17:45 06-06-2026

Renault prepares a major reshuffle: new models are already running secret tests at Aubevoye

New CEO François Provost showed journalists prototypes of the future Scenic, Rafale, Dacia Sandero and Renault Bridger at the Aubevoye proving ground.

Renault is preparing a sweeping refresh of its line-up under new boss François Provost. As Autocar reports, journalists were invited to the closed Aubevoye proving ground in Normandy, north-west of Paris — the very place where Renault Group management evaluates future models, prototypes and rivals before signing off on key production decisions.

Provost took over Renault Group after Luca de Meo’s departure and said he would stay the Renaulution course, but with his own futuREady programme on top. Its goals: simplify management, fold the Mobilize and Ampere divisions back into the wider structure, cut model development costs by 40% and roll out 36 new cars across the group’s brands by 2030. Particular focus will go to India, South Korea and Latin America.

On site, the team showed off the future Scenic and Rafale for roughly 2028, the next-generation Dacia Sandero in near-production form, the Renault Bridger concept for India, the electric Trafic E-Tech van, the new Renault Twingo and the upcoming Dacia built on its platform. Some of the cars still cannot be described in detail, but the message is clear: Renault wants to move faster on design, engineering and positioning decisions as the market gets tougher.

Notably, Provost personally benchmarked prototypes against the competition. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E was driven alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and an experimental Rafale with steer-by-wire was lined up against the electric Lexus RZ. Provost admitted steering without a mechanical link takes some getting used to, but said the technology will inevitably reach production. The team also discussed pulling the design of the future Scenic and Rafale further apart, so the two models do not end up looking too similar.