The dead wood is being chopped out of Renault’s range, and it’s making way for exciting new models, led by this version of the Nissan Juke. As our exclusive images show, the car is inspired by the Captur concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. It’s come about thanks to Renault’s alliance with Nissan.
Following last year’s axing of the slow-selling Koleos crossover – only 3,000 models found homes in the UK – and the paring down of its current range, Renault is looking to appeal to a new set of customers, just as Nissan has done with the Juke.
These illustrations give the best idea yet of how the new model will look, ahead of its debut early next year. As you can see, it’s an attractive car, with all the chunky cues you’d expect of a crossover, mixed with the Captur’s curvy shape. At the front, Renault’s latest wide grille has the familiar diamond badge at its centre.
Like the Juke, the new model will be available with four-wheel drive in flagship form, but the vast majority of cars sold will be front-wheel drive. Expect the new SUV to share its engines with the Juke, too, including the top-of-the-range 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel.
The Juke-sized car is just one of three Renault SUVs on the way. The company is planning a new mid-sized model, based on the next-generation Nissan Qashqai, and an even larger car based on the upcoming Nissan X-Trail replacement. The latter was previewed at the recent Geneva Motor Show by the Hi-Cross concept.
Renault isn’t the only maker keen to expand its SUV line-up. Peugeot has prioritised a 208-based SUV, to be named 2008, over development of the hot GTI and CC cabrio versions of the car. Audi is also set to build on the success of the Q3 by launching its smallest crossover ever: an A1-based model called the Q1.
Plus, Mercedes has confirmed an A-Class-based 4x4, while Land Rover and Lexus have hinted at forthcoming smaller SUVs.
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Hmm, hope it's styling is more successful than the Juke's
The worst thing Nissan did was pair up with Renault!
....oh, there's a good idea, let's make it out of plastic!
...than its 'Beach Buggy on steroids with a roof on it" sibling.
Which ain't saying a lot.
Come back Laguna, all is forgiven
NISSANS LEFT OVERS HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN RENAULT WILL BE BANKCUPT MOST OTHER MAKERS WILL FOLLOW SUIT & WE'LL ALL BE DRIVING THE SAME CAR JUST WITH A DIFFERENT BADGE ON IT PART OV THE VAG GROUP HOW SAD VAG & TESCO TAKE OVER THE WORLD............HMMMM..............
BLOODY CROSSOVERS I'VE HAD ENOUGH OV THEM ALLREADY, WAKE UP CAR MAKERS PEOPLE HAVE'NT GOT THE MONEY TO KEEP UPDATING THERE CARS & SURELY DON'T WANT A FAMILY HATCH JACKED UP WITH A HEAVY 4X4 SYSTEM TO HINNDER THE FUEL ECONOMY AT THESE PETROL PRICES IF YOU WANT TO SELL CARS GET THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE FUEL DUTY THEN YOU MAY SEE A INCREASE IN SALES !
i think the question should be is it a rebadged nissan?
or is it a more uptodate dacia seeing as they just come from renault budget box left overs just a little fresh styling and your there new car with limited production cost.
For your your information skyliner38, Renault actually saved Nissan when they took them over.
Nissan at that time was already bankrupt.
And to all English Renault knockers, Renault - Nissan are still a BIG car company who's products are often in the forefront of engineering and styling, e.g. Espace, 1 st. generation Twingo, Twizy.
The late British Leyland could never boast that.
Britain has lost its entire car industry due to products of an atrocious build quality, unattractive models, poor reliability and a desparate spares situation abroad.
The only remaining British car brands are now owned by foreign car companies like BMW, VAG and by a company of a former British colony, yes Tata who own Jaguar and Rang Rover.
So a little moderation in your comments on Continental brands like Renault, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo for example would be more fitting.