Low Cost Vans

It’s always a nice surprise, especially as a consumer, to hear a manufacturer say that they will now give you more, not less in these economic times. How gleeful would you feel about getting extra from one of Europe’s most popular van manufacturers, Renault ? Taking into consideration my love of vans, yeah, makes me deliriously happy too. This week, Renault has announced that they are giving its light commercial vehicles ‘Extra’ with the launch of a special edition range, available until 30 June. Here’s all the exciting details Renault have shared in their latest press release: “The new version takes in all three of the brand’s high-selling line-up, Kangoo, Trafic and Master, boosting them with around £1,500 of extra equipment compared to the standard model, including luxuries such as air conditioning, reversing sensors and satellite navigation. Prices for business owners, including this month’s promotion, excluding VAT and on-the-road charges, are £9,395, £11,395 and £15,195 respectiv...

This week, we were given a sneak peek at the new third-generation Renault Trafic van range via Renault’s latest press release. The popular van, which was first introduced in 1980 to replace the Estafette, is scheduled to make its grand UK debut at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. So what can we expect to see once it’s officially unveiled? The limited details released so far say that the All-New Trafic can be customised as required due to the diversity of its range which features 270 variants, two different heights, two different lengths,  panel van, crew-van, platform cab and passenger versions. Surprising to note the engine downsize, it will be available with a new Renault-developed 1.6 dCi powerplant, including a twin-turbocharged version that boasts fuel consumption in excess of 47 mpg, although Renault has not yet revealed power outputs. From the photos released, we can see the all-New Trafic comes with a completely new exterior design featuring a large grille on the front-end...

Another award winning van to congratulate this month is the 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E . With sales of over 11,000 so far, it is Europe’s best-selling small electric van and winner of the title GreenFleet Awards ‘Electric Vehicle of the Year’ again this year. GreenFleet’s annual awards took place on 17th October at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. As of June this year, the newly restyled zero-emission light commercial “working man's van”, features Renault’s styling identity. Part of the restyle consists of a refreshed and enhanced dashboard; and now owners can programme the battery to charge remotely to benefit from off-peak electricity rates using their computer or smartphone by way of the ‘My Z.E. inter@ctive’ pack. GreenFleet’s Colin Boyton, one of the judges, said: “ As well as winning last year’s Electric Vehicle of the Year award from GreenFleet, it scooped ‘Ecovan of the Year’ and ‘International Van of the Year’ accolades.  It is more than a worthy winner again. ” It’s plain to...

Renault Trucks has recently announced that they have decided to completely renew its entire range in an attempt to take advantage of the switch to the Euro 6 standard.  This is the first time that any manufacturer has ever renewed its entire range all in one go. It was certainly an enormous task to complete, as it took a €2 billion investment by the Volvo Group , 7 years of development, 5 million hours of test bench trials, and 5,000 people involved to bring this project to life. Renault Trucks are not only looking to win new customers and increase its market share, but it’s good to know they also consider “ a truck to be a profit centre which should never let customers down, make its drivers proud and protect the business of operators”. In their latest press release, it was reported that Renault Trucks had unveiled its new product range in Lyon on June 11th and the manufacturer said " the aim is : to supply its customers with a perfect, reliable and high-performance tool which wi...

The latest Euro NCAP results are in and its very good news for Renault . To help motorists choose the safest model when buying a new car or van, Euro NCAP organizes crash-tests then provides a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of many popular vehicles in Europe. The criteria for the overall safety rating are composed of scores in four areas: adult protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist. The Renault Captur which is classed as a supermini, has been awarded a five-star rating and obtained an overall score of 80.5%  becoming the impressive 15 th Renault model to secure Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star passive safety rating. The Captur derived from the New Clio platform; has the styling of an SUV, the spaciousness of an MPV, and the ease and driving pleasure of a hatchback. In their latest press release, Renault say their safety solutions take an holistic approach for optimal protection of all occupants and safety performance is foun...

