The third generation Logan family is expected in 2020, according to tradition, the first to be born European versions under the local Dacia brand. And, according to the French edition L "argus, they will say goodbye to the current B0 platform (aka Global Access).
The company is pushed to this by increasingly strict European legislation - the Euro-6 eco-norms that have come into force and the need to equip cars with means active safety like automatic braking systems. Therefore, the new Logan and Sandero will be built on the same modular CMF-B platform as the upcoming Renault hatchback Clio fifth generation (its premiere will take place this fall). Architecturally, this trolley will repeat B0, but engineers initially put unification with other versions of the CMF platform into it and the ability to install modern electronics. According to preliminary data, the new Logan will be equipped with a 1.3 TCe petrol turbo engine and a 1.5 dCi diesel engine.
But all this is only true for European cars under the Dacia brand. Logans for less demanding markets (Russia, South America, India) do not require Euro-6 and advanced electronics, so Renault has two versions of the CMF-B platform. European cars will get an expensive version of HS (High specifications on the diagram), and the rest will get a simplified version of LS (Low specifications), which, apparently, has a minimum of differences from the already mastered B0 bogie.
Renault has already tested a similar two-platform strategy on crossovers: the European Captur is built on the Clio chassis, and the Kaptur for Russia, South America and India is based on the simpler Duster platform. Prior to this, a similar trick was pulled by a related Nissan, rolling a Logan trolley under the Sylphy sedan and eventually getting the Togliatti Almera. It's all going to be what the third generation Logan/Sandero is for different markets will be created in the same way.
Moreover, according to L "argus, the separation of platforms will also affect class C, which will debut in August at the Moscow Motor Show. For Russia, Brazil and China, the company is developing a version on a cheap B0 trolley, and for South Korea on a more expensive platform. By the way , in Europe, the new model will not appear due to the danger of competition with the current Renault Kadjar SUV (an analogue of the Nissan Qashqai model).Based on this statement, it is easy to estimate that a certain “simplified Kadjar” awaits us, that is, a crossover slightly larger than the Qashqai.
The third generation Logan family is expected in 2020, according to tradition, European versions under the local brand will be the first to be born Dacia. And, according to the French edition L "argus, they will say goodbye to the current platform B0(she is Global Access).
The company is being pushed towards this by increasingly stringent European legislation - the Euro-6 eco-norms that have come into force and the need to equip cars with active safety equipment such as automatic braking systems. Therefore, new Logan And Sandero will be built on the same modular platform CMF-B that and the upcoming hatchback Renault Clio fifth generation (its premiere will take place this fall). Architecturally, this cart will repeat B0, but engineers initially put unification with other versions of the platform into it CMF and the possibility of installing modern electronics. According to preliminary data, the new Logan will be equipped with a 1.3 petrol turbo engine TCe and diesel 1.5 dCi.
But all this is true only for European cars under the brand name Dacia. Logans for less demanding markets (Russia, South America, India) do not require Euro-6 and advanced electronics, so Renault laid two platform options CMF-B. European cars will get an expensive version HS(High specifications), and the rest - a simplified version LS(Low specifications), which, apparently, has a minimum of differences from the already mastered cart B0.
A similar strategy of two platforms, the company Renault already run on crossovers: European captur built on chassis Clio, A Kaptur for Russia, South America and India - on a simpler and better platform Duster (Duster). Prior to this, a similar trick was pulled by a related company Nissan, rolling under the sedan Sylphy trolley Logan (Logan) and eventually received the Togliatti Almeria. Everything goes to that Logan/Sandero the third generation for different markets will be created in the same way.
Moreover, according to L "argus, the separation of platforms will also affect the upcoming crossover. Renault class C, which will debut in August at the Moscow Motor Show. For Russia, Brazil and China, the company is developing a version on a cheap cart B0, and for South Korea on a more expensive platform. By the way, the new model will not appear in Europe due to the danger of competition with the current SUV. Renault Kadjar(analogue of the model Nissan Qashqai). Based on this statement, it is easy to estimate that we are waiting for some "simplified Qajar”, that is, the crossover is slightly larger than Qashqai.
