Renault has announced that they will recall approximately 15,800 cars to fix pollution-control systems on one of its diesel-powered models. This news follows the recent Dieselgate scandal that plagued Volkswagen and some of its subsidiaries.
It was found that the affected engine is Renault’s 1.5-litre dCi engine which powers the Captur diesel variant. All diesel Capturs will be recalled to make amendments to the engine’s calibration unit. The current filters in the Captur will turn on between 17°C and 35°C, just enough to be activated during the European emissions test which are usually conducted between temperatures of 20°C to 30°C.
At the same time, the company offers voluntary emissions-system updates for about 700,000 vehicles to reduce NOx emissions. The engine adjustments will be available for vehicles with the latest Euro 6 generation of diesel engines.
Just last week, authorities raided Renault’s facilities where several computers belonging to the company’s directors have been seized. Although investigators found “no evidence of a defeat device” installed, the French automaker’s stock tumbled by nearly a fifth of its value.
Last Saturday, French newspaper Les Echos reported that some diesel models from Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Ford were shown to far exceed laboratory tests, prompting further scrutiny from the authorities. The Captur was one of the vehicles with emissions exceeding the official limit.
Renault’s chief competitive officer, Thierry Bollore, said “We are not cheating, we are meeting the norms, and we are not trying to trick the consumer.”
Bollore also adds they are among the first to admit their mistake and will make plenty of room for improvement. A classic case of mea culpa from Renault? Meanwhile, when will the other two will take action on this?
The diesel-powered Captur is not offered in Malaysia, instead the 1.2-litre petrol variant is offered by TC Euro Cars at RM123,000. Read our review of the Renault Captur.
