Bric à Brac
Tank history until 1940
Histoire & Collection is publisher of the magazine Charge Utile and several military magazines. Books are also regularly published. Recently 'Tous les Blindés de l'Armee Française' written by Francois Vauvillier was published. It deals with the development of the first tanks around the beginning of World War I until 1940. Of course, this printing is not only about Renault products. But our beloved brand has played such an important role in this field in France, that many known and also very unknown models and types are reviewed. The book has 168 pages and is available online for 39.95 euros from the publisher:
histoireetcollections.com. The site is available in both French and English.
Clio & Captur hybrids
Mégane plugged
Renault
Z.E. scooter
Hybrids complete Clio and Captur
All car manufacturers are working hard to meet the European Union's new, strict emission standards. Within this framework, Renault is launching a Clio E-Tech Hybrid and Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid.
From a technical point of view, both hybrid models are virtually identical. Under the bonnet lies the well-known 1.6 litre 16-valve petrol engine, which has been modernised on numerous details. The engine is assisted by no less than two electric motors. The first is used to drive away electrically and start the petrol engine. The second, larger electric motor then takes over. This means as soon as the automatic double clutch gearbox shifts to second gear. The Clio and Captur E-Tech can drive fully electric, while in hybrid mode the petrol engine and electric motor reinforce each other.
DIFFERENCES
But there are also differences. The technology in the Clio produces 140 hp while the Captur with its extra large battery (9.8 kWh) produces a maximum of 160 hp. This battery can be charged at home or at a charging station. Fully charged, the Captur has an electric range of 45 to 65 kilometres (WLTP), depending on the driving conditions.
The two of them perform extremely well.The Clio E-Tech 140 accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h within 6.9 seconds. The effect on CO2 emissions is calculated on the Captur at 32 g/km. The emission of the Clio E-Tech is not known yet.
Renault positions this Captur E-Tech at the top of the range in the Intens and Initiale equipment levels. On both Clio and Captur, the battery occupies part of the boot. In addition, the functionality of the rear seats is fully maintained.
BEFORE
Depending on the country, the delivery of these environmentally friendly models will start in the second half of next spring.
Mégane plugged
Launched in the course of 2015, Renault Megane IV has reached an age where a facelift is in order. By summer, the slightly modified version will be available. Changes can mainly be found at the front with a different front bumper, with the paint colours and all lighting units.
A glance into the interior confirms that the most important change concerns the instrument cluster. There, the familiar gauges used in the first edition have made way for a fully digital 10.2-inch screen. It is the optional unit from the new Clio and Captur.
ELECTRIC RANGE
Technologically, the range is being expanded with a plug-in hybrid. This will be the same E-Tech 160 powertrain as in the Captur. It will first be available in the Mégane Estate and secondly in the hatchback. According to WLTP standards Renault promises an electric range of 50 kilometres. The renewed Mégane will continue to be available with a number of petrol and diesel engines. The fast R.S. and R.S. Trophy will also be available again. Both variants will deliver 300 hp and 420 Nm from now on. The difference is mainly to be found in the tuning of the suspension. The Trophy is 10 percent stiffer.
Renault will take some time for the actual delivery of the renewed Mégane, which starts next summer.
Renault Z.E. scooter
On the Renault stand at the Brussels Motor Show we accidentally ran into a ZE electric scooter.
The scooter can be ordered from the Renault dealer under number 77 11 943 643. The scooter shows the blue/white colour combination and features the new ZE logo. The engine is integrated in the rear wheel. There are two levers on the handlebar, one for accelerating, the other for braking. A display lights up in the middle of the steering wheel when the scooter is started. It shows the amount of power in the battery. At the front the scooter has bright LED lighting and at the rear a red light lights up when the vehicle starts moving. The regulations concerning electric scooters are different in every European country.