Renault confirms 2023 plans headlined by Captur and Oroch

With the unveiling of the Trafic van last month having been its last new model launch for the year, Renault has switched its attention to 2023 by confirming what the local market could expect next year.

Captur finally coming

A model delayed numerous times thanks to a combination of the global semi-conductor shortage, the pandemic and emphasis on other models, the second generation Captur, which debuted internationally three years ago, will finally become available in the first quarter of next year.

Initially planned for premiering in South Africa in 2020, before being pushed back to 2021 and then to this year, the Captur rides on the same CMF-B platform as the Clio and while details at this stage are unknown, speculation is that Renault will only make it available with the Daimler co-developed 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed EDC transmission.

ALSO READ: New Clio and Captur spearheading Renault’s assault on 2022

The setup is, therefore, expected to silence the criticism lobbed at the Clio for offering a manual transmission only, in addition to being made available in a small crossover/SUV bodystyle.

More updates for Duster and Koleos

Based on pricing of the Clio, which ranges from R309 999 to R349 999, projections are that the Captur will retail from around the R400 000 mark that will neatly place it between the range-topping Duster 1.5 dCi Intens EDC (R404 999) and the entry-level Koleos 2.5 Expression that carries a sticker of R519 999.

For both their parts, the Koleos and Duster will undergo what is believed to be final model revisions in 2023 as the former is reportedly not expected to carry over in 2024, while the latter will give way to the production version of the Bigster Concept in the same year or in 2025.

The adaptions, compared to the current models, are set to be limited to specification and features as the Koleos last underwent a makeover in 2019 and the Duster early last year.

While an exact date wasn’t disclosed, Renault did confirm the reveal will take place between the second and fourth quarters.

Final goodbye for Megane RS 300 Trophy

Around the same time, the current iteration of the already discontinued internal combustion engine Megane will bow-out officially with a limited edition based on the RS 300 Trophy called the Ultimé.

A model of which nothing is known for now as it hasn’t been launched or seen in any capacity in Europe or Australia, the latter having been one of the most important Megane RS markets outside of the Old Continent, the Ultimé is expected to receive a series of unique interior and exterior tweaks as a final send-off to the Megane.

An uptake in power and torque from the venerable 2.0-litre turbocharged engine hasn’t been confirmed, but not ruled-out either. Transmissions are set to consist once again of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed EDC with production, as in the case of the Trophy, to limited to a handful of models.

Oroch is here

Besides the Megane, the biggest addition is the long awaited Oroch bakkie, previously known as the Duster Oroch.

While facelifted in South America in April this year, which resulted in the Duster prefix being dropped, reports are that the Oroch will be a brand-new model instead of the updated derivative Renault manufacturers in Argentina.

Unlike the Fiat Toro/Ram 1000, Ford Maverick and Chevrolet Montana, the Oroch destined for South Africa will be a single cab along the lines of the unique-to-Romania Dacia Duster Pick-Up instead of being a double cab.

Reportedly already under development, despite not having been seen at all, the Oroch, withheld from being introduced in 2021 and then 2022, is expected to utilise the same 1.5 dCi turbodiesel engine as the Duster with-or-without four-wheel-drive.

However, this is likely to apply only to the supposed all-new model. If indeed the model marketed in South America though, the double cab bodystyle will be standard fare, but with the oil-burner and not the available petrol engine as a result of the former being barred on half-ton bakkies in Latin America in favour of the latter being adapted to run on both petrol and ethanol.

Arkana coming but not Austral

Finally, the coupe-styled Arkana will make landfall in the second half of next year with a final date still to be confirmed as well.

Unveiled in 2018, initially only in Russia, the Arkana has since gone on-sale in Europe and Australia, with South Africa-bound models poised to be closer in spec and power to the latter.

This means the sole availability of the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol that makes 115kW/260Nm, a seven-speed EDC, front-wheel-drive and the first-time availability of the sporty R.S. Line trim level.

Down Under, pricing for the Arkana ranges from $34 590 (R410 690) to $44 300 (R525 978), but for South Africa, expect a more theoretical pricing of around R500 000 that will place it between it directly between the Captur and Koleos.

For now, Renault South Africa has remained mum on introducing the Austral, or finally announcing the long rumoured Triber Turbo that uses the same 1.0-litre blown three-cylinder as the Kiger.