French Flavour
France is, perhaps, best known for the Tour de France, fine wines, cheeses, romance and nice comfortable, stylish cars. Did you know that French cars are hugely popular in Europe and are a major player in France’s economy? Producing around 1 million vehicles each year, France’s car manufacturing businesses employ over 75,000 people. The French know how to make cars with a unique and distinctive style. Many design awards have been given to both Peugeot and Citroen cars.
Citroen has a number of very classy vehicles. Providing both passenger vehicles and vans, Citroen has a model for most market segments. Kicking it all off is the Citroen DS3, a performance hatch with hot looks and a great engine. Featuring direct petrol injection and a turbocharger, the e-THP 160 motor develops a maximum power of 121 kW at 6000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1400-and-4000 rpm. This is a similar size to a new Mini, providing loads of style inside and out, while being quite cheap to run and enjoyable to drive via a slick six-speed gearbox.
Citroen C4 models are elegant (although calling the C4 Cactus elegant would be doubtful) and cover the mid-size hatch, people mover and cross over vehicle segments. These are roomy, comfortable vehicles that are extremely efficient and provide both diesel and petrol versions. The Grand C4 Picasso is one of the best people movers in the medium people moving segment. Very luxurious, stylish and safe, it’s a great way to travel in small groups.
Citroen C5 models are the large hatchback models that have standout exterior and interior design. Always good to look at, comfortable to drive and very well equipped, the Citroen C5 and C5 Tourer (station wagon version) are a dream to drive – particularly over the long haul.
Peugeot cars are probably the better known French car down under. Like Citroen, Peugeot cars are highly successful with their entries in the WRC championship, and with repeated victories at Dakar, Pikes Peak and Le Mans, Peugeot cars are engineered for high performance. Offered in the new line-up of Peugeot cars on sale in Australia are some very quick and agile cars that come in the form of the 208 GTi, and 308 GTi. The 200 kW power output for the 308 GTi comes from a high-pressure 1.6-litre turbo engine that delivers 330 Nm of torque. Limited slip-differential and adjustable suspension settings make for a very accurate and fast car over any road.
There are some other striking new Peugeot cars on sale in Australia and these include the: other versions of the smallest new Peugeot 208 and the slightly larger Peugeot 308. SUV options are available in the form of the Peugeot 2008 and 4008. Big touring prowess comes from the very nice looking, roomy Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 508 Touring models. These cars are refined at high speed and very comfortable and modern inside the cabin.
Very close to arriving in Australia is the big SUV known as the Peugeot 5008 with a panoramic sunroof, loads of luxury and technology, and good handling. Private Fleet love selling cars and we’ve had a long affinity with selling Peugeot cars to new car buyers.
New Renault cars are very safe and comfortable cars to drive. You can buy a new Megane Hatch for a competitive price and enjoy the car’s responsive and efficient engines, comfortable seats and five-star safety.
Check out the new Renault Koleos design and be impressed with the upmarket design, large interior (especially in the rear seats) and strong engine and dynamics. Both 4×2 and 4×4 versions are available for the new SUV, and it will handle Australia roads very well.
On the lookout for a nice small car to run around in, then the Renault Clio is a zippy, comfortable drive.
Master, Trafic and Kangoo are names given to a fine range of Renault vans built for work. The Renault Master is one of the best drives on the market with a huge load carrying capacity and modern array of technological features.
Renault Megane R.S models are the best hot hatches around. These are very quick cars in a straight line and around corners making them hugely entertaining cars to drive. Engine output is around 200 kW and 360 Nm of torque.
Keep your eyes and hears on alert for the new range Renault Z.E electric vehicles. The small Renault Zoe is the top selling electric model, and global sales of the electric city car achieved 50,000 units in June 2016. The Renault Fluence Z.E is a nice, sporty looking electric vehicle that might prove appealing to the driving enthusiast.
Renault’s involvement with Nissan is a good thing and the combined efforts has benefited both parties very well. Most new Renaults come with a comprehensive 5 year/unlimited km warranty on new vehicles.
The French love the better things in life, and maybe a French drive might add something more to your daily drive…