Thanks to its thrifty fuel consumption and low servicing and running costs, New Renault Symbol is truly economical to run. Both the petrol-and diesel-powered versions of this new vehicle can claim best in class fuel consumption, returning a low 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 116g/km) with the 1.5 dCi 85hp engine, and 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 140g/km) with the 1.2 16V 75hp powerplant. The range of latest-generation engines provides the category’s best level fuel consumption, performance and acoustic comfort. Long servicing and oil-change intervals also contribute to low running costs.
New Renault Symbol sets new standards when it comes to travelling comfort, too. The running gear is inherited from that of Clio II which is acclaimed for the first class balance it strikes between comfort and handling. Passengers will also appreciate the quiet drive ensured by the carefully soundproofed cabin, while thermal comfort has been engineered to function in a wide range of extreme climates. Meanwhile, New Renault Symbol’s connectivity meets customer’s expectations thanks to an extensive choice of radios with MP3 playback, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone controls, a portable Carminat navigation system and an audio connection box which permits the use of personal MP3 and iPod® players in total safety.
The large (506 dm3), practical boot meets the needs of a wide variety of uses, ranging from family holidays and professional use to weekends away in the country. This new three-box car is just as uncompromising in the realm of safety, delivering optimal protection for all occupants.
New Renault Symbol has plenty of arguments in its favour to win over families in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, the Maghreb countries and the Gulf States. Indeed, this new vehicle heralds the forthcoming renewal of Renault’s entire three-box line-up and is due to be released for sale on the majority of its markets between September and November 2008.
New Renault Symbol was developed over a period of 26 months. Digital technologies including modelling and dynamic simulation were employed at every step of the project, resulting in both time and cost savings. The total capital outlay for New Renault Symbol–including production-related investment–was €100 million. The use of the running gear from Clio II, itself a benchmark in its segment in terms of comfort and roadholding, permitted design lead times to be kept to a minimum while ensuring an extremely high standard of quality. Although Clio Symbol was derived from Clio II, New Renault Symbol is a model in its own right. Designed jointly by Renault engineering teams at the Technocentre (France), in Turkey and in Romania, it is manufactured at the Oyak-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey, one of the Renault Group’s leading factories in terms of quality. It is both ISO 9001- and ISO 14001- certified and employs the production methods spelled out in the Renault Production Way (SPR). Quality control also covers the management of this factory’s diversified production which manufactures five different body types on the same line. Bursa’s capacity is 360,000 units in three shifts for the five models it produces, namely New Renault Symbol, three-and five-door Clio III, Clio Estate and four-door Mégane saloon.
A VEHICLE AIMED AT PROMOTING GROWTH OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPE REGION
The decision to manufacture New Renault Symbol in Bursa was taken at a very early stage in the project in order to ensure its production as near as possible to the countries where it would be sold. Indeed, Russia, Turkey, Romania and Algeria are key markets for this model and are expected to absorb more than 80 per cent of production. The rest of output will go to the CEEC (Central and Eastern Europe countries), the Middle East and Africa. This new three-box car targets automobile markets that are enjoying strong growth. Between 2000 and 2007, the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) grew by 176 per cent, while new growth economies such as the Maghreb countries and Turkey grew by 87 per cent, and mature markets (Western Europe, North America and Japan) receded by 4.5 per cent. Forecasts expect this trend to be even more marked in years to come. In this highly competitive marketplace which has seen a significant renewal of the offer, New Renault Symbol has many arguments in its favour, beginning with the brand’s performance in this segment. Clio Symbol has been a success story since 2000, with sales totalling more than 600,000 units. It was once again Turkey’s best-selling car in 2007. Up to the end of April 2008, Clio Symbol topped its segment in Turkey and was second in Romania, Morocco and Algeria.
NEW RENAULT SYMBOL, TAILOR-MADE FOR ITS MARKETS
New Renault Symbol reaps the benefit of the regional organization introduced by Renault in 2006. This set-up features regular meetings between all the key local players and representatives of centrally-based functions for a more streamlined decision-making process in tune with the needs of the marketplace.The Euromed region was closely involved in the project, notably in terms of deciding the specification of the new car and then forecasting sales volumes.
Customer surveys and feedback from the field conducted at a very early stage in the project enabled a detailed analysis of the segment to be made with a view to producing a vehicle that perfectly matched customer demand. Two major factors stood out as essential, namely exterior looks and low running costs (fuel consumption, upkeep and servicing). Despite variations from one market to another, this process outlined the principal characteristics of the typical New Renault Symbol buyer, who is male and looking for a spacious family car that is comfortable, easy to run and versatile (family journeys, travelling to and from work). The typical buyer is also looking for the best quality-to-price ratio, as well as a safe, attractive car. Brand image is seen as important, too. New Renault Symbol is the first step in the creation by Renault of a range of three-box models. This will enable the brand to build on the many thousands of satisfied Clio Symbol buyers and also win over new customers thanks notably to the newcomer’s status-enhancing looks and extremely competitive running costs. The car is due to be released for sale on the majority of its markets between September and November 2008.
