Showing posts with label french. Show all posts
Showing posts with label french. Show all posts

Friday, March 22, 2024

My FH5 Log: Euro Trash

Would you look at that? The European Automotive update of Forza Horizon 5 is constantly littered with European junk cars out from the junkyard and into the ever-growing FH5 car roster. The cesspool of junk cars keeps on growing.


First up is the Lancia Fulvia from the Hot Season Playlist. Powered by a 1.3L V4 engine, it's the car that made Lancia win its first World Rally Championship. Not bad for a front-wheel-drive coupe that costs more than the Jaguar E-Type when it was new.


Next up is the Citroen DS 23 from the Storm Season Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes.


Fresh from the Dry Season Playlist is the Series 4 Lotus Esprit, the last V8-powered Lotus ever made and one of the last production cars with pop-up headlights.


The Hot Season Playlist featured a double bill of German garbage; the Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up and the Mercedes-Benz 500 E. The Doka is basically the pickup variant of the Volkswagen Type 2 minibus while the 500 E is the V8-powered variant of the W124 E-Class made from a Porsche factory.






Let's give the quintuplet of European garbage a good dirty driving just showcase just how good these rusty beaters from the Old Continent were. Roll the tapes.






These rusty beaters proved their point but as it turned out, they were nothing compared to the worst European toxic waste of the pack; the AMG Hammer Wagon from the European Automotive DLC Pack.


The AMG Hammer Wagon is a one-off W214 wagon built for a client from the USA. Started out in life as a diesel-powered W214 wagon until the original owner commissioned AMG to convert it into a super wagon, armed with a 6.0L V8 engine producing 375hp of power while mated to a 4-speed AT. It even comes with a locking differential to help the rear axle endure the punishment from the V8 engine, among others.

Want to see how the AMG Hammer Wagon roars? You're in luck because let's get the tape rolling.



The latest batch of toxic waste dump proves that the cesspool of rusty beaters never stops growing, giving Gen Z players uncontrollable anxiety, complaining about why the Forza producers keep dumping junk cars in such a wonderful racing game.

Are we seeing more junk cars in the next FH5 series update next week? Yes, there will be junk cars next week so brace yourselves for more rusty beaters ruining your FH5 experience.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Renault Espace VI

The previous fifth-generation Espace eschewed its large MPV form into a premium midsize crossover that is deemed controversial for loyalists but it still works like a people carrier. For this all-new, sixth-generation model, the antithesis of the Renault Espace is getting deeper, shaking away its MPV image further and becoming even more of a crossover.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

Starting at 44,500 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new, sixth-generation, Renault Espace is further shaking away its MPV image that became the hallmark of the Espace heritage for nearly four decades in favor of a crossover image because in the new normal, crossover SUVs are becoming as big as superheroes in movies and TV nowadays. Despite becoming more of a crossover, it still works like an MPV, meaning it's capable of tackling through almost all walks of life.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

Beginning with the exterior design, while this is basically an enlarged Austral, the all-new Espace is now as big as the now-defunct Koleos. Yes, the Koleos is now officially extinct and the Espace is taking over the spot that was left vacant by the Koleos' demise. With its Austral looks and Koleos sizing, the Espace looks like the best of both worlds or rather a rock and a hard place, metaphorically speaking.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace interior

While the new interior features typical Renault stuff like the bent-over touch-screen in the middle that runs on Google with over 50 embedded apps for your doom-scrolling pleasure as well as the Harman Kardon high-fidelity sound with 12 speakers and sound spatialization technology, the all-new Espace is offered in either a five-seater or a seven-seater. Depending on the variant, it can carry up to 1,818L of boot space with the second and third-row seats folded down, more than you can fit into the Koleos.

2024 Renault Espace
2024 Renault Espace

As expected, the sixth-generation Espace is front-wheel-drive only just like its predecessor, meaning it only fits through city streets and some dirt, but not too much dirt, and because it's now running on an entirely new platform and comes with the 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel steering, it drives better than its predecessor, I presume.

