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At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, Renault presents a renewed top-range line-up with New Laguna and New Vel Satis Review

March 2005
Filed under: RENAULT Car News | RENAULT Headlines
The 75th Geneva Motor Show sees Renault take the wraps off two revamped top-of-the-range hatchbacks. The design of New Laguna and New Vel Satis has evolved significantly. New equipment, safety systems, engines and transmissions offer enhanced comfort, driving pleasure and quality.

An all-new high-performance navigation system, Carminat Navigation and Communication, is available on New Laguna and New Vel Satis. Finally, a significant place on Renault's stand at the Geneva Motor Show is given over to the firm's motor sport activities

Revamped top-of-the-range hatchbacks


New Laguna has been redesigned, particularly the front of the vehicle. The cabin has had a makeover and quality has been enhanced throughout. A new-generation navigation system, Carminat Navigation and Communication, has been fitted to New Laguna prior to being gradually introduced on other vehicles in the range. In addition, a Laguna GT version is to be launched with a 205hp 2.0 Turbo engine. Laguna was the first car in the world to receive a five-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2001. New Laguna goes one step further in underscoring Renault's lead in active and passive safety.

New Vel Satis has a new front design – visible in the headlamps and grille – plus new rear lights and bumpers, highlighting the car's daring, modern lines. The new Vel Satis range includes two major engine developments: the power output of the 2.0-litre unit has been increased to 170hp, while the 2.2-litre dCi engine comes with a particulate filter. The equipment has also been enhanced, as on New Laguna, and Vel Satis is fitted with the Carminat Navigation and Communication navigation system and the advanced parking aid. Refined and roomy, New Vel Satis is now even safer, with range-adaptive xenon headlamps

Leader in the large MPV segment, the Espace range has been strengthened since the start of the year by the addition of Espace Dynamique which features a comfortable, subdued and sporty interior ambience

The limited edition MĂ©gane Renault Sport Trophy is a radically sportier version of MĂ©gane Renault Sport which features a chassis with specific components and settings. This sports chassis will also be available as an option on MĂ©gane Renault Sport

Engines and transmissions


Three new engines and a new gearbox round out the range of powertrains. The diesel 1.5-litre dCi engine is displayed on Modus in a new Euro 4 version (power: 105hp/78kW, torque: 240Nm) coupled with a new manual six-speed gearbox co-developed within the Alliance. Meanwhile, based on the Mégane Renault Sport engine and available exclusively on Laguna GT, the 205hp (150kW) 2.0T unit boasts maximum torque of 300Nm at 3,000rpm, 90% of which is available between 2,250 and 5,250rpm. Grand Scénic is displayed with an evolution of the 1.9-litre dCi diesel engine which now delivers 130hp (96kW) and which features a periodically regenerating particulate trap

Onboard equipment


Revealed on New Laguna, the Carminat Navigation and Communication system is a new top-range multimedia system which combines new-generation navigation capabilities, a Cabasse Tronic 4 X 50 W radio, a dashboard mounted 6-CD multi-charger with MP3 playback and Bluetooth hands-free telephone controls.

Safety


Renault has the safest range on the automobile market. Seven of its models have been awarded the maximum crash test rating of five stars by the independent body Euro NCAP. The latest innovation resulting from this policy is a head-rest that can be converted for use by young passengers. Developed for children aged between 3 and 10, it is available for the rear seats of Scénic, Laguna and Espace

Motor sport policy


Every year since its return to Formula 1 in 2002, Renault has met its objectives. Renault F1 Team Chairman and CEO Patrick Faure has announced that his target for 2005 is to be "regularly in the fight for victory. We are aiming for the word title in 2005-2006." With Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel of the new Renault F1 R25, the team boasts a driver pairing that combines youth and experience

The MĂ©gane Trophy race car is shown alongside the road-going MĂ©gane Renault Sport and Clio Renault Sport V6. Designed around a tubular chassis, the MĂ©gane Trophy race car is powered by a 3.5-litre 24-valve 330hp V6 engine derived from the Espace and Vel Satis engine. From May 1, the car will share top-of-the-bill status in the World Series by Renault with the new Formula Renault 3.5 and Formula Renault 2.0 single-seaters.

