Renault widens diesel offensive

Renault will widen its diesel offensive on the Australian market.

The latecomer among French marques to the local oiler orgy, Renault announced last month (see here) that it would fast track the Laguna II's entry into the local market by launching a 2.2-litre turbodiesel variant. Now it has confirmed it will also offer both Megane II and Scenic II models with diesel powerplants.

The new 'Phase II' Laguna is equipped with Renault's 2.2dCi 16-valve direct injection common-rail turbodiesel which first appeared in the Euro-only Espace. The 2.2dCi engine is rated at 104kW at 4000rpm, with maximum torque of 320Nm at 2000rpm, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Just one spec will be offered -- "with a high level of standard specification" says the maker. Pricing kicks off at $46,990.

"The opportunity emerged to combine the relaunch of the Laguna and the debut of our first diesel passenger car offering [in Australia] so we jumped at it. We're pleased that we can debut the car so quickly," Renault spokesperson Lenore Fletcher told CarPoint at the Paris motor show. The car will go on sale next month.

While detailed plans for the diesel Megane and Scenic models have not been announced, it looks certain the vehicles will feature the company's 1.9dCi turbodiesel engine.

Rated at 96kW and up to 300Nm of torque, the 1.9-litre four is matched to both six-speed manual and four-speed auto gearboxes in European markets. It is anticipated consumers will have the choice of transmissions Down Under also.

Pricing details are expected to be released at the Laguna II's local launch on November 10.