From 1st February 2012 certain Renault cars and vans will no longer be sold in the UK as the French manufacturer restructures its model range. The plan is to concentrate on 'more profitable business channels' as well as the Z.E. range and preparing for the UK launch of Dacia later this year.
Departures include Modus, Kangoo (car and compact van), Wind Roadster, Laguna and Espace. Gordini models are no longer available and the Twingo Renaultsport 133 range has been rationalised to a single model. For the remaining cars the trim levels have been simplified so that, excluding the Renaultsport variants, the Clio and Mégane are now offered in three trim levels: Expression+, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom.
The all-electric Z.E. range will expand to three vehicles when the ZOE joins the Twizy and Fluence in the autumn. Renault's compact Twizy can be pre-ordered from February ahead of the model's arrival in April with prices from £6,690 plus monthly battery hire from £45. Following its online launch last year the Fluence Z.E. saloon will be offered in two trim levels, Expression+ and Dynamique, starting at £17,495 - including the Government's Plug-in Car Grant.
We've already brought you details of the updated
Twingo,
Mégane and
Scenic ranges. The main Mégane Coupé Cabriolet line-up remains unchanged but gains an Ivory-coloured Floride special edition, which revives an old name from Renault's past and costs £24,375.
Another new development officially launching on 1st February is a four-year/100,000-mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles of free routine servicing, four years roadside cover and four years finance if needed. This is available on all new retail and local business orders and is transferrable, which should have a positive effect on residual values as well as making running costs more manageable.
John Lambert - 30 Jan 2012