2005 Geneva Motor Show


Inside:

New Laguna: pleasurable driving with peace of mind

New Vel Satis: travel "Business Class"

Espace 2005: a new "Dynamique" version

Renault Sport Technologies fits MĂ©gane Renault Sport with an even more sporting chassis

Engines and gearboxes - Three major evolutions: 105hp 1.5 dCi with six-speed manual gearbox, 130hp 1.9 dCi with particulate filter and 205hp 2.0 Turbo

Safety - Renault offers new convertible child head restraint and pursues "safety for all" policy

Renault F1 Team eyes the title in 2005

MĂ©gane Trophy and Formula Renault 3.5 top the bill in the World Series by Renault

New Laguna: pleasurable driving with peace of mind


Renault is displaying New Laguna at the Geneva Motor Show. New Laguna constitutes one the most attractive all-round ranges in the D segment and is far more than a simple facelift. Special focus has been placed on perceived and actual build quality, harnessing new technologies to improve comfort. New Laguna also features updated engineering. The first Laguna generation was a benchmark in safety. New Laguna goes one step further to consolidate its lead in its class in Europe. Furthermore, Renault has boosted driving pleasure with higher performance and a more dynamic chassis. The new range now comes with a Grand Touring version, dubbed Laguna GT

Dynamic, elegant and quality-driven


Renault’s designers and engineers have concentrated their efforts on perceived quality and dynamic styling. The new front design carries over the visual identity of the other models in the Renault range, and includes a new one-piece component which integrates the front bumper and the grille. The bonnet line is shortened and convex, the new headlamps extend along the sides, and the Renault badge is now more vertical. The V-shaped air intake in its lower section gives the vehicle a more dynamic feel. The chrome-finished trim strips round out New Laguna's appeal

Inside, special attention was paid to the standard of finish. New Laguna welcomes its occupants into a subdued and refined atmosphere. Perceived and actual build quality have been enhanced in all areas, including the new design and the new materials in the dashboard, the standard of fit and finish and the integration of new technologies. The new dashboard is particularly user-friendly. The centre section has been completely revamped to significantly reduce gaps and ease access to the controls. A new moulding surrounds the upper part of the dashboard,

contributing to the flowing lines and the quality of the cabin interior finish. New Laguna now features more contemporary fabrics; velour has thus given way to softer microfibre cloth. The car is available with two interior colour schemes according to trim level: dark charcoal or light beige

New technologies to improve comfort


New Laguna is equipped with new technologies devoted to travelling comfort and driving enjoyment: the Renault Card with hands-free engine ignition, the parking brake assist which provides automatic brake application and release and an all-new navigation system, Carminat Navigation and Communication

Carminat Navigation and Communication is a leading top-range multimedia system which offers ease of use and efficiency, notably through time-saving when on the move, while guaranteeing the safety of its user. It now combines a new top-level navigation system, a Cabasse Tronic 4X50W audio system with 6CD changer in the dashboard and the ability to play CDs in MP3 format, and hands-free controls for a Bluetooth telephone. It is controlled via a highly ergonomic central multimedia selector installed in line with the centre armrest, where the conventional handbrake used to be. Drivers can operate it without taking their eyes off the road, thanks to its different-shaped buttons which enable tactile recognition

Carminat Navigation and Communication is easy to use and intuitive despite its wide range of functions. It offers new features, including voice recognition to control the navigation and the telephone, automatic zoom when approaching a change of direction, the simultaneous presentation of three alternative itineraries, a panoramic “Birdview” display and a “junction view” display of motorway intersections using synthetic images. The high speed with which it performs itinerary calculations, movements and zooms on the map further increases their usefulness and their ease of use. Seven languages are available (English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish) and the mapping of 21 countries is carried on a single DVD

