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.

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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

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Fileteado Renault Art Car by Alfredo Genovese

This 1981 Renault Hatchback Art Car was painted by artist Alfredo Genovese in Fileteado art work and submitted by Martin. It was on sale for about $6,000 back in 2007 from Argentina, but I don't know now who owns it.via
Here is also a video by the same artis working on a Fiat 600.