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Distinctive and leisure-tailored

Mabuyane Kekana

Mabuyane Kekana

The first step to rectifying any mistake is to acknowledge that there is a problem.

Renault South Africa has taken a giant step by acknowledging their mistakes and are determined to correct them.

The manufacturer's MD, Xavier Gobille, said at the launch of their three models that 2007 was a difficult year but also a transitional one.

According to Gobille, the company was facing a quality perception.

"We've been facing product quality perceptions, but we are working on it," he said.

He said his company aimed become a major player in the South African motor industry. The company also wanted strong, profitable and sustainable growth.

Renault SA also intends to launch 10 new models in the next three years.

In the meantime, the French car maker launched three models in Durban last week - the new Megane GT, Megane Coupe Cabriolet and the Scenic Navigator.

The Navigator, which sits at the top end of the Scenic range, was expected to strengthen Renault's role in the MPV segment.

Although the Navigator is distinctively different, yet still instantly recognisable as a member of the Scenic range, the bold styling clearly expresses its extended capabilities.

The Scenic Navigator's styling is substantially different, compared to normal Renault Scenic models. The most obvious distinguishing feature is the extended ground clearance of about 20mm, which has been achieved through raising the vehicle's suspension.

The new Navigator comes with longitudinal roof bars, ideally suited to transporting outdoor leisure equipment.

It also comes standard with 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels which add a touch of class and, at the rear, the black graphite bumper incorporates a second, satin chrome-coloured skid plate.

Inside the Scenic Navigator, the orange hues dominating the cabin express the significant differences between the go-anywhere Renault and the other models in the Scenic line-up.

The centrally-mounted, digital instrument display is carried over from the other Scenic models, but the anodised dark grey centre console is decorated with orange contour-line graphics.

The seat belts are also blood-orange and the upholstery, gear-lever gaiter and steering wheel incorporate stitching in the same rich hue. The carpets are protected by rubber mats featuring a Navigator logo.

The Scenic Navigator is powered by a 2,0-litre, 16-valve petrol engine. It delivers a maximum output of 98kW at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 191 Nm achieved at 3750 rpm.

Linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the powerplant drives through its front wheels.

The navigator is priced at R238000.

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