10 millionClios soldworldwide since 1990
New Renault Clio benefits from Renault’s vast experience of the small car segment, as well as from the success Clio has enjoyed ever since its launch in 1990. Like the 4CV and the R5 before it, Clio has left an indelible mark and stands out more than ever as a model with genuine big car attributes which has won over millions of motorists. Over the past 20 years, almost 10 million Clios have been sold in more than 100 countries, including four million first-generation Clios, 4.5 million Clio IIs (since 1998) and more than 1.2 million Clio IIIs (since 2005). Renault Clio is to date the only model to have been voted Car Of The Year on two occasions; initially in 1991 at the time of Clio I’s launch, and a second time in 2006 when Clio III took the award. Clio was also the first car of its class to obtain a four-star EuroNCAP crash test rating (in 2000), and was the first to secure the maximum EuroNCAP score of five stars in 2005.
Outstanding reliability and quality
Clio III benefits from first class reliability, a claim backed up by both independent and in-house studies. For example, the latest report (2008) released by ADAC, Germany’s leading authority in this domain, puts Clio III at an ‘excellent’ level of quality after one, two and three years of use. The model’s reliability is also highlighted by the findings of the CSI survey carried out in France by JD POWER. This survey measures the satisfaction of owners who have had their vehicle 2½ years on average and covers the car itself, as well as associated services, More than 80 per cent of Clio III owners reported that they were fully satisfied.
Acomprehensive range inresponse tocustomer demand
The complete Renault Clio line-up (Clio Campus, Clio Estate, three- and five-door Clio Hatchback) was Europe’s third best-selling model in 2008.The specific strengths of Renault New Clio III and Clio Campus cover the needs of B-segment buyers who have very varied demands.
• New Renault Clio: «the small car with big car attributes»
New Renault Clio delivers a C-segment performance / equipment package for the price of a hatchback from the next segment down. It especially targets young, one-car families looking for a compact family hatchback which offers the best value for money in terms of performance and equipment.
In 2008, Renault Clio III’s share of the European small car market was 7.24 per cent, with almost 321,000 cars sold, an increase of 0.4 points over 2007. Clio III also topped the B-segment sales charts in France (hatchback + estate) with a market share of 13.9 per cent. The Clio III range was extended in January 2008 with the addition of an estate version, Renault Clio Estate. The newcomer lost no time in winning over young families, with sales in 2008 (53,000 cars) accounting for 17 per cent of all Clio sales in Europe, and 37 per cent of total Clio sales in Germany.
• Clio Campus: the entry level Clio
Clio Campus continues its career in Europe with the current version which was introduced in April 2005, the same year Clio III was launched. Since then, the model has won over almost 400,000 customers in Europe, including 100,000 in France. The three most popular European markets for Clio Campus are France, Italy and Germany, with buyers seeking a compact vehicle (length: 3,818 mm, 209 mm less than New Renault Clio) with low running costs for a competitive price. Clio Campus is notably popular with lady city-dwellers (52 per cent of sales in 2008), companies (notably in France) and families, who use it as a second car. The new version delivers the same fundamental strengths which have forged the model’s success and features revised looks which notably concern the front bumper.
A compact hatchback with evident family ties with New RenaultMégane
New Renault Clio sits squarely on the road and features a more streamlined silhouette thanks to its extended length (4,027 mm; 41 mm longer than Clio III), 2,575 mm wheelbase, overall width of 1,707 mm and height of 1,493 mm. The contours of its headlamps extend downward to the grille, and its determined gaze is further emphasized by the black headlamp masks which equip the Dynamique equipment level upward. The dynamic front bumper design incorporates a broad air intake which is picked out with matt black protective mouldings. The steeply-raked ‘soft’ nose is flanked by the foglamps, while the bigger, two-tone exterior mirror housings stand out through their sleeker forms.
At the rear, the waistline is extended by new light clusters, and the more dynamic feel of New Renault Clio is further emphasized by the revised bumper, as well as by the reversing lights and rear fog lights which are positioned lower down and closer to the car’s sides. The range of wheels is particularly extensive, with a choice of three widths and two diameters:
• 165 mm and 185 mm wide, 15-inch diameter rims, with the availabilityof three wheeltrim designs depending on version. Aluminium alloywheels optional,
• 195 mm wide, 16-inch diameter rims are standard for the Exception,GT and Initiale versions.
