One of the toughest car tests is conducted twice a year by a team of Norwegian journalists. Renault has already won the test. But it won't be in the cold.
Renault has chosen not to participate in the upcoming winter edition of Motors' range test, despite a victory in the summer test.
The Norwegian car test, which is world-renowned for its comprehensive evaluation of electric cars under various weather conditions, has caused irritation among the organizers after Renault's cancellation.
The Renault Scenic, which won the summer test with an impressive range of 560 kilometers, was scheduled to defend its title in the upcoming winter test.
But the French car manufacturer's importer has announced that they cannot provide a car as the company in Norway is undergoing restructuring.
This explanation is met with skepticism by Motor. They speculate whether Renault fears that the Scenic's performance in the summer test cannot be repeated in the cold conditions of winter, which place higher demands on energy efficiency and charging capacity.
– We see only one reason why Renault is not participating in the winter test: That they do not think Scenic is competitive when temperatures drop and demands for energy efficiency and charging capacity increase, writes journalist at Motor Öyvind A Monn-Iversen.
RN Nordic, which has taken over Renault in Norway and is also present in Denmark, flatly rejects the criticism. They explain that the lack of available cars is due to the ongoing restructuring, which limits their ability to deliver a test car.
– Since we do not have any cars in the new company and can only start car orders on February 1st, the situation is simply that we do not have any press cars (or any other cars for that matter). This will continue until April, RN Nordic informs Motor.
The range test, a collaboration between Motor and NAF, is known for its thorough assessment of electric cars. The results of the test can have a major impact on consumers' perception of a car's performance, especially in a country like Norway, where electric cars are widespread.
Previously, a now bankrupt car brand has blown the Norwegians away. Among other things, because the test car was the one in the field that came closest to the stated range. Read more about it here .