Under the hood, it's powered by the same 1.2L E-TECH Hybrid as the Arkana and the Austral. It produces 200PS of power output and mated with the 6-speed AT, the fuel economy is 4.6 L/100 km based on WLTP standards. This engine is engineered to have 1,100km of autonomy as Renault estimates.

For safety, the all-new Espace features a host of ADAS such as Active Driver Assist, level 2 autonomy, Automated Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, RCTA, and Occupant Safe Exit, among many others.

Shaking away its MPV image further is deemed unsatisfactory for Espace loyalists since its predecessor but the all-new sixth-generation Espace is still living up to its mantra by being capable of tackling through all walks of life like a decent people carrier. A proper competitor to the Mazda CX-8 if you ask.

With its Austral looks, Koleos sizing, E-TECH, and a host of safety tech, the Espace of the new normal is all about getting ready for almost everything and perhaps certain questions about the new model are better left unanswered.

Available Colors: Bleu Nocturne, Blanc Nacre, Rouge Flamme, Gris Schiste Satin, Gris Schiste, and Noir Etoile.

Photo: Renault

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

My FH5 Log: Rise of the #PrimeDay Beasts

You guessed it, it's Prime Day again. The once-a-year event is where the heavy beasts have gone uncaged and become bats out of hell for the most insane moments of their lives.

For the second time in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to celebrate Prime Day by letting these beasts roar and this year, it's going to get even more feral as the cars I used last year, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the Pagani Zonda R, are rejoined by the Renault Megane RS 250, the hot hatchback that I won back at the #FORDZATHON series update last January.




Ah yes, the beasts of Prime Day. They're the Jurassic menace I'm talking about because they are business and leisure without compromise. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, to the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these unstoppable missiles are the heavy beasts only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode.

From the moment the F-150 SVT Raptor battles against a HALO jumper, a Renaultsport Megane III battling against a Porsche Boxster, to the Zonda R going all-out, you can really hear these high-performance cannibals roaring to the sounds of prime. These heavy beasts really are badass. Yes!




Since we got the Horizon Badlands on schedule, it's time to give these heavy beasts the most insane races of their lives in select Horizon Raptors venues, just to showcase their technology, lightness, and brutal power, well, scratch the second part because only the Megane and the Zonda got that part.

From as far as Arizona and Rockingham, these heavy beasts come all the way to Mexico, determined to take on the Horizon Raptors. The challenge is on!




THIS...IS...PRIME DAY!!!

From the Zonda R's race-derived technology, and the Megane's lightness, to the F-150 SVT Raptor's brutal power, these unstoppable missiles made PRIME DAY the Jurassic menace you don't want to mess with. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive these heavy beasts mixing business and leisure without compromise.

See you next PRIME DAY. (Tiger Roar)

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Citroen C4 X

The first-ever Citroen C4 X can be considered the baby brother of the C5 X but unlike its big brother, it's an all-electric crossover saloon with almost little to show for it. So, what's it all about the C4 X?

2023 Citroen e-C4 X
2023 Citroen e-C4 X

Starting at 27,650 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever e-C4 X is cheaper to own than its big brother, but like all good cars, it's complicated to explain what's that car for as we will observe what's it all about from top to bottom.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X
2023 Citroen e-C4 X

To differentiate the C4 X from the normal C4 crossover hatchback, it's been given the impression of a coupe crossover, think BMW's X4 but with a pinch of ratatouille on it. It may look like a jacked-up saloon but in reality, it's all common sense. Of course, you can expect typical Citroen styling all over, especially the signature cross-face most models had. If you're feeling cross-eyed, then this is what this car looks like for you. Classic Citroen vibe.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X
2023 Citroen e-C4 X interior

Asking about the interior, the C4 X works and feels like a normal C4. meaning you can expect the available sat-nav with smartphone connectivity, a high-tech instrumental cluster, and seating for five people, just like in the normal C4. However, the boot space is greater than the normal C4 because it has up to 1360 liters of boot space for the e-C4 X variant with the rear seats folded down. With such space, you have room for extras on your next weekend trip in a quiet French landmark or possibly a nearby thrift shop if you're into that.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X
2023 Citroen e-C4 X

The choice of powertrains for the C4 X consists of a PureTech S&S petrol engine (with up to 130PS of power) mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed AT, a 130PS BlueHDi diesel engine, and for the e-C4 X, a 136PS electric motor capable of hitting a 0-100kph in less than ten seconds, 150kph of top speed, and up to 360km of driving range.