A practical estate with expressive, distinctive looks
In order to capitalize on the popularity of its predecessor (17 per cent of Clio III sales in Europe), New Renault Clio Estate features the same front-end styling cues as the hatchback version, which itself takes its inspiration from New Renault Mégane. With a length of 4,228 mm (an increase of 26 mm over the former version), New Renault Clio Estate continues to stand out as one of the market’s most compact estates, while its dynamic stance is heightened by its steeply-raked rear screen. The latter is topped by a spoiler and black or chrome profiled roof bars (depending on version) which are unmistakable pointers to New Renault Clio Estate’s calling as the perfect leisure car.
The longer rear overhang frees up a generous boot volume of 439 dm3 (VDA, up to parcel shelf), which is more than 50 per cent (151 dm3) extra compared with New Clio Hatchback. The figure extends to 1,277dm3 VDA (239 dm3 more than the hatchback version) with the easy-to-convert rear benchseat fully folded. Meanwhile, New Renault Clio Estate’s removable boot floor gives owners a choice between maximum carrying capacity or a completely flat floor, and makes it simple to adapt the boot to a variety of uses. The baggage cover, which is often seen as something that gets in the way, and the removable floor can both be stored away in their own clever, practical compartments.
Interior styling: finish quality and occupant friendly
New Renault Clio’s interior styling was guided by a bid to ensure a sensation of well-being and to enhance finish quality. The dashboard is available with a soft-touch finish from the Dynamique equipment level upward, while the fully-integrated screen of the Carminat TomTom® satnav system is positioned at the top of the centre console to ensure that information is easy and safe to take in. New Renault Clio is a car in which drivers feel immediately at home. The practical controls have been made even more user-friendly, including the short steeringwheel-mounted stalks. The switch for the cruise control and speed limiter has been moved to the centre console, alongside the parking brake, and the dashboard display makes it easier for the driver to check whether the cruise control / speed limiter is activated or not.
The sensation of space and comfort can be accentuated by the generously-dimensioned electric opening panoramic sunroof (1.29 m long, 0.86 m wide). Meanwhile, careful attention has been paid to the interior trim, with a range of elegant new ambiences depending on equipment level. Customers can choose a bright (depending on market and body type), elegant, relaxing hue, or they might prefer a darker, sportier feel such as that proposed for New Renault Clio GT. In order to match customer demand as closely as possible, six versions are available from launch (depending on market), namely Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Exception (plus Exception Leather Pack), GT and Renault Sport. An Initiale version will be introduced later in the year.
New Renault Clio GT
As is the case with other Renault models (Renault Twingo and Laguna), a GT version of the model is available: New Renault Clio GT, which is based on the three- and five-door hatchback variants. The combination of its racy looks, specific suspension and high performance engines make it ideal for sampling the joys of sporty motoring.
Renault Sport versions:
Clio Renault Sport is an even more exclusive, efficient performance package. Its Formula 1-derived aerodynamics include front-wing air extractors, a rear diffuser and a front splitter, all of which are unique technologies on the hot hatch market. Independent steering axis front suspension guarantees steering precision and traction in all situations. The new version of the 2.0 16V Renault Sport engine combines response and power (147.5kW / 203hp) with optimized fuel consumption.
Distinctive, racy looks
New Renault Clio GT is immediately recognizable by its exclusive Malta Blue finish and expressive, racy lines. It sits squarely on its 16-inch Dark Anthracite aluminium alloy wheels, while its more assertive front end features a gloss black grille and distinctive black headlamp masks. The lines of the sills point to the efficiency of the GT version’s specific suspension. Meanwhile, the twin exhaust tailpipes and rear lip spoiler round off New Renault Clio GT’s undeniable sports tourer looks. Inside, eye-catching sporty details include drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support for the seats, as seen on New Clio Renault Sport, plus GT-badging for the front seats.
Specific suspension and a choice of high performance engines
Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers paid special attention to ensure that New Renault Clio GT’s chassis combined first class dynamic ability with a comfortable ride. The stiffness of the front springs and the cali¬bration of the front dampers have been uprated by 15 per cent compa¬red to the hatchback version. The variable-rate coil springs at the rear are 15 per cent stiffer, too, and the new rear dampers feature bigger diameter rods. These solutions ensure enhanced control of body move¬ment and more precise cornering. To counter body roll, the front anti-roll bar diameter has been upped from 20.5 to 21 mm, while the rear suspension is equipped with the same stiffer bushes chosen for New Clio Renault Sport. The rear end’s directional stability has been made more precise by curbing parasitic movements. The ratio of New Renault Clio GT’s power steering is also closer for swifter response and greater driving pleasure.
The GT version is available with a choice of three engines (depending on market): the dCi 105, the 1.6 16V 128 and / or the 2.0 16V 140. All three drive through a six-speed gearbox.
