving experience.
The recently launched Ford Ranger has become the first bakkie to score overall victory in the South African Car of the Year competition (COTY), presented by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ). The Ford Everest took second place overall.
This is a historic moment in the history of the South African Car of the Year competition as no other bakkie has ever managed to secure an overall win and beat out all finalists since the competition began in 1986.
In addition to the overall win, the Ford Ranger also took victory in the popular double cab category. The locally built Ranger impressed the judging panel with its cutting-edge technology and safety features, powerful engines and excellent driving experience.
The Ford Everest took the honours in the Adventure SUV category, along with second place overall in the competition. The Everest impressed with the manner in which it combines exceptional off-road capability with practical seven-seater comfort, versatility and the advanced features that make it a compelling all-rounder.
This year’s COTY saw 21 finalists selected from a pool of 55 qualifying vehicles representing various hotly contested categories. The category winners emerged as follows;
Compact Family Category: BAIC Beijing X55
Midsize Category: Kia Sportage
Premium Category: Kia Sorento
Adventure SUV Category: Ford Everest
Double Cab 4x4 Category: Ford Ranger
Luxury Category: Mercedes Benz S-Class
Performance Category: Audi RS 3
New-energy Category: Volvo XC 40 P8 Recharge
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won the COTY Jurors Excellence Award while the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro won the Motor Enthusiasts Choice, voted for by the public via a social media campaign.
Vehicle evaluations included scoring criteria such as design, technology, engineering, powertrain, handling, ingenuity and safety.
Once the jurors submitted their scores, automated scoring factors that cover sales performance, segment share and value for money were applied. COTY competition partner, Lightstone Auto provided the automated scoring information including data-driven insights, online market intelligence and new vehicle sales data.
Kia has released details of the EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV that brings fresh thinking, design and technology to the sector and spearheads the brands rapid transformation to that of a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
Based on the game-changing Electric Global Modular Platform, the EV9 offers athletic performance backed up by a range in excess of 500km. Ultra-fast 800-volt charging capability enables the battery to be charged up to a range of 239km in approximately 15 minutes.
Reshaping the SUV user experience
Based on Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the EV9 re-envisions the all-electric SUV concept with a balance of natural and modern elements and the combination of elements from the natural and material worlds.
Upfront a Digital Tiger Face showcases its unique identity, which is accentuated by the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille and vertical headlamps which gives the EV9 a visionary and futuristic look. Two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each headlamp create a sophisticated animated lighting pattern that will signify Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for future EV models. A GT-Line model is differentiated by a black colour palette and a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille that adds an element of dynamism and sophistication to the impressive design.
Boosting efficiency is a drag co-efficient of 0.2 that has been achieved thanks to a 3D sculpted underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper.
The EV9 will be available in six and seven seat versions. The first row of seats features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row offers four seating options including a three-seater bench seat, basic-type, relaxation type and swivel-type two-seater independent seats, providing customers with a variety of usage methods to choose from.
Level 3 autonomy
Technological breakthroughs include the Highway Driving Pilot system which enables Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars enable the car to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to react to the road and other users in order to prevent potential collisions. The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.
Staying up to date
The Kia Connect store will give owner sthe option of purchasing digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capabilities of the EV9 with Over the Air updates. Customers can even specify additional performance for the all-wheel drive EV9 with an optional Boost feature that unlocks an extra 100Nm.
The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. The EV9 also spearheads Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.
Varying levels of performance available
The EV9 will be available with a variety of electric powertrain configurations. A 76.1kWh battery is offered exclusively with the rear-wheel-drive standard model while a 99.8kWh battery is fitted to both the RWD long range and all-wheel drive models.
The rear-wheel drive long range models utilise a 150kW and 300Nm electric motor while the standard rear wheel drive model offers 160kW and 350Nm.
The all-wheel drive model is equipped with two electric motors that together unleash a total power output of 283kW and 600Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate to 100km/h in 6,0 seconds.
Market availability
With the EV9 Kia is poised to set new standards for electric vehicles that revolutionise the concept of travelling in style and comfort. The Kia EV9 is yet to be confirmed for local introduction.
The Fortuner’s design direction takes a more striking direction with catamaran inspired elements which are especially noticeable at the extremities of the vehicle where it mimics a catamarans twin hulls.
Toyota has lifted the covers off the 2023 Fortuner featuring dramatic catamaran inspired looks that showcase a bolder, more aggressive design language, the latest iteration of the Fortuner also boasts subtle interior improvements to ensure that this well-loved SUV remains at the top of the best sellers list. The Fortuner continues to command the largest slice of the medium SUV segment selling over 800 units a month to claim over 40% market share.
Updated styling
The Fortuner’s design direction takes a more striking direction with catamaran inspired elements which are especially noticeable at the extremities of the vehicle where it mimics a catamarans twin hulls. The all-new sharply angled front and rear bumper feature exclusive, aero-corner moulding that is complimented by black trapezoidal foglamp housings. L-shaped reflector inserts at the rear, reinforce the aggressive styling.
The Fortuner now features a vastly different, more aerodynamically efficient front fascia. The black mesh upper grille has been slimmed down, while the lower aperture has been inflated in order to compliment the more assertive attitude. A grey skid plate adds to the aesthetic and enhances functionality.
Exclusively designed headlamps comprise split-quad LEDs with a waterfall LED Line Guide Signature, in combination with the LED L-shaped daytime running lamps and apron framing LED indicator lamps which tie up the front end’s more modern look.
At the rear reworked elements include a new bumper, new taillight design, a piano black numberplate garnish as well as the black badge treatment offered across the model line-up.
The side profile now features all-new two-tone black and metal 18-inch multi-layered, machine-cut finished alloys. 2.8-litre customers are also able to specify the new bi-tone colour option which pairs a black roof, spoiler garnish, outer mirror housings and shark fin antenna with the exclusive Platinum Pearl White exterior.
Interior refinements
In 2022 2.8-litre models received dual-zone climate control, a panoramic view monitor and a 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, while onboard satellite navigation was deleted in favour of customers preference for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto usage.
Leather is standard across the Fortuner range, but 2.8-litre models now feature a new dual-tone colour palette, which pairs black and maroon leather. Maroon stitching also adorns various surfaces as a striking counterpoint to the predominantly black trim. A revised instrument cluster features all-new graphics, new black background ornamentation and revised animation for the TFT display. 2.8-litre variants now also feature additional USB ports for rear passengers
In 2022 the Fortuner also received a variety of safety upgrades, and that is now being bolstered by a Lane Keeping System with Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and a brake synchronised Pre-Crash system that has been added to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.
Engine and transmission offering
The Fortuner is offered with a choice of two engines including the 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder that offers 150kW and 500Nm, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The more affordable 2.4 GD-6 produces a healthy 110kW and 400Nm and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission derivatives.
Model range and pricing
All Fortuner models are sold with a three-year/100 000km warranty and a nine-services/90 000km service plan.