Although not exciting to drive as expected, the C4 X puts its emphasis on comfort, a classic Citroen tradition, and with that, it comes with a unique suspension setup with progressive hydraulic stops. Thanks to such suspension, driving on a rocky road feels like there's nothing underneath. You can really drive one on a rough road without leaving someone's drink getting spilled and that's how Citroen's signature suspension works.

In terms of safety, the C4 X comes with over 20 safety and driver assistance systems including Active Safety Brake, collision risk alert and Post Collision Safety Brake, Highway Driver Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, HUD, reversing camera with Top Rear Vision, and many others.

Although not a worthy favorite for speedo boys, the C4 X behaves pretty much like its big brother, the C5 X, and because it's got more to show for than the normal C4, it's a hard bargain worth checking out. Like it or not, this crossover saloon is out there to play smart, not hard.

Photo: Citroen

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

My FH5 Log: What killed the Renaultsport Clio?

The Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of the breed of Renault's compact midsized hot hatchbacks that compete against the likes of the defunct Ford Fiesta ST. It's a shame that its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales but it's a clear reminder that although they are forgotten, they're becoming future classics for generations to come.


Most carmakers say that due to the rise of crossovers, the climate of hot hatches are grim as they've expected because with fewer speedo boys buying hot hatchbacks like the Renaultsport Clio, they have no choice but not to carry on to the next generation of hatchbacks. Sure, they are offering mildly sporty variants of normal hatchbacks but when you're talking about performance, this word is no longer applied to their vocabulary anymore. Sounds tragic but there's more to it than that.



Asked about which version of the Renaultsport Clio is the best, some would say it's the facelifted Renaultsport Clio III because it's the last Renaultsport Clio to be a three-door hot hatch and the last to mated to a manual gearbox. Yes, the Renaulptsport Clio IV is a fast hatchback indeed on a track day but when it comes to excitement, it's the Renaultsport Clio III that stands out the most. 

With its 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, Brembo brake calipers, and upgraded suspension, it's all about back to basics with the Renaultsport Clio III. The Renaultsport Clio IV, meanwhile, is kind of unorthodox because of its questionable powertrain. It's powered by the same 1.6L DIG TURBO engine as the Nissan Juke but it produces 200PS of power, about the same as its predecessor, but it's been mated to a 6-speed EDC that shifts quicker than the previous model but in terms of driving experience, it rather spoils the fun. Despite the gearbox, the reworked chassis and dynamics made the Renaultsport Clio IV more capable to drive on a track-day basis.



Speaking of which, it's time to give these last runners of the Renaultsport Clio lineage a quick and dirty drive downhill from the caldera to see which one is the quickest. Before you ask, yes, I got that Renaultsport Clio III from the FORDZATHON Hot Season Playlist you're on now, so if you haven't got it, it's your last chance.

Anyway, with the preparations set, the search for the answer begins now.


With their runs completed, here are the results;

Clio III RS F/L - 4m13.020s

Clio IV RS - 4m12.402s

As expected, it's a close result between the two Clios. The Renaultsport Clio IV managed to beat its predecessor by nearly a second. That's incredible for a car with similar performance as its previous model even though they're way out of their leagues.


It's sad that the Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of its kind and because its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales, there's nothing to do but express dejection while getting appreciated for what they're driving right now. It may not be the best Clio ever made but it's going to be a future classic for generations to come.

