Cars

Refreshed styling combined with new technology heralds NEW PHASE for fourth-generation Renault CLIO

November 29, 2016

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Refreshed styling combined with new technology heralds NEW PHASE for fourth-generation CLIO

CLIO 4 achieves 20 000 unit sales since April 2013 launch
Quality exterior and interior design enhancements across-the-board
66kW Turbo engine upgrade to entry-level New Clio Authentique
Introduction of new R&GO®, simple-to-use, smart and portable app exclusive to New CLIO Authentique
MediaNav® multimedia/navigation system standard on Dynamique, Expression and Expression EDC models

With global sales in excess of 13 million units since launching in 1990, RENAULT CLIO is the best-selling French car of all time. Asuccess story that continued with fourth-generation Clio’s launch into more than 100 countries worldwide and into South Africa in April 2013.

Drawing inspiration directly from Renault’s DeZir concept car, the seductive and stylish New Renault CLIO 4 was described as “the heir to one of the marque’s richest legacies” and was the first model to feature the brand’s new design identity. With front-end styling featuring a bolder version of its trademark diamond-shaped logo, an all-new engine and way ahead of its class rivals in terms of innovation and on-board technologies, Renault South Africa stated its intention to re-establish the model as one of the top performers in the highly competitive B-segment.

Around 20 000 CLIO 4 models have been sold since its 2013 launch in SAand as predicted, the perennially popular ‘small car with the big attitude’ has consistently been a Top 5 performer in its class. Compact, affordable yet oozing style and class, CLIO has won over an increasing fan base thanks to its style and versatility as well as through its generous equipment package.

Renault is acclaimed for its inclusion of larger car features, fitments and attributes in its smaller, compact cars and the best-selling CLIO 4 is proof of this.With global sales exceeding 400 000 in 2015, CLIO tops its class in Europe and is amongst the best-selling vehicles in its segment throughout the rest of the world. Since its arrival here in 1999, and with each subsequent generation of model or model refresh in the 17 years since, Renault CLIO has enjoyed the same unprecedented success in South Africa.

On the outside, Renault’s refreshed, New CLIO (phase 2) is more appealing than ever, courtesy of its full-LED lighting signature on the flagship version and the incorporation of stylish design cues and interior ambiances that exude quality.

Maturity, combined with painstaking attention to detail, advanced connectivity and innovative features to facilitate driving pleasure and travelling comfort, is evident in the New CLIO line-up. Renowned for its dynamic capabilities, from inception CLIO’s reputation has been founded on its ability to cope with city motoring and open road long distance driving with equal ease.

With three equipment levels, the New CLIO has been redesigned and redefined to win over both an existing and new customer base with a wide spectrum of requirements and expectations. Sensuous and refined interior and exterior redesign elements combined with the inclusion of new technology usually associated with upper segment class vehicles, up New CLIO’s looks and connectivity. F1-inspired 66kW and 88kW Turbo petrol engines enhance pace and performance while maintaining impressive fuel consumption and CO² emission levels.

The range comprises the flagship Dynamique (66kW Turbo), mid-level Expression (66kW Turbo) and Expression EDC (88kW + EDC) models which come with the same 7″ Touchscreen MediaNav® multi-media/navigation system. The base-level Authentique (66kW Turbo) sees the introduction of the new R&GO® system with Smartphone Cradle.

DETAILED UPGRADES: Inside + Out

The latest CLIO models are an altogether more grown-up proposition, with seductive styling on the outside perfectly complemented by sophistication within. A series of mostly cosmetic upgrades has been driven by attention to detail and refinement all-round.

EXTERIOR:

The most stylish CLIO yet, the exterior exudes even more character and personality than before.

In addition to the reshaping of the front bumper, the top grille housing the logo now has a more qualitative design; as has the lower re-proportioned grid which is now visibly broader and more modern than previously. At the rear, the skirt has also been redesigned to enhance robustness.

The full-LED front lighting signature on the New CLIO Dynamique variantemulates the styling of its current Renault’s stablemates and sets it apart from competitor models. At the front, full LED “Pure Vision” headlights fulfil the dual function of dipped and main beam. This technology enhances the vehicle’s appearance and safety by emitting a light that is 20 percent more powerful than a halogen beam at the same time reducing glare.

The headlamps on the New CLIO Dynamique incorporate C-shape LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)emblematic of the brand’s new lighting signature plus C-shape LED rear lights. The Expression and Authentique models boast redesigned double optic halogen headlights with high-LED DRL fitted in the lower front bumper and chrome trim along the bottom of the grille.

INTERIOR: Textures, colour + material refinements

The latest CLIO benefits from the introduction of materials usually employed in Renault’s top-of-the-range models. The redesigned, leather-clad steering wheel (Dynamique and Expression only) has seen the discarding of the glossy black inserts giving it a more practical look and feel in keeping with the rest of New CLIO’s cabin.

The chrome components are subtle and classy while the cabin’s interior colours are more refined. The gear lever, as well as the door panels, have been redesigned and give an impression of greater and lasting quality while the updated seat fabrics are of a higher quality across-the-board. In the New CLIO Dynamiqueand Expression variants, the seat design is also more enveloping and provides increased lateral support.

