The Renault Espace MPV is entering the 2011 model year with some subtle updates including the addition of LED daytime running lights and new equipment, as well as a Euro 5 compliant engine range. In the UK, it will be available to order from November 8 and in showrooms from January 2011, priced from £24,495 to £28,495. The cost to upgrade from the Espace to the long-wheelbase Grand Espace is £1,500.

Along with the LEDs, the 2011 Espace models benefit from the introduction of a new Pearl Blue color and freshly designed 17-inch Eptius and Novadis alloy wheels, while Renault also updated the MPV’s interior with new trims and upholstery options, plus the addition of a new Carminat TomTom Live real-time satellite navigation system.

The full size MPV is available with two updated 2.0-liter dCi turbo diesels producing 150HP and 175HP, the latter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The combined cycle CO2 emissions of the base dCi 150 engine has been reduced by 18g/km, from 188g/km to 170g/km, while versions with automatic transmission also get emissions savings, claiming 189g/km of CO2.

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 Having already confirmed the production versions of the Twizy and Zoe Z.E. electric concept cars, Renault today announced that the third member of its new family of EVs, the all-electric Fluence sedan, which was also presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September, will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. The French automaker said that it plans to launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.

Evidently, the electric saloon will be based on the recently launched Fluence sedan, but it is unclear if Renault will spice up the looks of the car in the same way it did with the Frankfurt Show concept model.

Renault said that owners of the electric Fluence will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge and a ‘QuickDrop’ battery exchange that allows that removal and replacement of the batteries in a mere three minutes.

We don’t have any details on the vehicle’s specs yet, but it is safe to assume that the production model will be powered by the same 95HP electric motor found in the concept car.

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We just received these new photos of the Megane RenaultSport (RS) 250 finished in gunmetal grey and white in our e-mail. We could have probably performed the color change on the initial pictures of the Megane RS 250 in canary yellow with a little help from photoshop, but why get into all that trouble. There’s nothing new to add about Renault’s Golf GTI adversary that is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-pot delivering a promising 250HP other than that we really dig its dramatic -for a hot hatch, that is- looks.

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Along with the rest of the Clio range, Renault also launched the revised the RS (Renaultsport) model in Geneva. Highlights include a more powerful 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that now delivers 200-horsepower, chassis modifications and of course, the cosmetic upgrades.

Like the rest of the range, the hot Clio gets a new fascia featuring Renaultsport’s new styling identity cues such as the blacked out centre section of the front bumper, front splitter, and a subtly restyled rear end with new tail lights and a different rear diffuser.

The Clio Renaultsport 200 is powered by an upgraded version of the outgoing model’s normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine. Peak power has been increased by 3hp to 200HP at 7,100rpm and now produces its maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm (compared with 5,500rpm for Clio Renaultsport 197). The first, second and third gear ratios have all been shortened for punchier acceleration. The new Clio Renaultsport 200 accelerates from standstill to 100km/h or 62 mph in 6.9 seconds while top speed increases by 2mph to 141mph (227km/h).

Another benefit of powertrain upgrades is the fact that its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been slightly reduced to 34.5mpg UK in the combined cycle and 195g/km.

Renaultsport engineers also widened the front and rear tracks by 48mm and 50mm respectively while the wheelbase is extended by 10mm to 2,585mm for greater stability. Furthermore, the rear suspension features a stiffened programmed deflection torsion beam.

The new Clio Renaultsport is available in two guises, the basic 200 and the more hardcore 200 Cup which has a stiffer chassis and is 36kg lighter than the standard version.

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