This and other news
Company Renault began testing a new crossover. Photos of the car, which so far hides the body from the model Qajar(the so-called "mule"), posted the publication Motor1. However, already in these pictures one can note the increased compared to Kadjar dimensions: the test sample is clearly wider, and there is an enlarged ground clearance. In addition, the newspaper notes, the prototype received a complex suspension system.
However, to talk about what is under the mask Qajar (Kadjar) hiding a completely new crossover model, yet early. Officially in Renault do not comment on the information about the tested prototype. As Motor1 suggests, it is possible that the French are working on a charged version Qajar (Kadjar) - RS.
On the other hand, the model may well become one of the new products, of which Renault planned to release up to 2022 as many as 20 pieces. It is possible that it may also be a new C-segment crossover, the release of which was recently announced by the company.
Recall that the production of the new model will be established at the factory. Renault in Moscow. world premiere car is expected to be held at the Moscow Motor Show. technical information about the new model also yet.
It was unofficially reported that the car will be noticeably different from the currently produced SUVs Renault Kaptur ( Renault Captur) , Renault Duster ( Renault Duster) And Nissan Terrano on the platform B0. It is expected that the future car will be either a seven-seater SUV based on Captura (Kaptur), or some kind of the same European model Qajar (Kadjar).
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Russian branch Renault confirmed the launch of a new model - the C-class crossover. Official premiere machine will be held in August this year at the Moscow international motor show.
The first production site where the new model will be assembled will be the company's Moscow plant. Recently Renault announced its further modernization. In particular, 22 more will be installed in addition to the existing 24 robots. And it is possible that all the new ones will be involved in the production of a new model, which will be seriously different from those assembled today. Renault Duster, Kaptur And Nissan Terrano (Nissan Terrano) on the platform B0.
The company does not disclose any details about the new model, but, as is the case with Renault Kaptur, representatives of the Russian branch of the company took an active part in its creation.
The new model was “lit up” last year. It is intended for sale in at least four markets.
Actually, some information about the new car can be gleaned from the presentation of the program Drive the Future companies Renault for 2018–2022. One of the slides shows the silhouette of the car, which will be presented in the Russian, Brazilian, Chinese and South Korean markets. From the image, it's a rather sporty looking car, with a sloping roofline towards the rear and flared rear fenders.
"Segment C", which refers to Renault new model, quite competitive, already presented here Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson , Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan and other models.
In Europe at Renault this class has a crossover Qajar built on a single modular platform CMF With Nissan Qashqai. It is possible that the new model will be created on the same principle as Kaptur: by design, it will overlap with Qajar, but they will build it on a simpler base, and in terms of equipment (and, of course, price), it will be very distant from Renault Duster, and from Kaptur.
Most likely, the first details about the new model will become known closer to the summer.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Talisman appeared a year ago, and from the very beginning of sales in Europe Renault not a word was said about the fact that this car will be sold here in the Russian Federation. Perhaps they are well aware of the state of affairs, they deliberately did not plan to export this car to Russia, simply because we now do not have the most favorable conditions on the market to launch a new car, especially from such a peculiar brand as Renault. In Europe Talisman costs around $30,000, and taking into account our import duties and the exchange rate, it raises its cost above 2 million rubles. Well, the question is: who needs it for that kind of money?
Despite her knock-down appearance, the car cannot boast of anything technically unique. The car is built using the alliance's modular platform Renault-Nissan entitled CMF. The French-Japanese alliance technology involves the use of five main modules: the engine and passenger compartments, front and rear chassis parts, and a common architecture for electrical and electronics. Each of the modules has several versions designed for each class of machines - from compact hatchbacks before large SUVs. At the same time, during the development and production of models, all modules can be combined in various variations.
The car has three engines: a 1.5-liter turbodiesel with 110 horsepower, a 1.6-liter turbodiesel with 160 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol with 150 horsepower ... and ... there is also the same gasoline engine , but already about 200 forces. Diesel engines are equipped with both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed double-disk robot 6 EDC, and gasoline engines are equipped only with a robot.
Nevertheless, for many it will be a surprising fact that Renault can do something other than Duster (Duster). They have a lot of interesting things, and Renault Talisman“It's one of those cars... cars we don't have.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Official premiere of the new Renault Koleos will be held on April 25, 2016 as part of the Beijing International Auto Show, where the SUV will be presented by the President and CEO Renault Carlos Gon.