One day the hot Clio will return but because Renaultsport is finished for good, it will become an Alpine. Sounds far-fetched but there may be a glimmer of hope for the revival of a hot Clio. Until then, enjoy what's left in the Renaultsport Clio lineage.

The more you know.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Peugeot 408 (F)

The first-ever Peugeot 408 is basically a poor man's BMW X4 because, like the X4, it's a coupe crossover that is deemed redundant for speedo boys everywhere, unless you're French and you don't care about the newest Peugeot on the block.

2023 Peugeot 408
2023 Peugeot 408

Starting at 35,730 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Peugeot 408 is basically the expensive equivalent of the Citroen C5 X despite the fact the 408 runs on the same nooks and crannies as the C5 X. Like it or not, this cheaper alternative to the BMW X4 is something worth checking.

Beginning with the design, the 408 is the second Peugeot to feature the company's new design language debuted on the third-generation 308, the hatchback that give birth to the new age of Peugeot. Although the front face has the impression of the sabertooth tiger trying to attack you from above, the coupe-like sidelines and the generic rear view showcase the business end of the 408.

2023 Peugeot 408
2023 Peugeot 408 interior

Inside, the 408 features a similar Peugeot i-Cockpit layout as the other models, meaning you can still expect the steering wheel positioned below the dashboard, the 10-inch touch screen that controls almost the entire car, a volume knob and switches, and other futuristic stuff you can find on the 408's dashboard. On the passenger's side, its five-seater layout makes it ideal for whatever life throws at you, and with up to 1545 liters of boot space, it's sadly less spacious than its French counterparts such as the Citroen C5 X and the Renault Arkana.

2023 Peugeot 408
2023 Peugeot 408

Because it runs on the same nooks and crannies as the C5 X, the Peugeot 408 features a choice of PureTech petrol and Hybrid powertrains mated exclusively with an 8-speed AT. The latter is basically a PHEV where the 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is connected to an electric motor and a Li-ion battery, generating up to 225PS of power and 360Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds and has a 233kph top speed. Fuel economy is around 1.2L/100km and has up to 63km of electric driving range; the equivalent of five 12km eggs and a 2km egg you're trying to hatch in your Go game while on the move.

In a typical French driving landscape, despite being a coupe utility vehicle, the Peugeot 408 is front-wheel-drive only but who cares about it. It drives like a Peugeot in every way and although not intended to take things roughly, it's about as civilized as going for a nice stroll at the BGC on weekends.

Speaking of civilized, the 408 features a wide array of driving aids such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic emergency braking, active lane departure warning and prevention, driver attention alert, road sign recognition, a night vision system, long-range blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, and automatic high beam. Coupled with Drive Assist 2.0 which adds Level 2 autonomy, the 408 is a shocker for speedo boys behind the wheel.

Although less spacious and more expensive than its French friends, the first-ever Peugeot 408 delivered quite an impression not bad for a coupe crossover that is cheaper to own than the BMW X4. Speaking of which, if anyone's asking what's a Peugeot 408, this is the one, not the other one that doesn't speak French. Thank you.

Photo: Peugeot

Friday, January 20, 2023

My FH5 Log: The ultimate Clio that never was

Obtained from the FH5's FORZATHON Dry Season Playlist, the one-off Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept pays a visit to the Horizon Mexico Festival, showcasing to the crowd the performance never applied to the last Renaultsport Clio.


Built to celebrate four decades of RenaultSport, this commemorative one-off based on the Clio IV RS is powered by the same 275hp 2.0L turbo engine from the Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy-R as well as reworked chassis and suspension systems made with racing purposes in mind. The livery and the name were inspired by one of Renault's Formula 1 racing drivers, marking Renault's return as a Formula 1 constructor, and to celebrate its comeback, they've enlisted Kevin Magnussen to drive it around the streets of Monaco.

This one-off project was made by a team of ten or so people and it took less than five months to get it done so everything is working by the moment it lets its turbocharged engine loose and what a machine it is.


With the introduction done, it's time to give the forgotten Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept a Hillclimb attack while dealing with some dummies to play with. Roll the tape.