More pleasure at the wheel


A second flagship version will be available alongside the Initiale. The Laguna Celsium (or GT) is a Grand Touring version dedicated to driving enjoyment and is both sporting and civilized in everyday driving. It is powered by a new 2.0T engine developing 205hp (150kW) with 300Nm of torque. It boasts exemplary performance, an extensively modified chassis, specially developed

Michelin "Pilot Exalto 2’" tyres on 17-inch wheels, and a 10mm-lower ride height. Aesthetically, it has several distinctive features: a special lower air intake grille, wheels with a smoked chrome finish, a rear wing on the Hatchback, satin-finished roof rails and high-filtration tinted rear side windows on the Sport Tourer. Inside, the treatment is both sporting and elegant, notably with leather upholstery in a mixture of dark charcoal and China red. The gear lever knob is satin-finished aluminium and the dashboard surround moulding has a chrome satin finish. The red piercings in the leather of the steering wheel, the door panels, the centre armrest and the seats emphasize the Grand Touring aspect of the car

Depending on country, customers can choose between four other petrol engines: the 1.6 16V which now develops 115hp, the 135hp 2.0 16V, the 2.0T uprated to 170hp, and the 210hp 3.0 24V V6. New Laguna's diesel engine range comprises the 1.9 dCi and 2.2 dCi engines, with power outputs ranging from 95 to 150hp according to country

The product specification for New Laguna in the area of roadholding was especially demanding for a Phase 2 model. The objective was to provide the driver with better “feel” while maintaining an excellent level of comfort. This balance was struck by ensuring optimum control of body movement, most notably through increased roll stiffness and more efficient damping. As a result, New Laguna provides better feel while parasitic vibration has been reduced

Safety without compromise


New Laguna is a car devoted to driving pleasure in complete safety. The objective is to capitalize on the performance of its predecessor, the first car in the world to achieve a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP tests, in 2001. To consolidate its benchmark position in the European D segment, New Laguna boasts all the features of its predecessor, but also provides improved restraint systems, roadholding and braking, with even finer calibration of is electronic chassis systems, ABS and ESP

New Laguna is equipped with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection which notably includes eight airbags. Developments include the adoption of an audible warning if the passenger seat belt is not fastened, airbags which cater for a wider range of impact configurations, and new-generation head restraints with integral adjustment for the front seats. These feature support runners which now slide within the head restraint itself rather than in the upper part of the backrest. They improve the posture of the back and provide better support for the head. In the area of child safety, the rear side seats can be fitted with a convertible child head restraint. In the closed position, this looks the same as a standard adult head restraint. When it is opened, it forms a protective cocoon around the head of a child seated on a booster

Laguna’s performance in terms of roadholding and braking has been best in class since 2001. New Laguna goes even further: the ESP with understeer control now takes account of the elasto-kinematics of the suspension and wear in the tyres. A new-generation ABS/ESP unit (MK 60 P) also ensures faster reaction of the ESP. New Laguna thus enjoys better control and exhibits faster times through obstacle-avoidance tests

The ASR traction control function complements the ESP when starting from rest or accelerating in conditions of poor adhesion. It is also now more effective on “split-mu” surfaces, with grip on a single wheel, or on gradients up to 15%

By comparison with the previous version, adaptive-range xenon headlamps provide improved lighting. The headlamps are equipped with a “lifting dipped beam” function to improve light output. In addition, the beam height is constantly controlled, both statically and dynamically, to take account of the car’s pitch attitude. In urban driving and at low speeds, the beam adapts itself by angling downwards. It does not dazzle other road users. With the adoption of elliptical lenses, the xenon-type dipped beam units gain in size, output and consistency.