Although so far the French have published only one official photo Koleos (Koleos), thanks to Chinese paparazzi, the SUV was also seen from the rear. From the photo you can be sure that the novelty will be made in the style set by the crossover Renault Kadjar and flagship sedan Renault Talisman.
Technically Renault Koleos new generation will have much in common with Nissan X-Trail . The car will be built on a common platform CMF and will receive the same wheelbase (2705 mm), although it will be somewhat longer and wider than the "Japanese".
In China Renault Koleos will be offered with a two-liter (150 hp) and 2.5-liter (186 hp) naturally aspirated gasoline engines, which will be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic. Drive - front or full.
However, in Europe, most likely, a large SUV Renault Koleos get other engines. Yes, and this model will not be called Koleos, A Maxthon, and its premiere is likely to take place in the fall of 2016 at the auto show in Paris.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Company Renault published the first teaser video of the successor to the crossover Koleos (Koleos). The car will be named Maxthon and will be shown to the public for the first time at the Beijing Motor Show at the end of April.
The design of the car will be made similar to Talisman. The main competitors of the car will be the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander. Earlier it was reported that it will be possible to purchase a crossover with a five- and seven-seater version. However, later in Renault denied information about the large version of the crossover.
More likely, Maxthon built on the same platform CMF alliance production Renault-Nissan, as the Nissan X-Trail. According to unofficial data, the successor Koleos equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. Motor power will be 160 Horse power. In addition, a 1.6-liter diesel unit with a return of 150 horsepower.
Renault Koleos. Car prices start at 1,299,000 rubles.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
The Romanian press reports that the new generation of the crossover Renault Duster (Renault Duster, Dacia Duster) will abandon the familiar B0 platform and will be built on the architecture CMF.
It's most likely the platform. CMF-B, which will also be used as the basis for the following Nissan Juke and current Qashqai.
Expected that new generation Renault Duster will receive a more premium and practical design than its predecessor, and will also be 18 cm longer than the current model (only 4500 mm).
Also, the appearance of a seven-seater version with three rows of seats is not excluded.
Diesel 1.5 will retain its position in the engine range dCi and petrol 1.2 TCe.
The diesel version will be offered with an automatic 6-speed transmission. Easy R, A four-wheel drive will be supplied as standard for the top version only.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
At the Geneva Motor Show, which opens in early March this year, the company Renault will host two world premieres.
What kind of new items will debut in Switzerland has not yet been disclosed. It is only known that both models will belong to the C-class. "Within the salon Renault will present to the public the “youngest” product line on the European market, which will be replenished with two world premieres in the C-segment,” the manufacturer said in a statement.
One of the cars that will be brought to Geneva is likely to be a compact MPV Renault Scenic new generation. More recently, the French "let slip" about this model in a brochure dedicated to its twentieth anniversary. The next one is expected Renault Scenic will receive a design in the style of the concept Renault R-Space.
The second world premiere of the brand can be new sedan, which, according to one source, is planned to be presented as a four-door modification Renault Megan ( Renault Megane) , and according to other sources, the model will be positioned as a replacement Renault Fluence.
As part of the Geneva Motor Show, two new special versions of the current cars will also be shown Renault. However, the company reported only one of them - at the motor show they will present an "exclusive package" of an electric car. ZOE entitled Swiss Edition. Features of this version are also kept secret.
Previously Renault presented two concepts built on the basis of a subcompact "state employee" Quid.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Company Renault rolled out for tests a mid-size SUV that can challenge Volkswagen Touareg
. The premiere is not excluded already at the Geneva Motor Show.
Photoshop Nostradamus was almost right in their predictions - judging by the spy shots of the prototype with pre-production body panels, the commercial crossover at least repeats the car in the outlines and proportions of the images recently published by Auto Moto.
The SUV develops a new corporate identity, which has determined the appearance of the modern model line of the brand. A rather big car with a length of about 4.7 m is designed on a modular chassis CMF (Common Module Family), which became the basis of completely different Renault And Nissan. Moreover, our hero will be one of the largest carriers of this "cart" along with the cross-van espace and passenger family Talisman. The layout of the power unit, in contrast to the same Touareg, transverse. The range of engines, obviously, will include petrol and diesel “turbo-fours”, paired with 6-speed mechanical boxes gears and preselective robots with two clutches. Initial versions will certainly be offered with front-wheel drive.