Popularly-priced integrated navigation
There is significant demand for navigation systems from new car buyers: when asked what item of equipment they would like for their car, 70 per cent of customers specify a navigation system. When it comes to compact vehicles, however, integrated navigation systems have traditionally been seen as too costly, with prices often standing at more than €1,000. Motorists have consequently tended to turn to less expensive, removable systems, but now Renault has come out with the popularly-priced Carminat TomTom®. This fully-integrated navigation system, which is either standard equipment or an option costing less than €500, is a groundbreaking first for the compact car segment.
A key feature of integrated navigation systems: a large 5.8-inchcolour screen
In addition to the fact that they offer greater protection against theft, integrated systems continue to stand out as the safest option in an accident. They are easy to read, too, thanks in this case to a 5.8-inch (15 cm) colour screen which is positioned high up on the dashboard in order to minimize the amount of time the driver’s eyes are off the road. The availability of 2D and 3D ‘bird view’ displays – with or without automatic zoom – make itineraries easy to follow. Vocal navigation instructions are transmitted via the vehicle’s own loudspeakers which are in turn controlled by the steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote control. In the case of New Renault Clio, Carminat TomTom® comes with a separate remote control for quick, safe use.
Advanced navigation functions
The roof-mounted exterior aerial ensures reliable, powerful GPS signal reception. The combination of a high-precision gyroscope and the speed sensor linked to the ABS brakes delivers reliable navigation at all times, even when the GPS signal is temporarily lost (in a tunnel, for example).
The engineering teams at Renault and TomTom® developed Carminat TomTom® from a particularly exacting brief which called for a robust, durable system capable of withstanding extreme heat and cold, sea mist, vibrations, knocks and electromagnetic fields. Carminat TomTom® is covered by Renault’s vehicle warranty.
In day to day use, in addition to its guidance function, Carminat TomTom® also displays traffic information (jams, roadworks, accidents) and suggests alternative itineraries when necessary. Speed restrictions are shown by a ‘signpost’ on the screen which turns red and flashes if the limit is exceeded. Depending on country, speed camera alerts warn drivers when they are approaching a fixed speed camera.
The screen also serves as the central multimedia display. Radio information, telephone lists (when combined with Bluetooth®) and MP3 player playlists (albums, song titles, when combined with Plug & Music) are automatically displayed.
CarminatTomTom®: updatable andcustomizable thanks toon-line services
Carminat TomTom® is easy to update. Maps are stored on a 2Go SD card. By using the card on a computer linked to the internet, customers can access a long list of on-line services. It is then easy to:
- update and upgrade the navigation system thanks to free or paydownloads: maps, speed camera locations, points of interest,customization of certain functions (voice, 3D vehicle icon, colours, etc.),
- order maps of other countries on-line (2Go SD cards can also bepurchased),
- share, correct and save map information using MapShare®,
- pre-trip planning using Google search®,
- obtain e-guides, tuition, etc.
For those owners whose computer does not have an SD card function, Renault even provides a USB-type SD reader.
Carminat TomTom® covers some 40 countries in western and eastern Europe and Scandinavia, plus Turkey and South Africa.
Benchmark cabin space and comfort
At the time of its launch in September 2005, Renault Clio III set new standards for its category, notably in terms of cabin space and comfort. Today sees New Renault Clio inherit the same strengths as its predecessor, as well as a class-leading overall cabin space index, thanks to rear shoulder-room of 1,362 mm in the case of the three-door versions and 1,343 mm for the five-door and estate versions. The sensation of space is further accentuated by the generous headroom which is 866 mm at the rear, while rear occupants also benefit from kneeroom of 162 mm. Indeed, New Renault Clio comfortably seats passengers who are more than 1.88 m tall (95th percentile of the European population).
Efficient suspension performance for a comfortable, reassuring ride
The New Renault Clio family delivers a carefully-honed balance between comfort and rigorous, safe roadholding. Like its predecessor, its neutral handling makes it easy to drive, while its chassis and suspension guarantee a high standard of cornering performance whatever the type of road, even when exposed to side-winds and under braking. The suspension has been specially tuned to match the specific demands of customers of the different versions (Hatchback, GT, Estate). New Renault Clio Hatchback’s suspension is identical to that of Clio III and delivers outstanding, comfortable roadholding. Meanwhile, New Renault Clio Estate’s suspension is equipped with a bigger-diameter rear anti-roll bar (21 mm) for enhanced control of body roll. Its dampers and suspension travel have also been adapted to match the estate version’s heavier weight and additional carrying capacity.