ELEGANT, STATUS-ENHANCING LINES
New Renault Symbol is a new three-box saloon which features attractive styling. Its length of 4.26 metres and height of 1.43 metres ensure nicely balanced proportions. The harmonious forms of its headlamps and body colour exterior mirrors underpin the front end’s status-enhancing looks. Seen from the side, its lines are those of a prestigious saloon and the presence of a third side window ensures first class visibility. The robust design of the rear is also suggestive of status, an impression which is compounded by the body colour rear bumper and wrap-round rear lights. The use of chrome trimming for the grille surround and rear panel adds a further note of refined distinction (depending on equipment level). New Renault Symbol can also be ordered with an optional Look Pack (additional lights and satin chrome door handles) and 14-or 15-inch aluminium alloy wheels. A broad range of accessories enables owners to further modify their car’s looks as a function of their personal taste. Items available from launch are a rear wing, chrome exterior mirror housings, door protective mouldings and specific aluminium 14-wheels. Three non-metallic body colours are available (Glacier White, Vif Red and Roy Blue), as well as several metallic body colours (Cendré Beige, Cassiopée Grey, Écume Blue, Nacré Black, Éclipse Grey, Poivré Beige, Platine Grey, Olive Grey and Dyna Red).
A COMFORTABLE, CAREFULLY-APPOINTED CABIN
The same seductive appeal and level of perceived quality are apparent inside New Renault Symbol, too. The practical interior exudes a sensation of comfort and well-being, while the trim strip of the dashboard brings an added touch of elegance and refinement. The dashboard itself features a rev-counter, warning lights and the trip computer display. The gearlever knob falls readily to hand, while appointments include a chrome steeringwheel trim (depending on version) and the height-adjustable driver’s seat. A door sills are available as accessories.
BEST LEVEL FUEL EFFICIENCY
New Renault Symbol features segment-leading fuel consumption performance. In their respective categories, the 1.5 dCi 85hp diesel engine and the petrol 1.2 16V 75hp return record low combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a three-box vehicle of this size, i.e. 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 116g/km) and 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 140g/km). To achieve such low figures, Renault’s engineers paid especially close attention to New Renault Symbol’s aerodynamics (CdA = 0.691) and to keeping weight to a minimum. Indeed, the 1.2 16V 75hp-powered version tips the scales at a low 904kg to give it a particularly attractive performance-fuel consumption ratio. New Renault Symbol contributes actively to the ‘120-140’ pledge outlined in the Renault Commitment 2009 plan which saw Renault commit to selling one million vehicles in 2008 that emit less than 140g of CO2/km, including one third that emit less than 120 g/km.
LOW RUNNING COSTS
New Renault Symbol facilitates the life of its owners. It benefits from the new servicing policy introduced by Renault at the start of 2008, and consequently longer servicing intervals (variable from market to market). Depending on country, servicing intervals (oil change and air filter) are every 15,000 km for petrol and diesel engines alike. In the case of petrol engines, the sparkplugs, timing belt and accessory drive belt are to be changed every 60,000km. The timing and accessory drive belts of diesel engines must be changed every 75,000km. The diesel filter has to be replaced every 15,000 km.
A RANGE OF ENGINES THAT COMBINE PERFORMANCE
AND ECONOMY
The New Renault Symbol range features the latest-generation engines that power all Renault’s entry level models (Twingo, Clio and Modus), providing best level fuel consumption, performance and acoustic comfort. Depending on country and equipment level, the petrol engine range comprises the 1.2 16V 55kW (75hp), the 1.4 55kW (75hp), the 1.4 16V 72kW (98hp) and the 1.6 16V 77kW (105hp). Meanwhile, the 1.5 dCi diesel engine is available in a choice of two power outputs: 48kW (65hp) and 62kW (85hp). Depending on market, these engines comply with Euro1, Euro3 or Euro4 depollution standards. The two most powerful petrol engines can be mated with four-speed proactive automatic transmission.
OUTSTANDING HANDLING
The handling of New Renault Symbol is predictable in all situations, even on wet roads. The choice of the same running gear as Clio II, a front track dimension of 1.41m and a wheelbase of 2.47m ensure pleasant, surefooted and surprise-free stability and handling. Its roadholding has been engineered with two priorities in mind: safety and comfort. The MacPherson-type front suspension has been calibrated to deliver optimal handling and ride comfort. It employs hydraulic dampers and coil springs, and comes with an anti-roll bar to minimize body-roll. The diameter of the anti-roll bar is 23mm in the case of versions powered by the 1.2 or 1.4 75hp petrol engines, and 24mm in the case of the other models. The rear suspension is based on a compact and lightweight programmed deflection H-beam system. Ride comfort is enhanced by the combination of vertically-mounted dampers, variable-rate coil springs and rubber top and bottom spring mountings which efficiently filter out the transmission of vibrations to the bodyshell.