French manufacturer Renault has recently announced that they will be unveiling a whole new truck range with the support of the Volvo Group. Renault Trucks have set a date of June 11, 2013 to reveal all. What can we expect to see in about two weeks’ time? Renault Trucks aren't giving away a whole lot yet, but they did say these new trucks, which have been in development for the last seven years, will include Euro 6 engines and an even more efficient design allowing customers more cost control, especially in terms of fuel efficiency. The rigorous testing included computer assisted simulation, test benches (5 million hours!), track trials, pilot customers and the installation of new manufacturing resources. After being put through the paces plus exhaustive quality testing, the new range, which has 500 vehicles already manufactured, is ready for its debut next month. Renault Trucks have invested many years, hours, manpower, and Euros to bring this new range of long distance, constructi...

Renault Trucks UK has just announced the launch of a new discounted business package for their Renault Master van. Customers will find the offer being made available on all new Renault Master 125hp and 150hp front wheel drive vans, in L2H2 and L3H2 sizes. What does this mean for those looking to take advantage of such an offer? For starters, the business package for the Renault Master offers five optional extras that are tailored to business customers operating courier, package and parcel delivery services, at reduced rates when compared to purchasing the options individually. It includes 270˚opening rear doors for improved access, cruise control and speed limiter, as well as a reversing sensor. When specifying the options package, Renault Trucks’ delivery customers will also benefit from resin wood floor lining for extra floor protection and body side anchorage for a more secure load. “The Renault Master is a very versatile vehicle,” says David Ririe, Product Marketing Manager, Renaul...

Another exciting collaboration may be in the cards for Renault. Hot on the heels of the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes-Benz Citan partnership, Daimler and Renault are now holding talks towards teaming up to build a large van together. I stumbled across this latest news in an article posted on the website, Carscoop . You can read the full article titled, "Daimler in Talks with Renault to Build Large Van Together " written by Dan Mihalascu by clicking here . According to the post, Daimler's contract with VW will run its course and end after 2016. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter shares its newest infrastructure with VW’s Crafter van, but VW will continue making the Crafter vans by themselves going forward. With the Crafter van currently being built at a Mercedes-Benz plant along with the Sprinter, things could be very interesting indeed once the partnership is over. For those that require some serious load space with smooth manoeuvrability and comfort, then a large van is the way to go....

Renault has finally released a launch date and pricing information on their new urban crossover, Captur (pronounced “capture”), one month on from its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Renault Captur is compact, in comparison it is only fractionally longer than the New Clio, but combines the style and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and versatility of an MPV and the driving experience of a compact hatchback. Phew, it certainly packs in a whole lot in just one B-segment crossover. To tempt buyers even further, it has a maximum load space of 455 litres, large wheels, generous ground clearance, plus the in-dash Renault R-Link multimedia tablet provides access to a whole new level of connectivity, with an ever-expanding library of dedicated motoring apps. It becomes the third Renault to benefit from the innovative R-Link system (including TomTom satellite navigation, 4x35W Arkamys 3D Sound). For those wanting more; a reversing camera (Dynamique MediaNav and above), Cit...

Renault has proudly announced that short-break operator, Center Parcs, have recently taken delivery of 22 new all-electric Renault Kangoo Maxi Van Z.E . models at their Sherwood Forest location. The new electric vehicles will be used across Center Parcs' other UK villages and will form part of a fleet of 150 vehicles and will be used by the technical services and maintenance division and the "Dining-In" takeaway delivery operation which transports food and beverages to guests. Center Parcs operates four Villages in the UK; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire and Whinfell Forest in Cumbria. They opened their first village in the UK back in 1987. The Carbon Trust Standard was presented to Center Parcs in acknowledgment for their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in 2010. You can understand why Centre Parcs chose these fantastic eco vans to reinforce their green reputation and to uphold their strong sustainability phi...