With a platform for the debut is still unclear. According to one information Renault Maxthon will show the world under the spotlights of the Geneva Motor Show, and according to others, they will postpone the show of the crossover until the April motor show in Beijing.
Until the end of the year Renault will show wagon Megane new generation. "Shed" based on the fourth generation model, for sure, will arrive at the Paris Motor Show in the fall.
Electric car sales results nissan leaf can't be called outstanding. In this connection Renault-Nissan plans a budget "electric train", aimed primarily at Chinese market.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Company Renault decided on the name for the future successor to the Koleos crossover. The car will go on sale under the name Maxthon, according to Auto Moto. On this moment Renault already conducting road tests of the prototype model. According to unofficial data, the premiere of the car may take place this year. The main competitors of the car will be Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mitsubishi Outlander. The price of a car in France will be about 29,000 euros.
The novelty will greatly grow in length. It will be possible to buy a crossover in versions with five and seven seats. In addition, judging by the rumors, the design of the novelty will be made in the new corporate style of the brand.
The crossover will be built on the same platform CMF alliance production Renualt-Nissan, which is Nissan X-Trail Koleos (Koleos) equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. Motor power will be 160 horsepower. In addition, a 1.6-liter diesel unit with a return of 150 horsepower will be available.
Currently on sale in Russia restyled version current generation Koleos (Koleos). Car prices start at 1,299,000 rubles. The car received different bumpers, a modified grille, LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch wheels and panoramic roof. The interior features new leather upholstery and a different instrument panel.
Renault Koleos equipped with a multimedia system R Link with a seven-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, a hands-free key card, cruise control, blind spot monitoring and hill start assist. On the Russian market Renault Koleos presented in eight versions with petrol engines of 2.0 liters (140 hp) and 2.5 liters (171 hp) and 2.0-liter diesel engine(173 hp) with full or front-wheel drive. There are three transmissions: a variator, a manual gearbox and an automatic transmission.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
Company Renault brought to the final tests a new generation of compact MPV Scenic. According to the publication autoexpress, the premiere of the car will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. Sales of the model in Europe will begin before the end of next year. IN model range company's novelty will mark the place between Renault Kaptur ( Renault Captur) And Renault Kadjar.
The car will be built on a platform Megane. It is expected that the model will be noticeably larger than its predecessor. All specifications new Renault Scenic as long as they are kept secret. According to unofficial data, the car will borrow the engine range from Megane, and will also receive new diesel engines. Also, the appearance of a hybrid modification of the compact van is not excluded.
Later Renault plans to release a 7-seater car Renault Grand Scenic. The car will be built on the platform CMF. The compact MPV is planned to be assembled at the Zhor Bess plant in Tricastin (France).
Also Renault continues testing a new generation of crossover Koleos (Koleos). The official premiere of the car will take place in 2016 at one of the world's major car shows. The crossover will be built on the same platform CMF alliance production Renualt-Nissan, which is Nissan X-Trail. The machine is being developed in China. According to unofficial data, the new Koleos (Koleos) equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. The engine power will be 163 hp. (120 kW) and 240 Nm of torque. In addition, a 1.6-liter diesel unit with a return of 130 hp will be available. and 320 Nm of torque.
This and other news
Renault Duster Club
First time crossover Renault Djeyo will be demonstrated at a special evening in Paris. The car will be presented personally by the head of the alliance Renault-Nissan (Renault-Nissan Alliance) Carlos Ghosn writes the French website Largus.fr.
Presumably the new crossover will be created on the platform CMF, on which latest generation Nissan X-Trail And Nissan Qashqai. New Renault will operate the same motors as Nissan Qashqai, which means that the range will include gasoline and diesel engines, the power of which varies from 110 to 163 hp. With. The car will have both a front-wheel drive version and a version with an all-wheel drive system.
SUV Renault Djeyo about 4.4 meters long, after a demonstration in Paris, they will be brought to a motor show in Geneva, where anyone can touch and sit behind the wheel of the model.
