Le Chic...Renault “XV de France” Clio and Megane Editions

For the third year in a row, Renault will have “XV de France” editions of the Clio and Megane models in its lineup, marking the automaker’s involvement in rugby as a sponsor of the French national team. The difference is that this year, the “limited editions” have become full-fledged “versions”, fully integrated into the brand’s catalogue and available for purchase all year-round. The Megane is available in estate, hatch and coupe body styles, while the Clio can be ordered as a 3-door, 5-door and estate.

“The 2011 ‘XV de France’ versions are very different from the limited editions of previous years”, explains Megane product manager Raphaelle Jarry. “As well as being true to the rugby spirit, they introduce a new angle”.

Based on the Dynamique (Megane) and Dynamique TomTom (Clio) trim levels, the “XV de France” versions boast a unique Marron Glace paintjob (except the Clio estate), accompanied by special upholstery in the interior. Distinctive alloys are also on the menu, while the French Rugby Federation emblems applied to the front wings and inside the cabin represent the finishing touch.

The “XV de France” Clio’s standard equipment list includes navigation, 80W CD/MP3/Bluetooth sound system with speech recognition and streaming capabilities, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch wheels.

The “XV de France” Megane comes with satnav, plus front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable fold-back mirrors and bigger, 17-inch alloys.

Engine choices include two diesel (95/105HP) and two gasoline (100/110HP) units for the Clio and one gasoline (130HP) powerplant and four diesels (110/130/150HP) for the Megane.

A total of 15,500 “XV de France” vehicles will be built, including 5,500 Meganes and 10,000 Clios.

By Csaba Daradics

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Geneva Preshow: Renault's New Monaco GP Limited Editions

Apparently, last year's limited run Laguna Coupe Monaco GP special edition was a success as Renault has just announced three new models featuring the same styling recipe, including the Megane Coupe, Megane Coupe R.S. and the 2011MY Laguna Coupe. The new Monaco GP special editions will go on sale in Europe right after their world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

All three models share common styling treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white paint developed accentuated by Etoilé black body components including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badge work on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP treatment adds pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles), “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and “Monaco GP” protective mats.

The Megane Coupe Monaco GP model, which is available with a choice of five engines, including 110HP, 130HP and 160HP diesels, and 130HP and 180HP petrol units, also gets 17-inch gloss black rims, GT front and rear bumpers, fabric upholstery with special stitching, rear park assist and power-folding mirrors.

The 250HP Megane Coupe R.S. Monaco GP benefits from 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with special stitching, plus gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.

Finally, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP returns for 2011 and will be available with five engines, depending on the country (2.0 dCi with 150HP, 180HP and 175HP + Auto Box, and 2.0 Turbo with 205HP and 170HP +Auto Box). Aside from the exclusive pearlescent white body paint, buyers of the special edition will also be able to opt for a pearlescent black.

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New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet to Hit UK Showrooms in July

Renault has confirmed UK pricing and specification for the all-new Megane Coupé-Cabriolet, which completes the French automaker's C-segment range. The new the hardtop convertible models comes in a choice of two trim levels, Dynamique TomTom and GT, priced from £21,595.

Buyers of the four-seater drop-top model have a choice of six engine and transmission combinations. The range includes a 1.4-liter turbo petrol with 130HP, a 2.0-liter petrol with 140HP that's hooked up to a CVT, a 1.5-liter diesel with 110HP that's linked to a dual clutch transmission and a 1.9-liter diesel with 130HP.

The lineup tops out with two GT versions, one powered by a 2.0-liter turbo petrol with 180HP and the other by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 160HP.

All Megane CC models come equipped with comes with a an electric panoramic folding glass roof, 17-inch alloys, 4x15W radio CD with Bluetooth and AUX input, air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, fixed glass wind deflector, hands free keycard, speed limiter and fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation as standard.

The GT variants benefit from numerous upgrades including 18-inch alloys, bespoke sport front and rear bumpers, dark chrome surround for the windscreen frame and waistline, with matching door mirrors, door handles and front fog lights, as well as sport seats, aluminium-faced pedals, an analogue rev-counter and polished carbon interior trim.

Version	Engine	CO2 g/km	Combined MPG	Price OTR
Dynamique TomTom	1.4 TCe 130	169	38.7	£21,595
	2.0 CVT 140	184	35.3	£22,595
	1.5 dCi 110 EDC Auto FAP	130	56.5	£23,595
	1.9 dCi 130	149	48.7	£23,095
GT	2.0 TCe 180	188	34.9	£24,880
	2.0 dCi 160	175	42.2	£25,830