Renault is once again announcing some rather inspiring new crossovers. Fast on the heels of the Captur's unveiling, they have redesigned the Scénic as a crossover and reveal the New Scénic XMOD. Exciting stuff. Renault's newly released details on the New Grand Scénic say, "it has been restyled to take on Renault’s new design identity. The Renault logo at the front is now bigger and set against a gloss black background that emphasises the new grille. Elegant lines and high-quality materials also help to enhance the MPV’s dynamic, family-oriented feel." Now for the New Scénic XMOD, Renault defines it as a combination of the outdoor cues of a crossover with the refined world of an MPV. It will retain the key features found in the original Scénic but, with raised ground clearance and special alloy wheels, the car features an expressive crossover-inspired design: special front and rear bumpers, sill guards and chrome-finish roof bars across the range. The new front end is ...

It was a fantastic past year, for Renault who’s second generation Kangoo Van was the best-selling model in its class in 2012. In hopes of continuing their success within the compact van business market, which since 2008 has been popular with more than 400,000 customers, Renault just announced a renewal of its compact van line-up. Building on the strengths of Phase 1, the Kangoo Van will now feature Renault’s new styling identity, following the introduction of a new front bumper and in the cabin; the dashboard has been revised in order to give a more pronounced impression of quality. Renault’s bestselling compact van will make its grand re appearance this year with the release of a brand new Phase 2 version which covers the entire range, from Kangoo Van, and Kangoo Maxi, to Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo Maxi Z.E. The van range offers two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75, 90 and 110hp) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo M...

Renault just released details introducing their first urban crossover, Captur, based on the same platform as the New Clio. Most crossovers are described as vehicles that have the body of an SUV (or minivan), but are based on a car chassis thus making them lighter and smoother to drive. Although they may look similar to an SUV, they are not necessarily meant to tread heavily off road (if at all) due the much lighter platform. The crossover will likely become even more popular as more people who drive larger vehicles require not only more passenger space, but better fuel economy and these vehicles can offer that and more. Renault say that the Captur will stand out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds; it will have the expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV, and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact hatchback .  Its original concept was debuted at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. I’m glad the actu...

Renault has just released details on the 4 awards they've at won at the annual Brighton to London RAC Future Car Challenge on Saturday November 3rd. In a recent press release, they proudly reported how they won in categories for the ZOE supermini and Kangoo Van Z.E. as well as scooping the overall prize. The event was sponsored by RAC Motoring Services and first introduced in 2010 to showcase low energy use vehicles. It features competitors driving electric, hybrid, hydrogen and low-emission conventional petrol and diesel cars on a 63-mile route from Brighton to London, using the least amount of energy as possible. The event is a real-world test of current and future vehicle technology. Renault’s new 100% electric supermini, ZOE, won in the categories of Most Energy Efficient Small Car and the Best Pure Electric Vehicle. Kangoo Van Z.E. won the Most Energy Efficient Light Commercial Vehicle category. Up against a wide range of competition including fully electric, hybrid and hydrog...

Wow, the Renault Twizy has come out on top and won a Stuff magazine 2012 gadget award . Stuff, trusted authority on all things gadget, gear, and technology related, recently posted the results of all the winners in each gadget/tech category and voted the Twizy as top Tech Transport for 2012. Their Awards celebrate the best-performing hardware, software and accessories to have emerged in the previous 12 months. The Tech Transport category was hotly contested with competition from cars, pushbikes and motorbikes. Stuff said, “The Twizy might well be the answer to a question that very few people were asking. But it’s an answer that’s delivered in such a charming, unusual way that it defrosts the hearts of all who see it. Drive it and that slightly condescending ‘aww’ turns into an excited ‘ooh’ as you realise how much of an urban weapon the Twizy really is – instant-on electric torque and a wheel at each corner combine to make every traffic gap an attainable goal. It’s brilliant.” Renaul...