Arange ofresponsive, environmentally-friendly engines
The extensive range of engines and transmissions available for New Renault Clio enable owners to profit fully from the newcomer’s dynamic credentials. Versions powered by the 1.2 16V 75 and TCe 100 petrol engines, or by the dCi 70, 85 or 105 engines comply with all three of the criteria necessary to qualify for the Renault eco² signature.
The petrol line-up features five powerplants (depending on market): the 1.2 16V 75hp (55kW), the TCe 100 (74kW), the 1.6 16V 110hp (82kW), the 1.6 16V 128hp (94kW), and the 2.0 16V 140hp (102kW). Two of these petrol engines qualify for the Renault eco² signature.
The New Renault Clio range includes the new 1.6 16V 128hp engine (Type K4M HP) which is notably available for the GT version (depending on market). Maximum power is 128hp (94kW) at 6,750rpm, with peak torque standing at 155Nm at 4,250rpm. This normally-aspirated powerplant is responsive and delivers outstanding performance: with this new engine under the bonnet, New Clio Hatchback accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 9.3 seconds. Fuel consumption, however, is a low 6.9 litres / 100km (equivalent to 160g of CO2 / km) thanks to specific tuning and the fact that it drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.6 16V 128 engine has been developed from the 1,598cc petrol engine. The majority of components are shared with the Twingo Renault Sport engine. The additional power and torque stems from several modifications:
- increased intake airflow rate thanks to a specific throttle valve unit and aluminium plenum chamber, plus optimization of the intake port diameter and length.
- to improve airflow into the engine and facilitate gas flow, work has gone into the aerodynamics of the valve seats. The camshaft calibration has also been modified to achieve a longer opening of the valves and higher valve lift (11 mm, instead of an average lift of 9 mm)
- The geometry of the combustion chambers and pistons has led to a high compression ratio of 11.0:1 for enhanced combustion quality, and therefore greater efficiency and cleaner emissions.
- The continuously variable inlet camshaft ensures improved performance at all engine speeds. The actuator adjusts the timing to optimize valve opening and closure.
- This engine incorporates a compact, four-into-one thin-walled steel exhaust manifold which includes a catalytic converter. It ensures a first class compromise between performance and minimizing emissions.
The diesel line-up comprises three engines, all of which are widely acclaimed both for the driving enjoyment they offer and for their excellent acoustic performance: They are the dCi 70 (50kW), the dCi 85 (63kW) and the dCi 105 (78kW). The latter two can be equipped with a particulate filter. The dCi 70 and the dCi 85 are particularly fuel efficient. They emit less than 120g of CO2 / km and are the most popular choice for Renault Clio (75 per cent of the mix in France). All the diesel engines for New Renault Clio qualify for the Renault eco² signature. A particulate filter is available for the dCi 105 and, depending on market, for the dCi 85.
The New Renault Clio catalogue includes an extensive choice of transmissions:
- five-speed manual gearboxes (Type JH or JR)
- a six-speed manual gearbox (Type TL4) mated to the following engines: 1.6 16V 128, 2.0 16V 140, dCi 85 DPF (depending on market), dCi 105and dCi 105 DPF.
- robotized Quickshift 5 transmission (Type JA3) is available for the 1.2 16v 75hp (depending on market) and dCi 85 engines (Type JA3 and Type JA5 respectively),
- four-speed automatic transmission (DP0) with the 1.6 16V 110 engine.
Acoustic comfort on a par with that of bigger saloon cars
New Renault Clio boasts a level of soundproofing performance associated with the next segment up. Its architecture has been carefully engineered to filter out engine and transmission-generated noise, as well as road noise. Care has also been taken with the sound-damping between the cabin and the engine, while wind noise has been reduced thanks notably to the use of inflatable inserts in the structure’s hollow sections. The six-speed gearboxes available with the 1.6 16V 128hp, 2.0 16V 140hp, dCi 85 DPF and dCi 105 (with or without DPF) engines also reduce the transmission of engine noise when driving on motorways, for example.
A raft of equipment from the next segment up
The New Renault Clio range includes a long list of equipment from the next segment up which is aimed at either facilitating driving or enhancing travelling comfort. New Renault Clio is the only B-segment model that can be ordered with a hands-free card which permits entry and ignition without drivers needing to take the card out of their pocket or handbag. To unlock the car, the driver only has to put a hand near one of the door handles, or else activate the boot opening mechanism. The doors automatically lock at the push of a button situated on the driver’s door. A remote lighting function enables owners to locate their vehicle at a distance thanks a bespoke button on the card which activates the lights. For hands-free starting, the card doesn’t need to be inserted into a slot; its mere presence inside the cabin suffices thanks to special antennae located in the cabin and boot.