Most resonant Renault of recent times is an ultra-economical and, most importantly, not at all a utopian conceptual hybrid eolab, which was recently demonstrated in Paris. It shows what the hatchback of the future will look like with less than a "two-liter" fuel consumption - which is being created at the request of the French government, which partially finances the "green" program. In addition, those technical solutions, which debuted on the prototype, will gradually be introduced into conventional cars Renault. And the original aerodynamically efficient design ... The free “artist” from Malaysia Theophilus Chin believes that, for example, the new Renault Megane will borrow from eolab and him.
Shown in the render Renault Megane copies eolab not blind, but very realistic. A narrower stern, punching on the sidewalls, aerodynamic curtains in the front bumper and a typical “mask” of the renown design genius Lawrence van den Acker – this is what brings both together. Renault.
Technologically new Renault Megane will be far from eolab- both in terms of body structure and chassis, and in terms of power units. Will appear in best case only "echoes" of some of the 110 solutions that were patented during the development of the hybrid. So count on a modular front-wheel drive platform Common Module Family, and motors and transmissions from the crossover Nissan Qashqai(gasoline turbo engines 1.2 and 1.6, turbodiesels 1.5 and 1.6 and CVTs). And in the cabin - on moderately "digitized" controls.
New Renault Megane will enter the European market in 2016, and will debut in 2015, probably at the autumn motor show in Frankfurt.
For an ordinary car owner to believe in the uniqueness of his car, an emblem on the hood and a worthy country of origin, confirmed by the cargo customs declaration, are enough. And when asked what platform his car has (colloquially - the base), he will most likely think about the railway or the vegetable store. Incidentally, in vain, especially in our time. If only because in the post-warranty period this knowledge will save a lot of money.
Donors or co-platformers?
The concept of a “platform” in the automotive industry was not born today, but only with the development of the Internet, information began to reach the end user that such a platform exists at all. Moreover, marketers and PR people automotive companies were reluctant to share this fact with customers, especially when more and more often it began to talk about a unified platform. Not only within one brand, but also within the framework of inter-brand cooperation.
In addition to Internet interpretations of "platforms", there is a very clear definition used by auto designers.
Platform - layout diagram motor vehicle(ATS), which combines design and technological solutions and / or an aggregate part, on the basis of which it is planned to design several individual or a whole family of car models.That is, this is a fundamental basis with a number of unchanged parameters, whether it be the wheelbase or track, the location power elements bodies or the distance between them, and many more constants. The easiest example to understand the platform is dog breeds. Collie, East European, Caucasian - different appearance and character, but they are all on the “platform” of a shepherd dog. Great Danes have a completely different “platform”, spaniels have a third one. And the “platformless” mongrel, which does not fall under any canons, is, in fact, the same homemade garage that were assembled from parts of various machines. So the presence of a platform in a car is a sign of any, but a breed.
When choosing a car, you need to be prepared for the fact that almost any automaker will never develop a platform for the production of just one model. It is expensive and unprofitable both for the manufacturer and, ultimately, for the buyer. Especially in the mass segment. Exceptions can be except for piece supercars, where the price does not matter.
What then is the question? Buy and enjoy your purchase. An no. If Volkswagen owner The Touareg will be proud that its car is built on the same base as the Porsche Cayenne, which premium SUV much more money - hardly. Therefore, marketers and sellers are nervous, preferring to remain silent about a fact that is not in any manual for a car.
Because of this, the inexperienced buyer of public stamps still thinks that he is being deceived. Indeed, on the same platform there can be cars that differ very seriously in price, positioning and even class. One of the first "single-platform" shocks the Russian consumer experienced at the beginning of the 21st century, when the Ford concern, which included, in particular, Mazda and Volvo, brought to the market Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volvo S40 on the C1 global platform.
Ford Focus and Mazda3 - similar in hardware, but different in character
Ford Focus and Mazda3 - similar in hardware, but different in character
The rumor that the whole trinity is the same car, but with different design, shattered instantly. Having learned about this, everyone rushed to grab the Focus, as the most affordable. A little later, however, they realized that the Mazda3, despite a similar platform and powertrains (piston rings from the “three rubles” are still installed, in particular, on the 1.8-liter “Focuses” to this day), rides more interesting. And the Volvo S40, with all its comfort, which the more affordable "brothers" did not dream of, due to the higher cost, could not compete with the brothers in the concern.
