By Christopher Hubbard | |
| 02 October 2008 18:19:02 | |
Paris unveil for new Megane
Paris is in France, and Renault is a French manufacturer, so no surprise to see it rolling out a really important new model – and a fancy concept car. Welcome, then, to the all-new Megane. And something altogether more unusual, the Ondelios.
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Renault Megane: click images to enlarge |
Real world first. The new Megane is here in sporty three-door and family friendly five-door guise. The five-door we’ve seen before in pictures, but the three-door is a proper limelight debut. Both versions are packed with technology that aids safety, easy of use, environmental performance and the driving experience.
The new engine range for the Megane sees the introduction of some new turbocharged petrol engines, badged TCe; the 1.4 with the power of a 1.8 and lower emissions than a 1.6 being a particular high point. The diesels are also greener than before, with the all-new dCi 130 looking especially promising.
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Renault Laguna Coupe |
Speaking of engines, Renault is also showing the production version of the Laguna Coupe, complete with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel it has been promising for over a year now. This engine will soon be found in Nissans and Infinitis – as well as other Renaults – so it had better be good.
Drawing most of the attention on the stand, however, is the Ondelios. Designed for “an environmentally long-haul journey” (presumably some time in the future), the Ondelios is a striking blend of SUV, people carrier and coupe. Perhaps even the next Avantime. This time complete with gullwing doors.
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Renault Ondelios |
An emphasis on luxury and enough LEDs to start Christmas dominate your initial impressions. But there are some really clever things going on with aerodynamics here – including air extractors that control airflow through the wheel arches. Geeky, but cool. Even the 23-inch alloy wheel design helps with the 0.29 drag coefficient.
The drivetrain is a diesel-electic hybrid, combining a 202bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel with front and rear 20kW electric motors that act as power boosters. The rear motor steps in to aid traction by turning the Ondelios into a four-wheel drive vehicle in slippery conditions. Stop-start is also included to save fuel.
All this tech means 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and 332lb ft of torque, yet also just 120g/km CO2 and 62.8mpg. The name Ondelios is derived from ‘onde’ (French for ‘wave’) and ‘helios’ (Greek god of the sun), and the car has a large panoramic roof. Carbon, polycarbonate, and natural flax fibre are the main construction materials.
And significant in a different way was the Z.E. Concept – an electric Renault. Billed as a ‘vision’ for 2011, this Kangoo-based concept has really creative features, such as ‘sandwich’ bodywork, with a layer of air in between, that works like a Thermos flask. Why+ To keep temperatures constant, and lessen air con use.
Really, it’s previewing ideas, rather than designs. For a future Renault lithium-ion pure electric vehicle, that’s practical, efficient and easy to use. Take it as a marker for the brand’s environmental future: not technology for technology’s sake, but real-world ideas that really help to make a fuel-saving difference.
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote
- Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
- New BMW 7-Series
12% - Chevrolet Cruze
1% - Ferrari California
23% - New Ford Ka
4% - Lamborghini Estoque
36% - Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
4% - New Renault Megane
2% - New Toyota Avensis
4% - Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
3% - New VW Golf
11%
- New BMW 7-Series