2011 Renault Laguna Facelift Priced Lower than Outgoing Model in Britain

Following their world premieres at the Paris motor show, Renault has released UK pricing and specification for the updated Laguna 2011 Hatch and Sport Tourer models ahead showroom launch in November. Despite the facelift, Renault claims that both models offer savings of up to £1,855 available compared to the previous range.

The facelift includes some minor exterior tweaks such as the reworked fascia with new headlamps and a restyled bumper incorporating a more prominent grille, plus equipment improvements and a series of engine enhancements that result in reduced emissions and greater fuel economy across the range.

For the 2011 model year, the engine line-up includes fully Euro 5-compliant engines, plus ten 'eco²' branded versions with sub-140 grams CO2. The least emitting engine in the Laguna range is the 1.5-litre dCi 110HP with 120 grams and a combined fuel economy of 60.1 mpg UK.

The Laguna is offered in three core trim levels, Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. The base Expression includes an Arkamys 3D Sound single CD/radio MP3 with Bluetooth and fingertip control, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, aux input, ESC and front fog lights.

Aside from the navigation system, the Dynamique TomTom adds automatic parking brake, and headlights and wipers, cruise control, chrome twin exhausts (excluding dCi 110), dual zone climate control, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, hands-free keycard, rear parking sensors, multi-functional TunePoint (for portable music players) and speed limiter.

Finally, the range-topping GT Line TomTom benefits from 18-inch alloys, a BOSE sound system with 10 speakers and amplifier, 4Control four-wheel steering on the dCi 180 HP, pearl black electric folding door mirrors with memory, and leather and alcantara upholstery with electrically adjustable heated front seats.

The revised Laguna Hatch starts from £17,795, with prices for the more practical Sport Tourer version set £1,100 higher than those of the liftback model.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Paris Show: Renault ZOE Preview Teases 2012 Production EV and Hints at Next Clio

One or two sizes up from the quirky little Twizy is where Renault's ZOE Preview sits. Following in the vein of last year's ZOE Z.E. coupe, the ZOE Preview is a more realistic look at the production version that will be available in 2012 wearing Renault's newest face. Not only that, but it may just be previewing (ZING!) the next Clio as well.

Similar in size to the Clio, this little electric econobox gets some high-end passenger comfort tech that may or may not show up in the production model (Renault claims 90% of what you see here is what you'll get). To get occupants comfortable, the ZOE has a humidity-regulating climate control system with an integrated toxicity sensor and scent diffuser.

Oh, there's more, don't worry. It also provides "light therapy", which is being co-developed with Philips (apparently a "world-renowned light therapy specialist").

The concept seen here is 4.1 meters long and rides on 19-inch wheels. For production, dimensions are going to be similar, but those wheels? Probably not showing up. Power comes from an 80-horsepower / 60 kW electric motor that makes 222 Nm / 164 lb-ft of torque.

A charge will take from 6 to 8 hours and can be done (primarily) two different ways: either with a Wall Box that you connect to your home's outlet, or by optional EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Renault recommends going with the wall box for the sake of convenience. Also possible, should an infrastructure appear sometime soon, is what the company calls a "Fast Charge"; this gives the car a 37-mile emergency run after only ten minutes of charging.

Israelis and Danes may also have the opportunity for Quickdrop batteries, meaning there will be stations that will change out your used-up battery in a matter of minutes.

By Phil Alex

______________________________________________________________________

Paris Show: Renault Debuts Production Twizy, the Electric Scooter Car

Welcome to the Twizy, Renault's third model in its Zero Emissions lineup after the Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E. The little city car pod is an all-electric mix between a scooter and a car, allowing for clean and efficient city driving thanks to its 20-horsepower / 42 lb-ft (57 Nm) electric motor. That helps it reach a top speed of 47 mph after it has charged for 3.5 hours.

Renault plans to build the tandem two-seat Twizy in Valladolid, Spain for a late-2011 European release (early 2012 in the UK), and orders can be placed online right now at the official Z.E. site. Aimed at urbanites looking for an adorable second car, Renault says it may also be suitable for teen drivers as a pre-car car. How? it may be drivable in some countries with a lower top speed of 28 mph and without a driving license (feel free to discuss that below).

Since the Twizy is a very open car, additional door panels will be available to seal the lower area should harsh weather show up. For practicality, storage is located under the rear seat (31 liters that's expandable to 55 liters) and on either side of the steering wheel (3 liters). Behind the steering wheel you'll see a display housing an "econometer", available range, and other necessary stats.

Safety features include the collapsible pod set within the four wheels, a driver airbag, and 4- and 3-point harnesses (front and rear, respectively).

The three Twizys shown at Paris were designed by Renault to emphasize the customization possibilities available to consumers; they include the Twizy Dot Dot (providing an "emphasis on elegance"), the Circuit (with a sci-fi touch), and the Totem (the automotive equivalent of a tribal tattoo). There will be nine more customized virtual Twizys online, with the highest-rated design getting its own limited edition when the car debuts.

Here's a list from Renault describing who the typical Twizy buyer will be:

-Busy, car-owning city dwellers looking for a second vehicle
-Younger drivers interested in a safe way to gain experience in traffic
-City dwellers looking for a stylish yet particularly practical vehicle
-Sensitive to new design trends

If Renault's PR guys have you locked down and pretty well described, then the Twizy may just be for you.

By Phil Alex

_________________________________________________________________

Carscoop Reader Chops Renault Latitude Cabrio Prior to Flagship Sedan's Paris Debut

Renault's new Latitude mid-size sedan will make it western European debut in Paris very soon, so now's about the time for people to start photoshopping to their hearts' content to see how Renault's funky hit-and-miss lineup can be improved.

In this case, a reader sent in his take on a 4-door Latitude-based cabrio. Other than the poppin' orange paint and lack of a roof, some nice additional design elements show up in the form of front fascia-mounted LED running lights, a narrower grille, and the flat black trunk lip spoiler. Other additions include larger rims and the requisite sleekification of an average-looking mid-size sedan.

Combine the two images - that is, add the nice details from the convertible onto the sedan - and Renault could have its average-looking flagship's appearance be a little more luxurious. As for 4-seat convertible, it's far from realistic; overall a neat chop, but Renault's already got the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet 4-seater convertible. That, and the market for 4-door convertibles is toast.

By Phil Alex

Photoshop courtesy of Carscoop reader Lil-K