New Vel Satis: travel "business class"

The daring and modern lines of Vel Satis have gently evolved with New Vel Satis. The cabin has gained in functionality and elegance. Inside, quality materials and the blending of upholsteries provide each passenger with comfort and refinement. Many of the features already fitted to Vel Satis, such as the parking aid system, the xenon headlamps and the navigation system, have been further developed. The existing range of power units and transmissions is retained, but with greater power and torque for the 2.0 Turbo engine and a particulate filter for the 2.2 dCi engine. New Vel Satis illustrates the priority allocated by Renault to safety and quality

Refined exterior design


The new front design incorporates the grille with chromed strakes, the headlamps and a redesigned lower air intake. The rear section of the car becomes lighter and more dynamic, with two visible exhaust outlets and crystal-treated lamp clusters. The door handles are now chrome-finished on all Vel Satis models. Two new types of aluminium wheel make their appearance, in 17-inch and 18-inch sizes, as well as two new body colours, Marron Glacé and Platinum Grey

High-quality materials, space, comfort and light on the inside
The dashboard has been given a more streamlined shape, and clad in high quality materials. Its chromed elements now have a satinized finish, while new faces and needles for the instrument dials evoke the world of watchmaking

New upholstery in cloth (dark charcoal or light grey) and in leather (very dark charcoal or tobacco beige) are introduced. The interior lighting has been completely redesigned. The overhead light, which progressively dims to extinction, uses opal glass and satinized chrome. It emphasizes the welcoming nature of the cabin. The reading lamps illuminate to complement the central overhead light whenever the doors are opened

On board New Vel Satis, the idea of a “high class saloon” is given full rein. Seat comfort remains exceptional. The front seats, power operated and heated, consist of three sections, each of which may be separately adjusted. The driver’s seat adjusts over a wide range (6cm in height) and its settings can be memorized. Together with the adjustment of the steering wheel for height and reach, this allows the driving position to be very finely adjusted. Much attention has been paid to the ergonomics, notably with the installation of the controls for the new Carminat Navigation and Communication system in the centre console

Efficient and reassuring behaviour on the road


Since its introduction, the stability and handling of Vel Satis has been universally admired. The suspension, MacPherson type at the front and Renault’s patented “trigonal” multi-link arrangement at the rear, ensures remarkable stability in a straight line and when cornering, regardless of load distribution

This effective and innovative chassis is well served by tyres of generous dimensions (225/55-17 or 245/45-18 according to version), and by a powerful, progressive and fade-resistant braking system (with 324mm discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear). The variable-assistance power steering system ensures precision of control and ease of driving in all circumstances

Powertrains: flexibility and driving pleasure


Within the range of engines and transmissions for Vel Satis, the two four-cylinder engines have been further developed

New Vel Satis introduces an evolution of the 2.0 T engine (F4Rt). This now produces 170hp (125kW) at 5,000rpm and torque of 270Nm at 3,250rpm. This engine is equipped with a Twin Scroll type turbo unit to the benefit of ease of driving as well as emissions. A twin-mass flywheel reduces noise and vibration within the kinematic chain. Available with manual or automatic transmission, this engine conforms with Euro 4 emission standards

The 2.2 dCi engine continues to be offered in three versions: 115hp (85 kW/320 Nm), 140hp with particulate filter (102kW/320Nm), and 150hp (110kW/320Nm)

The particulate filter (a cylinder forming part of the exhaust system) is an emission control system which significantly reduces the emission of unburned particulates.

The 3.5 V6 24V engine, a fruit of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, develops 245hp (177kW) at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 330Nm at 3,600rpm. At least 85% of maximum torque is available from 1,200rpm, ensuring a high level of flexibility and response. This engine is offered only with a five-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is notable for the smoothness and quietness of its operation, which guarantees real driving pleasure

The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine with common rail fuel injection and a variable geometry turbo develops 180hp (130kW) at 4,400rpm with a maximum torque of 350Nm at 1,800rpm. It provides a high level of performance with reduced fuel consumption and the appeal of a six-cylinder power unit. New engines will appear in the range during 2005 and 2006

New Vel Satis offers a choice of transmissions, either six-speed manual or five-speed pro-active automatic with flick-shift selection

High standards of comfort and convenience


New Vel Satis benefits from the latest technologies to assist ease of use, such as the Renault card for hands-free access and engine starting.The parking aid system is now installed at the front as well as the rear of the New Vel Satis. It warns the driver of the proximity of unseen obstacles by means of audible “beeping” which becomes more frequent as the object is approached