Renault has announced exciting news regarding their flagship 100% electric car called ZOE. Renault’s new supermini ZOE is going to be available to reserve starting now, ahead of its UK showroom launch in Spring 2013. Renault's 4 strong electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and incredibly versatile. Renault says it's perfect for commuting, supermarket and school runs, and for households who want to downsize their engine and carbon footprint.  With an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) homologated range of up to 130 miles and an on-the-road price from just £13,650, ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. NEDC is a standard European measurement of emissions and consumption based on rolling road test. ZOE will be the spearhead of the 'Renault 2016 – Drive the Change' plan to cut its global carbon footprint by 10% between now and 2013 and a further 10 per cent between 2013 and 2016. Andy Heiron,...

Subaru UK has shown they put their customers first and have announced that they are launching a free winter vehicle level check and top-up of essential fluids for all Subaru models at its nationwide dealer network. It's fantastic to see auto makers take an active approach and offer useful after sales services. With many road safety charities advising drivers to give their vans and cars a winter health check before severe conditions arise, Subaru UK is making it easier for their customers to do just that. According to the Subaru UK press release, recent research from the AA suggests that 80% of roadside breakdowns could be avoided if fluid levels were checked and topped-up regularly, and Subaru is offering this service to customers, absolutely free. The inspection, carried out by trained Subaru technicians, includes checking tyre pressures, and topping up engine and gearbox oil, the engine coolant and screen wash. A full visual health check will also ensure that cars are operating t...

Renault Trucks just posted a new press release announcing the introduction of their new Renault Master ECO, a key addition to its versatile LCV range. Optimised for fuel efficiency, the Renault Master ECO uses 7% less fuel than its predecessor and is specifically designed to drive down operating costs across all applications. Renault Master ECO is available in a wide range of body styles including panel van, chassis cab, crew cab, minibus and platform cab versions, with gross vehicle weights of 2.8 to 4.8 tonnes.  Front wheel drive models benefit from new air suspension, as well as a new radio and sat-nav system. Productivity is increased through improved payload and load space, with the Renault Master ECO panel van benefiting from up to 17m 3 of usable volume and 2,254kg of payload; while the chassis cab version has a payload of up to 2,529kg. Nigel Butler, Renault Trucks Commercial Director, says: “With significantly lower consumption, the new Renault Master ECO provides excellent f...

  According to a recent press release, there is even more future vehicle progress coming from the Hanover Motor Show. Heinz-Jürgen Löw, the President of Renault Trucks, announced during a press conference at the show, that the Long Distance, Construction and Distribution ranges are to be completely replaced in the spring of 2013. All vehicles affected are currently undergoing trials on the Renault Trucks test tracks and under actual operating conditions with a number of partner customers to achieve Renault's goal of excellence. Heinz-Jürgen Löw prepared the ground by saying: "In June, there will be a real revolution. Our new vehicles are going to surprise you, not only in terms of their design but also their performance. We are aiming for excellence and are doing everything to attain it." Renault Trucks also presented at the Hanover show, the technology of its future Euro 6 engines. The heavy duty range will have a new 11 L, 6 cylinder engine, known as the DTI 11. This is...

Some important news from Renault Trucks announced this week. Renault Trucks will present its Euro 6* compliant engines at the IAA show (International Automobile Exhibition) in Hanover from September 20-27, 2012. The new Euro 6 engines from Renault Trucks deliver reduced pollution and keep a check on fuel consumption and Renault Trucks Euro 6 engines will deliver high performance, reliability and optimised consumption. The information which was provided by Renault in a press release says, that in order to comply with the new EU regulations on cutting polluting emissions, Renault have utilised different technologies and are choosing the most appropriate and efficient engine size and future applications. The new engines will be added to Renault’s trucks when the new standard becomes compulsory in January 2014 (January 2013 for new homologations).   For its heavy duty range, Renault Trucks will offer a new six cylinder 11 L engine to be known as the DTI 11. This will be available with ...