The point was that initially motorists did not take into account a simple thing: with all the common key parameters characteristic of co-platformers, the behavior of the car and its perception are made up of the nuances of the design. Especially if the base is divided not within the same brand, but between different brands that are part of the parent concern. Each of them, of course, has its own engineering and technological developments, its own vision of the product and, as a result, its own customer.
But well-known in Russia and at the same time so different Opel Astra J and chevrolet cruze, united by the Delta II platform from GM, did not scare anyone away. At the same time, each of them clearly fell into its own consumer niche. did not scare away budget Renault Logan, Sandero, Duster with single-platform (B0) Lada Largus. While getting along in the market Lada Granta And Datsun on-DO, Lada Kalina and Datsun mi-DO. True, they play in an approximately equal, super-budget price segment.
There were no misses either. One of the latest is the experience of global cooperation between PSA concerns Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi, which released on Russian market not just single-platform, but almost identical crossovers Peugeot 4007, Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander XL. Especially in conditions when the latter became the successor to the history of the usual Outlander, and the French rolled out the first crossovers in their history to the market. At the same time, in the Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Sebring, you can hardly recognize the GS platform from Mitsubishi common to all of the above cars - they are too different both externally and on the go.
But in the case of the Franco-Japanese trinity, marketers' attempts to separate consumers into brands, focusing on the difference in rims or grille, were not crowned with much success. The buyer categorically chose the Japanese nameplate according to personal reliability criteria, without heeding any third-party arguments. According to the Avtostat agency, during the period of peak demand for these cars in 2010-2011, 25,140 Outlander XL units were sold, and only 3,880 and 2,810 4007 and C-Crosser cars, respectively.
Even with this result, the alliance tried to squeeze some more profit out of GS. Mitsubishi ASX, Peugeot 4008 and Citroen C4 Aircross, built on it and sold with us to this day, are all the same twins. The ratio of sales - as in the previous case - is not in favor of the French. For very vague reasons, they did not begin to breed crossovers in markets, both in the first and partly in the second case.
If we talk about cross-brand platforms as a means of potential savings for the car enthusiast, then it will act selectively. Before expiration warranty period this will affect the costs of hull insurance (the risk of theft of Porsche is higher than VW), the cost of maintenance and repair (Opel is more expensive than Chevrolet). But after the warranty expires, the owners of more expensive brands will benefit from the purchase of some spare parts.
It will not be difficult to pick up the “original” from a cheaper co-platformer. You just have to dig into the spare parts catalogs on the websites of online stores. On one of the popular resources, we found a front hub bearing kit for the Opel Astra J. In the Opel branded box (catalog number 03 28 021), it is offered at a price of 9509 rubles. In packaging and marked with General Motors (code 13583479, applicability according to the GM catalog for Chevrolet Cruze, Orlando, Opel Astra J), the item costs from 5868 rubles. That is Astra owner J (we already know that Astra J and Cruze are single-platform within this concern) without looking back can save almost 4 thousand.
And there are many such examples. Yes, parts catalog Volkswagen Group general. It clearly and model-by-model describes the applicability of details. That is, for the same hub, which is identical to the approved Audi, VW, SEAT or Skoda models, you will not have to overpay depending on the brand positioning - it will be under a single catalog number. So when replacing, you can safely dismiss the "original Audi bearing".
The music played for a while
Meanwhile, platforms are living out their lives, giving way to modular designs. "Behind the wheel" has repeatedly written about MQB - a modular scheme that Volkswagen has staked on for all its brands right up to 2018. True, it can no longer be considered a platform in its purest form. As we have already said, these are “cubes” from which you can build a platform of almost any class. Audi A3, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf, new VW Tiguan, Skoda Yeti and many other models of the concern - all this is MQB.
According to engineers, the total in these cars is from 25 to 40%. So, buying an Audi, you will get 60-75% of it in the form of the same exclusive filling, design, and there is no objective reason for frustration. In addition to the fact that the cost of insurance or service will, of course, be higher than in the case of Skoda. Modularity does not cancel the division into consumer segments, and the manufacturer's business becomes much more profitable by reducing the cost of final production.