New Vel Satis incorporates a new multimedia system. This comprises a latest-generation navigation system, a Cabasse Tronic 6CD MP3 4x50W audio system, and a hands-free kit with advanced functions (as an option). Voice recognition, a central controller and a 6.5-inch (16.5cm) wide colour screen considerably add to the ease of using the system

Carminat Navigation and Communication includes a control and voice recognition system (for navigation and telephoning). This new multimedia navigation system is more ergonomic. The most frequently used functions are directly accessible from a control which falls immediately to hand. Cartography covering 22 countries is stored on a single DVD. The power available to perform itinerary calculations, panning and zooming within the map is almost three times as fast as with Carminat II. Any itinerary is simultaneously calculated according to three different criteria: the shortest distance, the fastest, and avoiding motorways. Drivers can immediately select which of these is most suited to their needs. The system provides three viewing modes:

Junctionview (a view with motorway intersections throughout Europe), 2D Mapview and 3D Birdview

Where the audio and CD player system is concerned, three alternatives are offered: a 4x15W radio/CD, and 4x40W or 4x50W Cabasse Tronic radio/6CD with Cabasse tronic interface (associated with the navigation system). ll of these systems include a remote display unit and a steering wheel control satellite

Finally, Vel Satis can be equipped with a DVD video system for the rear seat passengers featuring a folding centre screen with adjustable tilt, supplied with a remote control

New Vel Satis can be equipped with a completely built-in hands-free telephone kit. The car’s powerful radio aerial links to the network, and the SIM menu and call archives are transferred to the dashboard screen. The telephone sound is broadcast through the front loudspeakers and the microphone is housed in the dashboard. The telephone cradle is housed in the centre armrest, hidden from view from outside

Safety: one step further


Already awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, like six other Renault models, New Vel Satis progresses even further in passive safety terms. The protection and restraint systems fitted within the cabin interior are numerous: frontal driver and passenger airbags, auto-adaptive in the front, and curtain and thorax side airbags for both front and back seats

The front seats actively contribute to the safety and comfort of their occupants. They are equipped with 3-point inertia-reel safety belts with load limiters, and with height-adjustable close-contact head restraints. In the back, all three passengers are provided with 3-point inertia-reel belts with load limiters. Isofix attachments in the two outboard rear seats allow the installation of child safety seats

In addition to its many passive safety features, New Vel Satis is naturally equipped with a full range of active safety features in order to prevent or correct, as far as possible, critical and often unpredictable driving situations. Features fitted as standard include ABS anti-lock braking with EBD, emergency brake assist, ESP and ASR traction control

The lighting system in New Vel Satis ensures optimum visibility for both dipped and main headlamp beams. It includes range-adaptive xenon headlamps and retractable high-pressure headlamp washers. The car is now equipped (according to equipment level) with an arrangement which allows the intensity and spread of the main beam to be increased. With an increased light range for the main beam, the elliptical xenon headlamp module is added to the output of the halogen headlamp units whose complex surface reflectors increase the light output

The cruise control and speed limiter, and the tyre pressure monitoring system round out the range of safety systems fitted to the New Vel Satis

Constant attention to quality and reliability


New Vel Satis forms part of the company’s commitment in the areas of quality and reliability. These two fundamentals are among Renault’s core concerns: in New Vel Satis, progress has most notably been achieved in the quality of assembly and materials. The dashboard, the overhead lighting, the centre console and the controls for the Carminat Navigation and Communication system are visible signs of the improvements achieved.

