Galway Advertiser 2002/2002_10_31/GA_31102002_E1_064.pdf 

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MOTORING
He who dares - wins. If that were true, then Renault could start chalking up the profits after the introduction of its new executive model, the Vel Satis. Many volume car manufacturers like Renault have failed to have successful competitors in the executive car segment so that is a major hill to climb. Renault decided on a radical design combined with a good mix of comfort and technology being available to drivers and passengers alike. That's fine, but the starting line is crowded with established badges from this segment- Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Saab, Volvo and others. Most successful executive marques are based, or have their masters, in Germany, and in the eyes of Renault, they mostly display a lack of individuality. That can't be said of the new Vel Satis - it is daring, distinctive and elegant. Of course with anything that is different, there is the love it or hate it factor. However history has shown that executive car owners are likely to admire Vel Satis, but they wouldn't abandon their love affair with their current badge in favour of what they would pass off as "Gallic charm". For that and no other reason Vel Satis will not be sold in large numbers. It is a big car inside and out. The seats are huge, reminiscent of those in die great comfort wagon from times past, the Renault 16. A more up-todate comparison would be those seats in first class on an intercontinental airline. If you like cruising, Vel Satis is a beauty. It is comfortable to die extent that all of your body is relaxed. Even before you sit in die Vel Satis, it looks inviting and so comfortable. The driving position gives a super view and your eyes will love die clutter-free dash. The 2.0-litre petrol turbo version is refined with comfort and surprisingly good performance. However, Vel Satis has not been designed to make you feel like Colin McRae through comers. It handles too sedately for that. In addition to petrol engines, there is also a 2.2-litre (130bhp) common rail diesel engine option. This unit is already available in the new Laguna. With an entry price pitched at 42,000, an excellent specification package, it has to be worth a test drive if you are willing to be impressed. If not, keep doing what you've always done and be happy at it. With the Vel Satis, Renault has certainly dared, but winning is a different matter.

SUPPLEMENT

Renault dares to be different

Mftgane II: Character. Measure. Peace of Mind.

Renault is now introducing the new Megane II 5 dr hatchback and the 3 dr Sports Coupe into the Irish Market from 1st November 2002. With the arrival of Megane II, Renault adds a new string to its bow: the individual hatchback. It can be summed up in three words: compact, expressive, dynamic. Megane H's distinctive design gives it plenty of character. Megane II is a pleasure to drive, as its styling suggests. Designed to offer optimum safety for all in each seat, Megane II is set to match the best-inclass safety ratings of its predecessor. Megane II also offers innovative comfort features and an intelligent approach to travelling pleasure, which Renault has already introduced, on higher-segment models. SAFETY Megane II will set the standard in its class for safety Megane II offers a host of features designed to give maximum protection to all occupants equally. The New Megane II Sports Coupe achieves a world first

by incorporating Renault's latest safety advance, an ami-submarining airbag for the front seats that prevents the occupant sliding under the seatbelt. The Megane II Hatchback will have up to 6 airbags and 8 in die Sports Coupe which are combined with adaptive seatbelts fitted with double pretenisoneis and load limiters for front and outer rear seats. Each Megane will be fitted with ABS brakes and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Emergency Brake Assist to ensure that each vehicle has die optimum braking ability. TRAVELLING PLEASURE Megane II combines Renault know how in the area of comfort with an intelligent approach to travelling pleasure. Layout offers many advantages, in terms of both comfort and novel design. A panoramic sunroof and air conditioning make die cabin feel a real home away from home. Megane II will also feature the Renault Card first

introduced on the laguna, another innovative feature is the aviation style handbrake, which allows for additional room in the cabin. With the availability of Radio/CD player with remote fingertip control as standard and features like intelligent wipers, electrochromic interior minor and intelligent double optic headlights the Megane level of specification is not innovative but class leading. With a choice of three different levels of specification, Authentique, Sport and Dynamique the Megane II now provides an excellent balance between comfort. STYLE AND VALUE. Latest generation power trains The Megane II petrol engine range at launch comprises two units: 98 bhp I.4l6v and US bhp 1.6 I6v VVT .The latter engine is equipped with 16 valves and variable inlet valve timing (VVT) for the benefit of ease of driving and a reduction in fuel

consumption. The Megane II diesel range at the time of launch will consist of the 1.5 dCi 80 engine, a common-rail turbo diesel unit featuring the latest technological developments The Megane II range is competively priced at 19,000 & 19,500 (excluding delivery charges) respectively for the 5 dr Hatchback Authentique and 3 dr Sports Coupe Authentique. Opaque and pearlescent metallics are available at 300 We at Galway Renault are very excited about the Megane II and our salesteam are fully prepared for 2003 orders. There are a wide variety of ways in which the purchase of a new can be financed. Renault Finance offers all of them, so whether you're a fleet buyer of a private buyer, Renault Finance is ideally placed at Galway Renault to tell you which plan of combination of plans best suits your needs and circumstances.

GALWAY RENAULT
TUA1V1 R O A D , GALWAY Tel: ( 0 9 1 ) 7 3 2 3 0 0 www.galwayrenault.com Fax: ( 0 9 1 ) 732322