True, in order to switch to such design and production schemes, very large investments are required. While Volkswagen could afford them, trying to get out of the French crisis PSA concern, who applied the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) modular scheme for new generations of Peugeot 308/408, Citroen C4 Picasso in 2013. The Nissans with their CMF and the Swedes from Volvo, who released the second-generation XC-90 crossover based on Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), did not lag behind. Already in soon the Swedes are preparing to "pull" on this platform all subsequent generations of their cars older than the S60 model. They spent much less on their modernization scheme than competitors from Germany - about $ 11 billion.
Nevertheless, all basic nodes, interfaces, main electronic components in Swedish cars will be uniform. Modules, if necessary, can be scaled - to increase, say, the length of the bottom, the height of the pillars, the volume of the engine compartment, in order to avoid compromises that would have to be made when creating, for example, a sedan and an SUV on a common platform.
Consumer fears that a modular architecture, if found to be defective, could require huge numbers of vehicles to be recalled, are most likely theory. Firstly, such eminent automakers must have calculated such risks. Secondly, within the mass segment for more than a dozen years there will be time-tested and inexpensive platforms.
The world of cars is changing quite dynamically. Requirements for manufactured machines are constantly changing, more and more various technologies appear, and any, even the most modern design, becomes outdated very quickly. In such conditions, in order to keep up with competitors and timely release models that are interesting to buyers, manufacturers need to solve the problem of rapid development and launch of a new product.
The first step in this direction was the use of . The strategy of using a basic set of design and engineering solutions for the production of cars of different classes and brands turned out to be quite successful for manufacturers, but not ideal.
What is the essence of the modular platform?
The next stage in the development of the platform strategy for the production of cars was the modular platform. Now it is being actively developed by many automakers, but in general, it is still at the development stage, so there are not so many cars built using this type of platform.
Toyota TNGA Modular Chassis
The essence of the modular platform boils down to the fact that unified components and parts - modules - are used to create cars of different classes. It resembles a constructor, allowing from the same constituent elements create completely different models - from compact city cars to large crossovers.
The components of the platform - modules, are:
- Power point
- Transmission
- Suspension
- Steering
- electrical equipment
In fact, the modular platform looks something like this - the manufacturer releases a line power plants with very different performance characteristics, but with the same attachment points. Do the same with other modules. And then just the components are assembled together to get a “cart” with the required indicators and characteristics at the output. And then the resulting “trolley” can only be equipped with everything missing and the car is ready.
MQB - the first platform of modules
Note that each automaker has its own approach to creating a modular platform. The pioneer in its use is the VAG concern, which has already begun to produce some of its models (Audi A3) using modules. The manufacturer also announced a complete transition to such a construction of cars in the near future.
VAG designated its first modular platform as MQB. It is applicable to vehicles with a transverse power plant. It is noteworthy that it can also be used to create hybrid versions, as well as electric cars.
The main feature of MQB is the ability to change the overall parameters of the bogie in a fairly wide range, which allows you to create cars of various classes. So, the dimensions of the cabin, the wheelbase, the width between the wheels, the front and rear parts of the body can easily change. But there is one parameter that is unchanged - the distance from the front axle to the pedal block. This is due to the fact that the design provides for a single position of the power plant for all cars built from modules.
But MQB is not suitable for cars with other types of layout. It cannot be used for machines with a longitudinal position of the power unit, as well as versions with rear wheel drive. For such cars, VAG creates its own modular platforms - MLB and MSB.
Advantages and disadvantages
For manufacturers, the introduction of a modular platform provides many benefits:
- reducing the cost of developing new versions of cars;
- speed of setting up the production of models;
- the possibility of prompt transfer of production between plants;
- unification of components;
- reduction in the range of parts.
All this makes it possible to optimize and reduce the cost of car production, but at the same time, this practically does not affect the cost of the final product. This is because the development of a modular platform is very expensive, and only the largest concerns can afford such costs.
There are also disadvantages in such a construction of a car:
- since the platform is used to build various classes auto, it initially contains a significant margin of safety, which is not particularly necessary for some models (small and middle class), but this affects the cost;
- the impossibility of using technologies and developments that appeared after the start of building a car;
- unification of nodes reduces the individuality of the car;
- due to the discovery of a technological error in the design of the platform, all cars built on it and managed to leave the assembly line will be subject to recall.