2005 Espace range: a new "dynamique" version


Since January 2005, the Espace has been available in a new subdued and sporting trim level, designated Dynamique. From the second quarter of 2005, the Espace range will also be offered with new features: a built-in hands-free telephone control, a new 4x30W radio and mono CD, and Carminat Turn-by-Turn Guidance, to complement the Carminat Navigation System

The Espace range is leader in the large MPV segment; its appeal has been still further enhanced since the introduction, at the beginning of this year, of a Dynamique trim level with a sober, comfortable and sporting character

This trim level is distinguished by:

a Carbon interior trim treatment;

front seats with increased lateral support for cushion and backrest;

a mixed leather/cloth upholstery;

door panels with a carbon cloth trim;

a 4-spoke grained-leather steering wheel with central aluminium trim

Special 17-inch wheels complete the specification of the Dynamique version which is situated at the heart of the Espace range

From the beginning of the year, all versions of Espace have embodied the following developments:

New Generation front seat head restraints providing improved neck protection;

Overall metallic paint

New colours are also available:

Abysse Green;

Platinum grey

From the beginning of the second quarter of 2005, Espace also benefits from the following changes:

A 2.0 T engine with higher torque output (270 Nm);

A built-in hands-free telephone control;

Carminat Turn-by-Turn Guidance in addition to the Carminat Navigation System;

A new 4x30W radio/Mono CD

Renault Sport Technologies creates a MĂ©gane Renault Sport with an even more sporting chassis


Renault Sport Technologies is going to offer a more sporting version of the Mégane Renault Sport. Its “radical” chassis increases the pleasure of driving. Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Show, this sports chassis is being introduced in an exclusively designed “Trophy” limited edition. It will also be offered as an option for the Mégane Renault Sport

Renault is introducing a version of the MĂ©gane Renault Sport featuring an even more sporting chassis to meet the requirements of a group of customers who are ever more demanding when it comes to vehicle dynamic behaviour. Entirely dedicated to the pleasure of driving, this chassis benefits from unique components and settings. Improved support for the body results in lower roll angles (-10%), less pitching during acceleration and less nosedive under braking. These developments also benefit traction on all types of surface and cornering potential thanks to a front suspension with greater turn authority. Understeering is limited. The dampers, springs and anti-roll bar are adapted to suit an even more radical driving style than the chassis of the MĂ©gane Renault Sport. For the independent steering-axis front suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 25% to 42 N/mm. In order to improve cornering potential, the diameter of the anti-roll bar has been slightly reduced.

For the rear suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 77% to 44 N/mm. The driver aid systems benefit from recalibration. The ESP system may now be completely inhibited. However, the system will still intervene should the car suffer a major divergence from trajectory under heavy braking, Otherwise, its intervention threshold is higher and its operation less intrusive. The front and rear disc brakes are drilled to provide better cooling, optimum operation in wet conditions and a reduction in unsprung mass. Considerable work has gone into improving the immediacy and rate of response to brake pedal movement (a development also applied to the MĂ©gane Renault Sport). The diameter of the master cylinder is increased from 23.8mm to 25.4mm, which results in better pedal feel. With such a high deceleration capacity and taking into account of the operating profiles of both models, the EBA system has been deleted to allow drivers to make the most of the vehicle braking potential

The new heavily perforated 18-inch wheels result in a saving of 1.5kg per wheel in unsprung mass. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, with dimensions 235/40 R18, match the requirements of the sports chassis. Dunlop and Renault Sport have developed a special silicon-based tread compound which ensures maximum efficiency on all types of surface. The stiffness of the centre section of the breaker band improves stability at high speed. The multiple ribs of the profile meanwhile ensure uniform pressure in the contact patch, providing optimum adhesion. In total, these characteristics ensure that behaviour is both efficient and entertaining

The Mégane Renault Sport, along with the entire Mégane range, introduces a new electric power assisted steering system. A splined “tube-in-tube” sliding joint connects the two sections of the steering column, replacing the flexible joint installed in the previous generation. This provides a more positive feel around the steering centre-point. Driving precision is improved thanks to the transmission of better feel from the road surface. The calibration of the family of 16 curves which define the degree of assistance has been developed to take account of this new feature. This development will be installed across the entire Mégane II range as from the second quarter of 2005

In addition to its sports chassis, the Mégane Trophy limited edition can be identified by its styling features. Outside, it is distinguished by its unique “Makaha grey” finish and its graphite coloured wheels. Inside the cabin there is a new upholstery and many trim features with a carbon-fibre finish. A numbered plaque set low in the dashboard serves to remind of the car’s exclusive nature. The trim of the steering wheel, and of the gear lever knob and gaiter is blue, as is the stitching of the seats and the safety belt straps. The Trophy limited edition is equipped as standard with all the features installed in the Mégane Renault Sport, with the addition of a Radiosat 4x40W Cabasse-tronic with 6 CD changer in the fascia

