Nother CarGuy

With the 2020 Geneva Motor Show no more, Renault has lifted the virtual veils of its new concept vehicle, the Morphoz. The name tells you from the very beginning this is not your ordinary concept vehicle. According to Renault, the Morphoz “blends attributes of a saloon, SUV and coupé into unique design optimized for efficiency and ease.” This is a shape-shifting crossover concept endowed with Artificial Intelligence, Level 3 autonomy and an all-electric powertrain based on the new CMF-EV platform that will underpin a new family of Renault EVs. The most intriguing part of the Renault Morphoz is undoubtedly its ability “to physically and technologically adapt between two modes depending on driver needs.” The new architecture enables the batteries to be located beneath the floor in the rear, ensuring a low center of gravity and a short bonnet. This also results in a longer cabin and the possibility to push the dashboard forward when needed to free up additional storage an...

With the all-new Renault Clio out in the open, it was only a matter of time before its Captur crossover version made its debut as well. For now, it’s only an online debut as the public world premiere will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. As you can see, the photos match the leaked image from mid-June, revealing a completely new design, albeit one that remains easily distinguishable as a Captur. The compact crossover now looks more athletic and dynamic on the outside while adopting a more welcoming and practical interior, as well as a comprehensive technology package. The second Renault model to use the new CMF-B platform following the Clio, the new Captur is 110 mm (4.3 inches) longer than its predecessor. As a result, rear seat passenger legroom grows by 17 mm (0.66 inches) while the boot capacity gains a significant 81 liters (2.86 cu-ft) for a total of 536 liters (18.9 cu-ft). The 2020 Captur also offers a total of 27 liters (0.95 cu-ft) of storage in...

Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle, the Renault Zoe, has reached its second generation and promises to be better overall compared to its predecessor. A rival of sorts to the likes of the Peugeot e-208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa-e newcomers, the 2020 Zoe gets a 52 kWh battery that ensures a WLTP-certified range of up to 242 miles (389 km). With a 30 percent bigger capacity over the old one and identical dimensions, this lithium-ion battery also supports fast charging. Using the new 50kW DC charging option for 30 minutes will give it a range of around 90 miles (145 km), whereas plugging it in a 22kW public charger for 1 hour results in a 78-mile (126 km) range. Charging it from 0-100 percent is an overnight process when using the 7kW Wallbox, which takes 9 hours and 25 minutes. Another big update is the addition of the R135 motor, which delivers 100 kW (135 PS / 133 hp) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, hooked up to a single-speed gearbox. In this guise, the new Zoe takes 10...

Renault is delving deeper into China’s electric car segment with the City K-ZE, which was unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. Shown first in concept form as last year’s Paris Auto Show, it’s a small crossover with modern exterior styling and a driver-focused cockpit that comes with an 8-inch infotainment system, remote access, 4G Wi-Fi, smart voice recognition and air conditioning. Full specs have yet to be released, but Renault says it has a fast-charging capability that allows it to fill its battery from 0 to 80 percent in 50 minutes. In slow charge, users will have to wait four hours to get to 100 percent. It is understood that it can travel for roughly 250 km (155 miles) between charges in the NEDC standard, like its Venucia e30 sibling. With a 150 mm (5.9 in) ground clearance, 2,423 mm (95.4 in) long wheelbase and 300-liter (10.6 cu-ft) boot space, the new City K-ZE is Renault’s smallest EV. It slots under the Zoe and, according to the automaker, has been built...

Renault is bringing the heat on the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and other B-segment hatchbacks with the fifth generation Clio. The exterior images released by the automaker only a day after they detailed the cabin reveal an evolutionary styling, which is nonetheless entirely new. The front end of the car has a bigger grille, a more muscular hood, new bumper and LED headlights with incorporated C-shaped DRLs that resemble those of the Megane. The taillights feature a C-shaped signature as well and the Clio’s sleek profile has been enhanced. Compared to the outgoing model, the Clio V is 14 mm (0.55 in) shorter and the body has been lowered by 30 mm (1.18 in) to improve the aerodynamic. However, despite being slightly smaller, the CMF-B platform has allowed for a clever packaging, which opens up more space for occupants. The boot space has increased by 26 liters (0.92 cu-ft), to 391 liters (13.8 cu-ft) with the rear seats in position and is, according to Renault, the la...