In general, in order to introduce a modular platform into car production, automakers should take its development very seriously, because it should work well both on small city cars and 7-seater crossovers. Any mistakes for manufacturers will result in very serious costs.
Developments by other manufacturers
And yet, the existing risks do not stop concerns. The decision to switch to modular platforms has already been announced:
- Reno-Nissan Alliance (CMF platform);
- Fuji Heavy Industries, which produces Subaru (SGP);
- Concern PSA, producing Peugeot and Citroen (EMP2);
- Volvo (SPA platform for large and CMA for smaller vehicles);
- Toyota (with TNGA platform);
- Mercedes-Benz (with a package of modular platforms MFA, MRA, MHA, MSA);
- GM Corporation (E2XX, with variations P2XX, C2XX, D2XX);
- Honda with its Compact Global Platform.
Reno-Nissan CMF Concept
And each of the manufacturers has its own views on the modular architecture of building a car. For example, in Reno-Nissan, the CMF platform implies the use of 5 modules (engine compartment, interior, front and rear chassis components, electrics and electronics), each of which will include several variations. All modules are fully compatible with each other, which allows you to create cars of different classes.
What's next?
A continuation of the modular concept of building cars is the development of power plants according to the same principle. Maximum unification of components power units will significantly reduce the cost of their production. At the same time, it is envisaged that the use of modules will not lead to a reduction in the range of power plants offered for a particular model.
In the modular development of power plants, the VAG concern is also in the lead. At the same time, it acts in two directions at once - the creation of modular gasoline engines(MOB) and diesels (MDB). BMW is also working on using modules to build powertrains.
Development of the VAG concern
In general, the modular architecture of building cars is a new direction that has been actively developed by automakers, although it has many nuances and negative aspects. In addition, all the advantages relate more to the manufacturers themselves, buyers do not really benefit from this.
IN Renault work is in full swing to create the third generation of Logan, which is sold in Europe under the Dacia brand, and here in Latin America - under the French brand.
The car in the third generation is waiting for major changes. This is due to the fact that the current one is based on the B0 Global Access platform, which was introduced in 2005, and its roots go back to 1998. So, the second (!) generation of Clio was taken as the basis for its creation. Of course, it was modernized, it got a plus in the index (B0 +) after the introduction of the new Duster, but it will not be possible to use it indefinitely.
There are several reasons for switching platforms. First - Renault-Nissan is trying to minimize the number of used "trolleys" for new cars. This leads to the use of the same components, the same production processes, and hence to lower production costs. The second reason: the tightening of safety requirements in Europe, for example, the appearance on new machines in without fail systems of automatic braking before an obstacle.
So, the next generation of Logan will be built on a new platform. According to the French edition of L "argus, the upgraded CMF-B modular platform will be used for the third generation, which Renault plans to use for the next Clio (it will be presented next year).
True, with one architecture, the platform used will have two options. The first, conventionally called High Specification, is being adapted to a large number of electronics, modern technologies And high level comfort. The second, Access Specification, is a simplified version in terms of architecture, equipment, sound insulation, etc. Information about the two platform options first appeared in the presentation of the company's development plan for the next five years.
First new strategy will be tested on the new Renault crossover, which will be presented at the Moscow International Motor Show in August this year. Following Russia, its production and sales will be established in China, Brazil and South Korea. But for the latter, where the buyer is accustomed to modern cars, a more expensive version of the platform will be used, and for emerging markets, which include Russia, a simplified one.
Then it will be the turn of the third generation Logan, with the genes of the latest generation Clio. But to call these cars "twins" will not work, since Logan will receive a platform simplified to the maximum.
And, finally, tougher environmental requirements are pushing the French to use the new platform. If in Euro 6 current generation If it is possible to enter, then the requirements of Euro-7, which come into force in 2024, are not. The third generation of the state employee will be equipped with a 1.3-liter TСe turbo engine and a 1.5-liter dCi turbodiesel.
- According to preliminary data, the new Renault crossover for Russia it will have a cross-coupe body.
- At the end of 2017, Renault is in the top 10 most popular brands in Russia.
