If the year were normal, we’d be predicting that Renault was going to be the brand to watch this year. As it stands, the announced plans for world domination – in the Antipodes anyway – may have been upset somewhat.
Still, the French brand was off to a good start before our global community suddenly became very small.
An upgrade to the middle weight Trafic van, introducing a long-awaited automatic transmission, was the building block for a raft of new Renault product and it was launched very successfully with a short wheelbase and long wheelbase available.
The Renault Trafic comes to us now with a two-litre, Euro 6 compliant engine, which uses AdBlue and a variable geometry turbocharger along with the six-speed, dual-clutch auto for extremely responsive and flexible performance.
Additionally, there have been some cosmetic enhancements, along with the inclusion of Start/Stop technology and an upgrade media suite with integrated navigation displayed on the seven-inch touchscreen which incorporates Bluetooth connectivity and driver interaction form the multifunctional steering wheel.
There is more to say, but Renault NZ has a few more vehicles up its sleeve, including the facelifted Master van which is also available now. We’ll be looking to drive one of these as we become able to.
Interestingly at the presentation of both of Renault’s new commercial vehicles – which the brand was always going to build its stable on here – Renault NZ took the time to tease some new products due to arrive later on.
The first of these was intended to be the Renault Duster – a small SUV which has seen a significant number of accolades in Europe – originally due to land here in May.
Following on from this is a facelifted Kangoo, with an intended arrival in August – though this may change, as may any other product not already here. Coincidentally with the Kangoo comes an all-new Captur, which allows Renault to compete enthusiastically in the small car segment.
With a small car and an SUV thrown into the mix and an SUV, Renault NZ is looking to land a minibus version of the Master sometime around September.
Big news is the new Renault Megane R.S., which is anticipated as the Renault release starting quarter three and paving the highway for the all-new Zoe anticipated for December, which will lead to the new Koleos – the current star of the showrooms.
And speaking of showrooms, Renault NZ took the time at the launch of the automatiq Trafic, to point out a few salient facts about its dealer and service network, which now incorporates two service only centres in Kerikeri and Cromwell, in addition to the 10 dealerships up and down the country.
These include 4Guys and Duncan & Ebbett in the Waikato, Central Motor Group in Taupo, Bayswater in the Hawke's Bay, Automarque in Wellington, Euromarque and Morrison Cars in Christchurch and Mikes Cars in Dunedin, as well as North Harbour Renault and Auckland Renault. Renault also has protectorate dealerships in Fiji, served from New Zealand.
All told, 2020 was looking to be a stellar year for Renault, which was showing the most significant number of anticipated model releases, second only to Audi.
The timeline may have been disrupted, but the intention is still there – Renault NZ is ready to enter into the new decade with renewed vigour and a raft of new Renaults for our market.
