We recently spent some time with Renault South Africa at the Paris Motor Show, and managed to find out about the French brand’s short-term plans for its local range.
So, what’s coming when? And which vehicles are not destined for local shores at all? Let’s dive in…
Facelifted Clio
The Clio range will receive a light facelift in mid-November, with the entry-level Blaze derivative set to fall away. Furthermore, an 88 kW manual variant will join the line-up (the outgoing range also features this 1,2-litre turbocharged engine, but it is mated exclusively to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission).
New Clio RS
The facelifted RS models, meanwhile, are set to join the line-up in the first quarter of 2017, along with new GT-Line derivatives. The biggest news is that the Clio RS 220 Trophy (likely with Akrapovič exhaust as standard) has been confirmed for our market, boasting a little more oomph (162 kW plays 147 kW), an uprated chassis and a few other bits and bobs. Still no manual gearbox for the RS models, though…
Kwid, Duster and Sandero
The Renault Kwid is scheduled to arrive in local dealers in early November (sans ABS at first, unfortunately). And in the first quarter of 2017, we can expect the Duster to finally be offered with the automaker’s EDC dual-clutch transmission. The Sandero, meanwhile, is likely to receive its facelift early in 2017, too.
Koleos and others
The new Koleos SUV is said to be “under consideration” for the second half of 2017, while Renault SA says it currently has no plans to bring in the new Mégane Sedan. The latest versions of the Espace, Scenic and Talisman are also not destined for local shores.
The bakkies
The Alaskan pickup – which is based on the new Nissan Navara – is pencilled in for a 2018 introduction to SA’s competitive bakkie segment, while Renault says it “remains committed” to introducing the Duster-based Oroch bakkie, although timing depends on right-hand drive production volume.