For a Clio with the mechanicals of the Renaultsport Megane, it's got the gusto that never was. Too bad Renaultsport is gone and the dream of a powerful Clio is no longer happening. Boo.

Enjoy your new ride!

Friday, January 13, 2023

My FH5 Log: Meganee-san's last song

The Renaultsport Megane is the last of the breed as the Renaultsport brand was officially extinct and replaced by Alpine. Needless to say, the last Renaultsport machine will forever be known as the ultimate front-wheel-drive hot hatch that can humiliate even the fattest cats in the ring.


As Meganee-san hits her last song, it's time for a deep dive through the Renaultsport Megane's evolution chain, from where it all began to where it all ends.


The first chapter of the Renaultsport Megane saga is actually based on the second-generation Megane but this here is the R26.R, the most potent version of the said car. With no rear seats and extensive use of lightweight materials, the R26.R weighs 2,712 lbs while its 2.0L petrol engine produces a modest 227hp. Power is not the issue for the R26.R because when it was launched, it had set a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of 8 minutes and 17 seconds, the fastest for a front-wheel-drive vehicle at that time.


The Renaultsport Megane III that I won from the FH5 FORDZATHON Wet Season playlist is an evolution of Renaultsport's super hot hatch made to humiliate the big ones. This version is the last time the Megane goes three-door because its successor, the last of its kind, is a five-door super hot hatch, but rest assured that it's going to be a future classic for many years to come. Launched in 2009, the Renaultsport Megane III has a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 250PS of power while mated to a 6-speed manual, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 245kph. Because of the know-how from the Renault F1 team and the Renault Megane Trophy Race Car, it has improved dynamics compared to the previous model.


And now, the one that would be known as the final page of Renaultsport's history, the final Renaultsport Megane.

Based on the fourth-generation Megane, the all-new Renaultsport Megane is boasted to be the most powerful Renaultsport ever made courtesy of its 1.8L turbo engine that produces 280PS of power and 390Nm of torque, which is 5PS more than the previous Megane R.S. 275. Mated to a rather controversial 6-speed EDC similar to the one used on the Renaultsport Clio IV, it propels the Megane R.S. to a 0-100kph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 255kph. Although quick, enthusiasts will go for the manual variant of the Renaultsport Megane, where its fun-to-drive charm matters to its track-honed hot hatch.

Learning their lessons from the previous models, the Renaultsport Megane features a reworked chassis that takes advantage of its efficiency, agility, stability, and comfort as well as its 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system and four bump stop shock absorbers.

The Renaultsport Megane offers different variants to choose from such as the Sport, the more traditionalist Cup which is stiffer than the first one and comes with an LSD, the sharper and more powerful Trophy, and the record-breaking Trophy R, which blitzed the Nurburgring front-wheel drive record at 7:40.1, faster than the Honda Civic Type R FK8.




As the world bids farewell not just to the Renaultsport Megane but also to the entire Renaultsport as its transitioning itself to the Alpine brand, it's time to give these three Meganes an uphill drive to the top to find out which one is the best.

You may remember back in our Horizon UK adventure, the Renaultsport Megane IV is the quickest of the three around a rural village. What about on the Mexican Hillclimb to the top of the caldera? Let's find out and oh, THIS IS THE LAST SONG FOR MEGANEE-SAN!


As the three Meganee-sans climbed to the top with their last drops of fuel, here are the results;

Megane R26.R - 3m32.980s

Megane III RS - 3m38.302s

Megane IV RS - 3m35.032s

Although the results are shocking indeed, it looks like the Renaultsport Megane II R26.R is the best Megane of all.


Meganee-san is pleased by this shocking result.

It seems that in the age of the new normal, cars like the Renaultsport Megane have been consigned to the history books and that made me as sad as witnessing the end of the Pretty Series, meaning this is really the last time we say hi to the Prism Stone Meganee-san for real. Dejection I felt, it's been an honor to shake hands with Meganee-san, one last time. 

