The new Renault Grand Koleos SUVs run on a bridge in this undated photo. Courtesy of Renault Korea
By Park Jae-hyuk
Renault Korea has focused on marketing fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles using both electricity and internal combustion engines amid the growing popularity of affordable eco-friendly cars among Korean drivers.
In Korea, the sales volume of hybrid cars from January to November this year surpassed the entire annual sales volume of such vehicles in the previous year.
The French car manufacturer’s Korean subsidiary said that its E-Tech hybrid system has also contributed to the sales growth.
According to the company, the system enables its hybrid vehicles to run on 75 percent electrical power in cities, allowing drivers to feel like they are in fully electric vehicles.
The E-Tech full hybrid system installed in the new Renault Grand Koleos E-Tech Hybrid, for example, facilitates a prompt and smooth response during acceleration, as the SUV can run on electrical power. Its 1.64-kilowatt-hour battery also improves fuel efficiency by allowing the car to go longer distances in electric mode.
Another type of hybrid engine installed in the Arkana E-Tech Hybrid helps in dynamic driving, as the compact SUV is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine combined with two electric motors, as well as a dog-clutch used in Formula One cars.
The Arkana is also capable of driving 17.4 kilometers per liter, but a YouTuber specializing in car reviews showed that its fuel efficiency can rise up to 30 kilometers per liter, according to Renault Korea.
“We expect the growth of our E-Tech hybrid system, which enables outstanding fuel efficiency, amid the popularity of hybrid vehicles,” a Renault Korea official said.
English (United States) ·