Renault steals the show in Geneva with seven world debuts

The Geneva Motor Show sees Renault take the wraps off the latest hatchback and estate versions of the best-selling supermini. Clio 2009's styling, comfort, versatility, safety credentials and equipment, which form a package worthy of that of models from the next segment up, are sure to appeal to a large, loyal customer-base worldwide. At the same time, its extremely rigorous build quality makes it one of the most reliable cars in its class.

In response to customer demand, Clio 2009 features renewed styling, a line-up of three performance versions and Carminat TomTom, the first fully-integrated GPS navigation system to market at a price of less than £500.

NEW CLIO RENAULSPORT 200
For several years, the Renaultsport-badged version of the brand's best-selling hatchback has been unanimously praised by enthusiasts as one of the best performance hatches of its segment, and definitely one of the most fun to drive.

Building on this success, Renault has chosen the 2009 Geneva Motor Show to reveal Clio Renaultsport 200. To match the demands of customers as closely as possible, Clio Renaultsport today comes in two distinct guises in the UK, with the introduction of the 200 and 200 Cup versions. Since 2000, the successive variants of Clio Renaultsport have led to it becoming the best-selling performance hatchback in its class, with worldwide sales of more than 70,000 cars. The strengths of Clio III Renaultsport's chassis, brakes and steering, combined with the precision of its gearbox have resulted in the model being widely acclaimed as the most efficient of its class, by the media and exacting owners alike.

RENAULT REVEALS FOUR NEW MEMBERS OF THE NEW MEGANE FAMILY
Renault has chosen Geneva to reveal four new models in the C segment, namely Grand Scénic, Scénic, Mégane Sport Tourer and Mégane Renaultsport 250.

The seven-seat New Grand Scénic will become the third member of the New Mégane family in the wake of the Hatch and Coupé versions, when it is released in the UK in May. Its introduction will be followed by the launches of New Scénic in July and New Mégane Sport Tourer in August, before New Mégane Renaultsport 250 appears in the autumn.

In less than a year, Renault will have renewed practically its entire compact car segment line-up. It will consequently boast Europe's youngest range, as well as the most extensive MPV line-up with no fewer than six models: Modus, Grand Modus, Renault Scénic, Grand Scénic, Espace and Grand Espace.

NEW RENAULT MEGANE SPORT TOURER: HIGHLY PRACTICAL AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE
The New Mégane family has been extended to include a new model which features its own distinct personality: New Mégane Sport Tourer. Its dynamic, elegant lines give it undeniable sporting appeal without detracting from its practical design and vast carrying capacity.

New Mégane Sport Tourer boasts a raft of high-tech equipment, too, including Carminat TomTom, a new integrated navigation system for a groundbreaking price of less than £500.

Compared with New Mégane Hatch, the extended wheelbase and longer rear overhang have freed up additional cabin space for occupans, as well as extra carrying capacity. New Mégane Sport Tourer comes with a wide choice of engines which combine performance with respect for the environment, including the new TCe 130 petrol unit.

NEW RENAULT SCENIC AND GRAND SCENIC: DYNAMIC MPVS WITH THE ACCENT ON TRAVELLING COMFORT
Following the launches of New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé, Renault will further extend its line-up this spring with the introduction of New Grand Scénic, followed by the later release of New Scénic.

Building on the success of Scénic I and Scénic II, and profiting from its unrivalled expertise in the fields of user-friendly interiors, cabin space and travelling comfort, Renault is poised to renew the compact MPV segment's standard-setting model with the launch of New Grand Scénic (seven seats) and New Scénic (five seats).

Both versions in the New Scénic range feature dynamic, distinctive styling, while their roomy interiors, comfort-related appointments, stowage solutions and high-tech equipment are destined to establish new benchmarks for their class.

NEW MEGANE RENAULTSPORT: 250HP POWER
As the latest in a long line of Renault performance cars, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 stands out through its exhilarating performance and handling. The fusion of its 250hp engine, unmistakable sporting coupé credentials and the choice of two chassis (sport and Cup, the latter with a limited slip differential) is clear evidence that the flagship for the New Mégane range has been honed to offer the ultimate driving experience.

Coming after Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 profits fully from Renault Sport Technologies' extensive experience when it comes to manufacturing exhilarating production cars.

RENAULT CARMINAT: A RECORD OF TRAILBLAZING INNOVATION
Ever since the creation of its Atlas research programme as far back as 1982, Renault has stood out as a pioneer in the development of affordable automobile navigation systems for more than 25 years. The first road tests of the Carminat system with Safrane date back to 1994, while the following year saw Renault become the first carmaker to market a fully-integrated navigation system. Since then, ongoing work on successive Carminat systems has been guided by a will to continue taking this feature of modern-day mobility forward with the accent on safety.

Today sees Renault break new ground with the introduction of an advanced navigation system for less than £500. Carminat TomTom combines the expertise of the pioneer of in-car navigation with that of the leading producer of removable navigation systems.

RENAULT AND THE ENVIRONMENT: TARGETING ZERO EMISSIONS
Renault's longstanding quest to curb CO2 emissions was again rewarded with a top-three ranking in the list of Europe's most efficient carmakers at the end of 2008.

Sixty per cent of the vehicles sold by the group (Renault and Dacia) in Europe in 2008 emitted less than 140g of CO2/km (compared with 48 per cent in 2007). Twenty per cent of the vehicles sold by the group (Renault and Dacia) in Europe in 2008 emitted less than 120g of CO2/km.

Meanwhile, Renault is actively pursuing its breakaway strategy when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions with the development of electric vehicles.

Z.E. Concept (Zero Emission Concept) showcases Renault's vision of what an electric vehicle should be, namely an efficient, easy-to-use zero-emission car. Based on the new Renault Kangoo be bop, the philosophy behind Z.E. Concept's design is that of an electric vehicle which reduces energy consumption to an absolute minimum, yet still features indispensable comfort-related equipment.

SAFETY INNOVATIONS AIMED AT REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS
Renault benefits from a unique pool of expertise when it comes to safety, and the brand continues to have a real edge over the majority of its rivals. With a strategy focusing on four different areas, namely accident prevention, corrective action, occupant protection and road safety awareness, Renault is constantly innovating to provide its customers with a range of solutions that offer a response to the realities of everyday motoring.

Renault's approach to safety is based on detailed analysis of real-life accidents with a view to delivering products that are adapted to the realities of motoring. The priority is accordingly given to the most effective technologies when it comes to preventing accident risks, taking corrective action in unexpected situations and protecting occupants should a collision occur.

When it comes to occupant protection, Renault has emerged over the years as the benchmark manufacturer, a status mirrored by the high scores its models have achieved in crash tests carried out by the independent body Euro NCAP. Renault is the only carmaker to claim a record of 11 five-star ratings.