Renault Reviews

Known for their Gallic, often eccentric style, Renault cars of the past have struggled to find a balance between good looks and reliability.

However, more recently the brand has improved the perceived quality of its cars and Renault now offers a package of build quality and low running costs across its range.

Renault’s cars range from small city cars, through family models, convertibles and large MPVs. It is particularly well known for its Clio supermini, which has been on sale in the UK in various iterations for 20 years and was the subject of the famous ‘Papa and Nicole’ advertising campaign.

Renault is also a leader in green technology. It currently offers a low-CO2 version of many of its range – identified by the eco2 badge – and has one of the most advanced electric car strategies with no less than four new electric vehicles due for launch by 2012.

Renault is one of the ‘big three’ French manufacturers along with Citroen and Peugeot and is owned by the Renault Group - which is part of the Renault–Nissan Alliance

The Renault-Nissan alliance forms one of the largest car groups in the world, and represents the first time a French manufacturer has formed ties with a Japanese car maker.

Renault itself has been building cars since 1897 and has a long and illustrious history in the world of motorsport, today, Renault competes in Formula One and its range of road cars are often offered in ‘hot’ racing-inspired editions such as the Renaultsport and Gordini models.

Read our new Renault reviews and Renault ratings

Renault’s small cars are regularly on the receiving end of ringing Renault reviews for their sharp handling, high quality and affordability with its Renaultsport models sticking out from the rest of the range.

The brand doesn’t just focus on performance however and also pushes its eco2 efficient technology and engines across its five major models, regularly pushing CO2 emissions below the sought-after 100g/km CO2 threshold.

Despite a strong footing in low emission technology, Renault reviews will increasingly focus on the manufacturer’s new ZE range which will replace six models that are to be axed after underperforming sales figures.

Renault’s EVs are likely to be much cheaper than its rivals, given its battery-lease contracts, something that ought to be reflected in Renault ratings given the attention that surrounds the price of EVs in the UK even after the £5,000 Plug-in car grant.

Renault reviews and Renault ratings aren’t traditionally strong, despite being part of the fourth-largest automotive group in the world, though new Renault reviews acknowledge a strong upturn in quality, the manufacturer’s ageing model line-up is criticised for a lack of flair, particularly on larger cars.

Despite lukewarm Renault reviews for larger models, the French manufacturer has maintained a strong reputation for its small, stylish cars that remain strong sellers in the UK.

Renault reviews will nod to the distinct styling of its cars which come with unique front-ends, complete with oversized, slanted headlamps and its diamond logo which is getting bigger with age.

Renault ratings are also boosted by the brand’s list price which makes its models extremely competitive.

If you’re interested in buying a new Renault, including its new electric Renault ZE models then read our new Renault reviews.

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