As in the Mégane Renault Sport, the Trophy limited edition is powered by the F4Rt 2.0 16v turbocharged engine jointly developed by Renault’s Powertrain Engineering Department and Renault Sport Technologies. This engine develops a power output of 225hp (165kW) at 5,500rpm and a torque of 300Nm (30.6 mkg) at 3,000rpm, with at least 90% of this torque available between 2,000 and 6,000rpm. The engine is teamed with a 6-speed manual gearbox

Engines and gearboxes

Three major developments: 105hp 1.5 dCi with six-speed manual gearbox, 130hp 1.9dCi with
particulate filter, 205hp 2.0 turbo


Renault is presenting three new engines. A 1.5dCi engine boosted to 105hp (78kW) is fitted to Modus. It is teamed with a new six-speed manual gearbox co-developed by Renault and Nissan. This powertrain will equip several models in the B and C segments. The 1.9dCi engine evolves with a 130hp (96kW) Euro 4 version fitted with a periodic regeneration particulate filter. On display at Geneva on Grand Scénic, it will be fitted to the Mégane range and New Laguna. Finally, a 205hp (150kW) 2.0 T unit, derived from the Mégane Renault Sport engine, equips the Laguna GT

Renault is presenting at the Geneva Motor Show a Modus powered by a 105hp 1.5 dCi diesel engine coupled with a new six-speed manual gearbox developed jointly by Renault and Nissan. The new engine brings further improvements on the 100hp 1.5 dCi diesel from which it is derived, with power up from 100hp (74kW) to 106hp (78kW) at 4000 rpm, and torque up by 20%, from 200 Nm to 240 Nm at 2000 rpm. Performance rises accordingly, with a racetrack top speed of 186kph and acceleration from standstill to 100kph in 11.2 seconds

This version of the 1.5 dCi engine carries over all the technologies that made the 100hp version so successful (second-generation common rail, multi-vane variable-nozzle turbocharger, 1600 bar injection pressure) and adds a few more. The solenoid injectors on the 100hp version give way to six-hole piezo-electric injectors on the new unit. Siemens piezo-electric technology makes multi-injection a viable proposition: with the tuning adopted, the response of the new injectors (four times quicker than a solenoid injector) is fast enough for three injections per cycle: pilot, main and post. With dosing even more precise than before, the pilot injection stage improves acoustics by minimizing the diesel clatter effect, especially at idle speed. The post-injection stage helps cut down on pollutant emissions by burning off the soot produced during combustion. The new engine thus achieves benchmark fuel consumption and pollutant emission performance for this vehicle category: 124 g of CO2/km in a mixed cycle on Modus. Another major upgrade concerns piston geometry, which also contributes to compliance with the Euro 4 emission standards

Vehicle acoustics are further improved by using a twin-mass damping flywheel, which cuts out booming noise at low engine speeds. Noise is further reduced by the specially developed wide-faced cylinder block and fourth powertrain mounting point. And multi-injection technology (with the pilot injection stage in particular) cuts down combustion noise

The 105hp 1.5 dCi engine is assembled at the Renault plant in Valladolid, Spain

First jointly developed gearbox from Renault and Nissan


The 105hp 1.5 dCi engine is available with a new six-speed manual gearbox. It was jointly engineered by Renault and Nissan under the Alliance’s third powertrain co-development project (following on from the 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines). The new manual gearbox does not come as a replacement for any existing gearbox. Through Renault-Nissan cooperation on cost control, the new unit offers excellent value with the best in available technology. Powertrain cooperation is based on established Alliance practice, with Renault leading projects in manual gearbox technologies and Nissan in automatic transmissions. Co-development marks the second major stage in powertrain cooperation across the Alliance partners, following on from the cross-sourcing of engines and gearboxes

