As might be expected, there are Renault models and variants on the market in Europe that we never see in Australia. A recent trip to the UK, France and Germany highlighted this for me. However, my overall impression was that apart from the exotic Twizzy and the all-electric Zoe, some of the offerings were losing some of the traditional French uniqueness and flair. The new Espace –the big Renault—looked too much like a big Jeep while the latest Scenic appeared to have lost most of its quirky features, especially the 17-odd storage pockets. Even the Zoe, though neat, looked like a Cleo with batteries.
Apart from the Twizzy, the highlight was the L’Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysees in central Paris. This shop featured current Renault models, historic details on the company, an excellent gifts and souvenirs area and an upstairs café. Similar shops presented by Toyota, Mercedes, BMW, Peugeot and Citroen were more glitz and less information with the Citroen display was dominated some stunning architecture. Very much worth a visit! Three models selected from L’Atelier Renault show a Twizzy, a micro, radio-controlled Renault Sport R.S. 01, and the grand Renault RM2 Reinastella from 1932.
From another interesting perspective –though I admit that perhaps I am biased— I felt that I saw fewer Peugeots anywhere in Europe, even compared with Australia, and that there was nothing of note amongst them that caught his eye.
