Clio's Oz range to expand

Renault Australia has told motoring.com.au that Australia can expect to see a far greater range of Clio models Down Under when the new model lands here in 2013.

Speaking at the launch of the all-new Megane dCi hatch, Renault Australia MD, Justin Hocevar, said the move is part of the group’s plan to be more competitive locally.

“I’m disappointed we don’t have it now; that said it’s getting on in its design life,” said Hocevar, referencing a broader Clio line up. “[However] I have seen the new one, and can tell you it’s worth waiting for.

“We’re working on having a much wider model mix when the new [Clio] model arrives. It’ll be revealed at next year’s Paris motor show, and as we’re trying to reduce the time it takes to get new models [to Australia] from Europe to six months, that should see it arrive in Australia by 2013.”

More variants in the Clio range can only help Renault sales in the local market, but the importer isn't leaving it at that. Renault’s model mix is set to expand -- as indeed is its dealer network -- so the company estimates it could achieve 25 per cent growth by the end of 2012-13 financial year.

Before the end of this year, a revised Koleos and all-new Master will arrive with Renault’s all-electric Fluence ZE also slated to appear in local showrooms by Q1 next year (2012). The Koleos has been a steady seller for Renault and a new Master, marketed properly, should achieve reasonable numbers also, but the Fluence ZE is real dark horse. If pricing is right and Renault can get the message out to the public, the EV could be a minor-league hit in this market.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site