It's the same goes for the Renaultsport Megane. Although the super hot hatch has met its bitter demise, speedo boys have fond memories with it not only because it's the front-wheel-drive hatchback that toppled the Nurburgring like a boss, but because it's the hatchback that made us remember the Renaultsport marque.

Although sad to see the Renaultsport Megane reached the true end, I have last words for this wonder;


Merci beaucoup, Meganee-san. Au revoir.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Renault Austral

The Renault Austral is the much-needed replacement for the Kadjar which promises to be more premium, more practical, and more enjoyable to drive than the one it replaces. So, let's take a deep dive into Renault's newest midsize crossover, which is basically a French X-Trail for numerous reasons.

2023 Renault Austral
2023 Renault Austral

2023 Renault Austral
2023 Renault Austral


Priced at 33,400 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Renault Austral is basically the French equivalent of the Nissan X-Trail, just like the old Kadjar it replaces. Despite the Japanese connection underneath, courtesy of the alliance, the Austral is as French as the France Rugby team who aren't afraid to get themselves dirty. Dirty aside, the Austral has a clean slate due to its electrification implemented, making it capable of the new normal.

Starting with the exterior, there's nothing show-off about the Austral's exterior, apart from the first-ever Esprit Alpine variant (which is the new name of sporty variants that used to be called RS Line) with sporty detailing. With modern design DNA flowing through its rugged looks, the Austral is quintessentially Renault from top to bottom without the drama.

2023 Renault Austral
2023 Renault Austral interior

Come to the interior, the Austral showcases its French side because of its bent-over touch-screen in the middle reminiscent of the aged iPad that you've accidentally bent but still functional. Sounds unorthodox but the real shocker is that the bent touch screen in the middle runs on Google, meaning it's a bent Android tablet with plenty of features to play with such as Google Maps, Amazon Music, and Waze, among many others. Apart from the bent touch-screen panel, the Austral features Harman Kardon high-fidelity sound with 12 speakers and sound spatialization technology for a much clearer listening experience for various reasons.

Asking about space, the Austral is a five-seater crossover just like the Kadjar and because it's bigger than the Kadjar it replaces, it's surprisingly roomier as well. Even the boot space saw some bump into it with up to 1525 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. With this much space, the Austral is a free-for-all crossover fit for various situations.

2023 Renault Austral
2023 Renault Austral

Despite being an SUV, the Austral is front-wheel-drive only, meaning it's only capable of driving through city streets and some dirt, but not too much dirt, and because it's now running on an entirely new platform, the Austral drives slightly better than the Kadjar it replaces.

Coupled with the MULTI-SENSE and the 4CONTROL Advanced four-wheel steering, the Austral behaves like a midsize sedan for various reasons. There's an optional Extended Grip Pack which adds two new modes into the MULTI-SENSE such as "Snow" and "All roads", meaning this crossover is ready for weekends with Hannibal. It's a French thing to do for a crossover like this.

Because of the new platform's electrification goals, the Austral features a 1.2L turbo mild hybrid petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed MT or a CVT, and the Arkana-derived, 200PS, 1.2L E-TECH Hybrid mated to a 7-speed AT capable of a combined 4.6L/100 km of fuel economy. Mind you, this E-TECH Hybrid powertrain may be slightly less powerful than the Nissan X-TRAIL e-4ORCE but its fuel efficiency is worth winning for the French.

Because this is a crossover built for the new normal, the Renault Austral features a total of 32 ADAS that can be grouped together into three categories; driving, parking, and safety. These include Active Driver Assist, level 2 autonomy, Automated Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, RCTA, and Occupant Safe Exit, among many others.

So, the first-ever Renault Austral. What can I say? Although it's front-wheel-drive only, it's surprisingly the evolved version of the Kadjar that is proven to be worth driving than the Nissan X-TRAIL it was based on, despite being two seats less. Looks like the French are on the roll with this newest Renault crossover built for the new normal.

Photo: Renault