New Renault Clio comes with the new 80W RadioSat Classic audio system which includes six loudspeakers, an MP3-compatbile CD player, MP3 file name display and an RCA socket situated in front of the gear lever.
Owners looking for more advanced connectivity will appreciate the new Plug & Music and Bluetooth® functions.
• The Plug & Music function enables iPods® and other types of USB-compatible MP3 players – including USB keys – to be connected via a USB socket. Once connected, the occupant’s portable MP3 player becomes an integral part of the in-car entertainment system and can be controlled using the steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote controls or via the radio’s own fascia-mounted controls. Playlist folders and track names are displayed on the vehicle’s main screen.
• The Bluetooth® function permits hands-free use of the telephone using the vehicle’s own loudspeakers for enhanced safety. The system automatically detects the presence of telephone when the driver starts the car, while Renault’s exclusive ‘hold’ function puts callers on hold until the driver is in a position to answer safely. Incoming and outgoing calls automatically mute the radio and the telephone’s functions are controlled via the steeringwheel-mounted controls in conjunction with the larger dashboard display or Carminat TomTom® screen.
• The Bluetooth® function also incorporates audio streaming, which is the wireless transmission via the vehicle’s own loudspeakers of personal playlists stored on A2DP-compatible portable players.
For enhanced comfort and safety, New Renault Clio is equipped with the follow equipment (either standard depending on equipment level, or optional):
• cruise control with speed limiter,
• additional cornering lights,
• rear parking proximity sensor,
• a combined rain / light sensor which automatically switches on the hea¬dlamps and / or activates the windscreen wipers at the ideal wipe-speed.
• a foldaway ignition key.
Safety: a priority for Renault, and a self-evident feature of New Renault Clio
The New Renault Clio family benefits from Renault’s extensive expertise when it comes to active and passive safety. The combination of New Renault Clio’s suspension and a range of driver aids (ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, ESC, traction control, engine torque overrun regulation) contributes to an outstanding level of active safety, as do the big vented front discs and big rear discs or drums (front discs diameter / thickness: 260 mm / 22 mm or 280 mm / 22 mm, rear disc diameter / thickness: 240 mm / 8 mm).
Meanwhile, Clio III Hatchback obtained the maximum five-point rating in the crash tests carried out by the independent body EuroNCAP at the time of its release in 2005. New Renault Clio is built on the same platform and is equipped with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3), a pledge of uncompromising protection for all occupants.
Lower running costs anda 12-year anti-corrosion warranty
Servicing intervals have been extended. Oil changes are every:
- 30,000 km or two years for petrol engines, except the TCe engine (every 20,000 km / two years) which is equipped with the new Oil Control System),
- 20,000 km / two years for the dCi 70 and 85 engines,
- 30,000 km / two years for the 1.5 dCi 105 engine without particulate filter,
- 20,000km / one year for all versions equipped with a particulate filter.
The sparkplugs and air filter need changing every 60,000km / four years (90,000 km for all 1.6 16V versions) and the timing belt must be changed every 120,000 km / six years in the case of petrol engines, or every 160,000km / six years for diesel versions. The diesel filter has a life expectancy of 60,000 km or four years. In day to day use, all the engines return improved fuel consumption. To minimize repair and insurance costs, New Renault Clio is equipped with parts which have been specially designed to take soak up small knocks, notably with a view to its RCAR (Research Council for Automotive Repairs) rating. The use of polypropylene for the rear beam ensures the absorption of practically all impact energy in low-speed collisions. New Renault Clio comes with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty thanks to measures such as wax-injected hollow sections.
Three factories
Like its predecessor, New Renault Clio is produced in Flins (France), Valladolid (Spain) and Bursa (Turkey). The GT version is made exclusively in Flins, and the Estate is only produced in Bursa. Clio Renault Sport is assembled in Dieppe (France).
Controlled investment
New Renault Clio-related outlay was carefully optimized. Investment principally covered:
- the development of the GT version,
- the development of the 1.6 16V 128hp petrol engine, notably for the GT versions. This powerplant is also available for Renault Clio Exception and Renault Clio Estate.
- integration of the Carminat TomTom® navigation system,
Development and production-related investment totalled €50 million, which is about half the figure usually associated with new phase vehicles. This saving is due to two main factors:
- the targeting of investment in those areas which are the most visible: e.g. design.
- carry over: e.g. the use of existing Renault Sport parts for the GT version (notably the seats and chassis components). Similarly, the base used for the new 1.6 16V 128hp engine is the same as that used for Twingo Renault Sport’s new engine.
[Source: Renault]
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