EFFECTIVE STOPPING POWER
For advanced braking performance, New Renault Symbol is equipped with solid or vented discs (diameter: 238mm or 259mm) depending on engine, while most versions feature eight-inch drums at the rear. The new vehicle can be ordered with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. The power steering ensures directional precision and heightens the sense of safety at higher speeds. A rear parking proximity sensor is available to facilitate parking, notably in urban carparks.
TOP LEVEL SOUNDPROOFING
New Renault Symbol boasts best in class acoustic and anti-vibration performance. The choice of the Clio II platform ensures that the cabin is efficiently soundproofed. The seal at the base of the windscreen and the use of foam to fill the space between the lower front pillar trim and the
wing prevent the transmission of noise from the engine compartment to the cabin. The third side window’s felt seal cuts exhaust and road noise, while the use of capping foam contributes to the car's soundproofing performance at the rear.
PLEASANT THERMAL COMFORT
New Renault Symbol’s thermal comfort has been engineered to meet the demands dictated by the climates of a variety of countries. The routing of the vent ducts has been thought through to ensure that the temperature climbs rapidly when starting, especially in extreme cold. Depending on market, New Renault Symbol features:
• an air conditioning system designed for fast, efficient production of cold air (optional),
• a climate control system designed to keep the cabin temperature consistent (optional),
• high capacity production of warm air,
• efficient defrosting performance and a flow of warm air delivered rapidly and evenly across the full windscreen.
The 1.5 dCi engine is equipped with thermoplungers. This additional electric heating accelerates defrosting and the activation of the heating system. In certain countries such as Russia, the seat backs and cushions can be heated.
CONNECTIVITY AND MULTIMEDIA
New Renault Symbol’s connectivity meets customer’s expectations thanks to the availability of the following equipment:
Radios
• Radio Mono CD with audio socket, this radio system comes with an audio connection which permits a personal MP3 player to be plugged in.
• Radio Mono CD–MP3 with MP3 playback and remote display, two or three loudspeakers plus two tweeters, RDS and fingertip remote control, the radio with MP3 playback benefits from new functions: CD/MP3 detection and display of artist’s name, album title and song name.
Audio connection box
This feature allows passengers to play music stored on a personal MP3 player through New Renault Symbol’s own audio system and loudspeakers, meaning that occupants can profit from their favourite songs and albums on the move. The audio connection box is easy to access in the glovebox, simple to use and is equipped with three auxiliary-in sockets: USB, 3.5mm jack and DIN. The car’s fingertip remote audio control enables the driver to alter the volume and scroll through the different MP3 functions, whether the music is stored on a USB key, a personal MP3 player or an iPod®. It is possible to charge the MP3 player via the USB key.
Hands-free Bluetooth® telephone
This wireless telephone equipment kit is perfectly compatible with a long list of Bluetooth® telephones available on the market.
Portable Carminat navigation
The Dayton PM 2050 (Siemens VDO) navigation system with 3.5-or 4.3-inch colour display.
LARGE, PRACTICAL BOOT
New Renault Symbol features one of the largest boots of its class. Its capacity of 506dm3, flat floor and width (more than 1.10m) make it ideal for all uses, from family holidays to weekends away in the country. The front and rear (depending on version) doors incorporate large stowage bins, while the dashboard houses a six-litre lidded glovebox. Depending on version, stowage can also include map pockets on the backs of the front seats.
EFFECTIVE OCCUPANT PROTECTION
New Renault Symbol benefits from Renault’s extensive expertise in the realm of safety. To guarantee optimal protection for all occupants, this new three-box model features a long list of safety-enhancing equipments, not the least of which is the use of high elastic limit steel which ensures a strongly resistant cabin while at the same time limiting the latter’s deformation, notably in the case of frontal impact. The way its reinforced structure crumples under impact is pre-programmed. The subframe and front bumper beam have been optimized. In the case of side impact, occupants are protected by anti-intrusion strengthening of the front and rear doors. New Renault Symbol comes as standard with a driver’s side airbag, to which it is possible to add a front passenger airbag and two lateral thorax airbags (depending on version) for further protection from side impact. Occupant restraint can also be enhanced by pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seats to optimize the way passengers are held in place. New Renault Symbol is equipped with five three-point seatbelts. The front seatbelts incorporate load limiters to protect the thorax. Depending on version, these three-point seatbelts are height-adjustable to ensure optimal comfort and passenger restraint under impact. The front and rear (depending on equipment level) adjustable headrests have been designed to avoid injury to the cervical vertebrae in the case of rear impact. These headrests improve the position of the back, as well as the restraint and comfort of the head. Last but not least, for the safety of young passengers, New Renault Symbol’s outer rear seats are equipped as standard with Isofix anchorage, as well as kiddy locks for the rear doors.
[Source: Renault]
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