Renault has given its Twingo city car its first facelift since the third-generation was launched in 2014. While the mid-cycle makeover doesn’t bring major styling changes, it enhances the Twingo’s personalization options both inside and outside. Furthermore, the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive city car gets a new engine and connectivity upgrades. Styling-wise, the 2019MY Twingo adopts a new front bumper with a smaller lower grille and side air inlets, new graphics for the main grille, and refreshed headlamps with integrated C-shape LED DRLs that replace the round standalone units on the outgoing model. The refreshed rear bumper gains new chrome decorative trims but loses the diffuser-like element. A much-needed update is the addition of a handle on the glass tailgate, just below the wiper. Some models also gain an engine air intake on the rear fender that improves cooling. The updated city car also welcomes two new colors to the palette: Mango Yellow and Quartz White. I...

Renault has lifted the veils off its latest and last EZ-branded concept car, the autonomous, all-electric EZ-Ultimo. Designed to offer “upscale ride-hailing for all,” the new study is described by Renault as an individual mobile lounge. Renault wants you to think of it as the extension of the premium experience offered by a hotel, resort or airline company. The robo-vehicle concept relies on flexibility: it can be used on demand, for a single trip, for an hour or for a day. Therefore, it is suitable for a private trip in a city, a premium tourist experience, or a business journey service. The thing to remember is that the EZ-Ultimo can adapt to the actual service provider. The concept is inspired by contemporary architecture and French style, with the passenger space designed like a personal lounge fitted with all the comfort and features needed for relaxation or concentration. Access to the cabin is provided by a wide automatic opening door, and passengers are welcome...

Renault has kicked off the 2018 Paris Auto Show premieres with the K-ZE Concept that will lead to an all-electric small crossover for the masses next year. The study looks like a futuristic Renault Kwid, and it’s apparently based on the same platform, but the French automaker didn’t say more about its underpinnings. While the ‘K’ could come from ‘Kwid’, the ‘ZE’ moniker is a clear reference to its electric powertrain, said to be capable of providing it with a total driving range of 250 km (150 mi) as per NEDC standards. When the battery runs out of juice, it can be charged with either domestic plugs, or using the public infrastructure. Some of the features that equip the Renault K-ZE are the infotainment system that provides access to connected services, navigation system, reversing camera and others, and the rear parking sensors, according to the French firm. The production version of the city car concept will hit the market in 2019, and will be launched at first in C...

Renault is showcasing its vision for the future of last-mile delivery solutions with the EZ-Pro Concept unveiled today at the Hannover Motor Show. Styled to blend in the city landscape, EZ-Pro is the commercial alter-ego of the EZ-Go driverless passenger shuttle. It’s an autonomous, electric, connected and shared robo-pod concept that doesn’t completely give up on human control. According to Renault, people will remain at the heart of transport activities for the foreseeable future, which is why EZ-Pro comes with a leader pod that hosts a human concierge who supervises the delivery of goods and services as well as the fleet. The fleet of driverless robo-pods can either move independently or follow each other by platooning. For example, a convoy of pods managed by the same logistics operator can carry different types of goods and merchandise. Despite having their own paymaster, theme, clientele and delivery place, they are operated by the same electric and autonomous p...

Renault will become one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to have a coupe-SUV in its lineup once the Arkana show car you see here morphs into a production model next year. For now, however, the vehicle is billed as a concept car — although it’s plain to see we’re dealing with a pre-production prototype. Renault says the Arkana is a fusion “between the elegance of a saloon and the sturdiness of an SUV,” and we have to admit it doesn’t look half bad. The concept car previews a new C-segment crossover that will be sold globally after its introduction to Russia in 2019. However, Renault points out that the Arkana won’t go on sale in Europe. Styling-wise, the Renault Arkana show car sports rugged traits such as the high ground clearance and wide wheel arches filled with 19-inch alloys. However, it also looks elegant thanks to details including the high waistline and sloping coupé-like roofline, not to mention the side chrome detailing and panoramic glass roof. ...