Now in a single housing, the armrests – which also incorporate new controls – are more aesthetically pleasing thanks to a new grained finish. The central air vents also sport a new look while the interior lighting produces a pleasant glow.

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES

For more than 25 years, Renault CLIO has consistently changed the game in terms of the equipment it has offered, at the same time revolutionising the versatile small city car market by incorporating technologies previously the sole preserve of higher vehicle segments.

INTRODUCING NEW R&GO®

With the inclusion of the R&Go® application exclusive to theNew CLIO Authentique, the entry level newcomer is connected and firmly in tune with the times. Thanks to an easy-to-use and customizable interface, this new application enables a closer mix between the smartphone and automotive worlds.

Simple-to-use, smart, portable and developed to enhance the driving experience, R&Go® is a smartphone/tablet multifunction application with an automotive human machine interface (HMI) that adds functionalities to the vehicle.

Connected to the car through the radio using Bluetooth®, the radio is connected to the Controller Area Network (CAN) and can be controlled by the application. With the smartphone placed in the universal cradle which is affixed to the dashboard, users can easily and intuitively access the car’s most frequently employed functions.

The R&Go® app has been split into four different areas:

Multimedia:

Ø Controls radio, sound and smartphone music
Ø Selects and manages other audio media (from USB / iPod for example)
Ø Identifies songs from radio while playing

Phone:

Ø Manages phone (dial a number, call a contact, history of calls)
Ø Manages contacts/agenda (retrieving info from phone)

Vehicle:

Ø Facilitates ECO driving (global score, distance travelled, rate for acceleration/anticipation/gear

change for example)

Ø Dashboard (displays rpm, fuel consumption, vehicle/trip-relation information (speed, distance)

and outside temperature

Ø Vehicle e-guide

Navigation:

Ø Car finder: save vehicle’s last position and display pedestrian route to reach it
Ø Choice of navigation applications: Google maps, Apple plan, Waze etc.
Ø Last mile navigation: portable pedestrian nav to reach final destination
Ø CoPilot navigation: Free for 15 days; available thereafter through in app purchase

MEDIA NAV® SYSTEM

The New CLIO Dynamique, Expression and Expression EDC versions come standard with Renault’s MediaNav® integrated navigation/multi-media system complete with large 7″ (18cm) touchscreen display, SA maps and Eco Scoring.

F1-INSPIRED ENGINES DELIVER PERFORMANCE + CONTROL

Access to highly efficient and technologically-advanced engines is no longer the preserve of more expensive vehicles is illustrated by Renault’s new generation 66kW Turbo and 88kW Turbo petrol engines.

Based on the combination of innovative technologies resulting from Renault’s Formula 1 expertise, these engines optimise power, performance and driving pleasure, while efficiently managing fuel consumption and CO² emission levels.

66kW Turbo Petrol Engine: Economical and efficient

The 3-cylinder 66kW petrol Turbo engine powering both the New CLIO Dynamique, Expression and Authentique models delivers amazing power and torque and generates proven and unparalleled flexibility. With maximum output of 66kW @ 5 250 rpm, mated with a manual 5-speed gearbox, it delivers peak torque of 140Nm at 2 500 rpm. From 0 to 100kph in 12.9 seconds, top speed is 178kph.

Sipping just 5.5 litres/100km in full cycle, fuel consumption is frugal while at 126g/km CO² emissions are low.

88kW Turbo Petrol Engine + EDC: Strength and performance

The power behind New CLIO Expression EDC is Renault’s 1.2 litre, 4-cylinder petrol Turbo engine. With maximum output of 88kW @ 4 900rpm and peak torque of 190Nm @ 2 000rpm, paired with a 6-speed EDC auto gearbox, it’s renowned for its excellent, fuel-efficient drive (consumption comparable to that of a manual gearbox together with seamless, smooth gear changes. Taking just 9.4 seconds from 0 to 100km/h, top speed is 199km/h.

At 5.2 litres/100km (full cycle), fuel consumption is impressive as are CO² emissions of 120g/km.

Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) Automatic Transmission

The Renault-developed EDC is a double clutch, six-speed automatic gearbox, a combination of two parallel half gearboxes which work closely together. The engine torque is transmitted to each half gearbox via a specific clutch with the ideal gear selected by the relevant clutch by means of an electronic control unit. As such, the EDC combines the comfort of an auto transmission with the responsiveness and frugality of a manual gearbox. Shifting in manual mode is possible.

Super convenient and affording the driver increased efficiency, the shifting (manual mode) has been reversed and is sporty-orientated: push forward to downshift and pull to upshift. With the EDC, driving a CLIO has never been easier or more fun.

EDC mated with Renault’s 88kW Turbo engine is standard on the New CLIO Expression EDC.

CLIO TICKS ALL THE SAFETY BOXES

Renault CLIO was the first car in its class to obtain a four star, then a five star EuroNCAP rating. From the new entry-level Clio Authentique, to the mid-level Expression models and the flagship Dynamique trim, safety equipment and features are exactly the same.

With anunparalleled level of on-board safety and protection features and equipment as standard across the entire range, CLIO ranks as one of the safest cars in South Africa.

WARRANTY + SERVICE PLAN

As with Renault’s entire range, New CLIO models come standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services are at 15 000km intervals.