With maximum torque of 240 Nm, the new gearbox addresses small and mid-sized petrol and diesel engines. The sixth gear brings further improvements in response and fuel consumption. While closer-spaced ratios for the first five speeds make the most of engine response, the sixth enables the driver to cruise at a lower engine speed, which means lower noise levels and lower fuel consumption. Motorway fuel consumption is about 10% lower than with the J gearbox on a mixed cycle. Triple-cone synchronization for the first two gears, plus synchronized reverse, lend the new unit excellent driveability

This new two-shaft gearbox is particularly compact and lightweight (41 kg, which is just 10% heavier than the J gearbox) considering its torque capacity of 240 Nm. It is made at the Renault powertrain plant in Sevilla, Spain. The initial plant capacity of 450,000 units per year breaks down as 80% for Renault and 20% for Nissan, with Renault and Nissan splitting industrial investment on the basis of the volumes used. Renault will be introducing the new six-speed manual gearbox along with the 105hp 1.5 dCi engine on Modus and MĂ©gane in 2005

1.9 dCi 130hp with particulate filter on MĂ©gane and New Laguna


The range of 1.9 dCi engines is enlarged with the appearance of a new version meeting the Euro 4 standard. The power of this engine is increased to 130hp (96 kW) at 4,000rpm, with a maximum torque of 300Nm at 2,000rpm. It is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. This new engine is very economical: Grand Scénic 1.9 dCi 130 consumes 6.0 litres/100km in the European mixed cycle with a range of 1,000km

This engine is equipped with a latest-generation particulate filter of the “periodic regeneration” type, needing no additive. Particulates accumulated within the filter are burned-off every 300 to 1,200km according to operating pattern. The combustion takes place naturally through the presence of oxygen and of exhaust gas whose temperature has been raised to 570oC by the post-injection of diesel fuel. In addition, a new EGR valve recycles a higher volume of exhaust gas into the inlet manifold. When mixed with the incoming air, this improves combustion and reduces the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

This engine is also notable for its output. The boost pressure delivered by the variable-geometry turbo is 2.5 bars, which is 0.3 bar more than in the Euro 3 version. As well as a new combustion chamber design, the 1.9 dCi engine is equipped with the latest-generation fuel injection system. The injection pressure is increased to 1,600 bars (compared with the previous 1,350 bars) to create finer atomization of the fuel. The multiple injection pulses also favour the quality of combustion, as well as acoustics (pre-injection eliminates cold-starting rattle and knocking noises) and emission control (post-injection permits regeneration of the particulate filter)

Presented in Grand Scénic, this engine will also be fitted during 2005 to Laguna, Scénic, and the Mégane Hatch, Sport Hatch, Coupé-Cabriolet, Sport Saloon and Sport Tourer

205hp 2.0T on New Laguna GT for the pleasure of driving


A derivative of the engine in the MĂ©gane Renault Sport, the 2.0T in the Laguna GT develops 205hp (150 kW) at 5,000rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm at 3,000rpm, of which 90% is available between 2,250 and 5,250rpm. By comparison with the MĂ©gane Renault Sport, the boost pressure has been reduced to 2 bars. This new engine is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox whose ratios have been chosen to optimize response in each of the intermediate gears. The Laguna GT reaches 100kph from rest in only 7.2 seconds and covers one kilometre from a standing start in 27.5 seconds

This brilliant performance has been achieved without harming the fuel consumption. At 8.5 litres/100km in the mixed test cycle, the Laguna GT is one of the most economical models in its class

As in the MĂ©gane Renault Sport engine, noise levels are contained thanks to a low-inertia twin-mass flywheel, which minimizes excitation of the gearbox by the crankshaft. The acoustics also benefit from the large-area interface between cylinder block and gearbox, making the whole assembly stiffer

The 205hp 2.0T 205 engine is available for both the Hatchback and Sport Tourer versions of New Laguna in an exclusive specification, designated GT.

Technical specifications of the Modus 1.5 dCi 105hp, the Laguna 2.0T 205hp and the Grand Scénic 1.9 dCi 130hp


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