Renault unveils 4th generation Clio

Renault's 4th generation Clio London - Agencies Since the launch of the original model in 1990, some 11.5 million Clios have been sold in more than 115 countries. Today, a new chapter in Clio’s history is about to be written with the unveiling of the fourth-generation version. “New Clio is set to make a real mark. In addition to an unprecedented package of innovations, its design marks a major shift from that of previous models.” Carlos Tavares (Chief Operating Officer) New Renault Clio, an incarnation of the brand’s new styling identity New Renault Clio is the first production model to give full expression to the Renault design renaissance inspired by Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design. The promise was to take the style and emotion of the brand’s latest concept cars and carry them over to production models. Renault’s new supermini fulfils that promise. “New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it.” Laurens van den Acker (Senior Vice President, Corporate Design) Balanced, dynamic exterior proportions New Clio stands out through its front-end design which features a prominent Renault logo, set bold and upright to a gloss black background, an arrangement first seen on the DeZir concept car. This frontal treatment is further emphasised by the headlights – the lower edge of which is picked out in chrome – and LED daytime running lights. Offered only in five-door form, New Clio has a sporty silhouette, accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. In comparison with its predecessor, it packs extra dynamism and personality thanks to a lower ride height, wider tracks, wheels pushed out wide within the arches, and a reduction in the gap between the wheels and wheel arches. From launch, New Clio will be offered in a choice of eight body colours, including the launch colour which is derived from the red used for DeZir. A fresh, welcoming, occupant-friendly cabin Safe, protective and refreshing, the interior of New Renault Clio perfectly complements the exterior style to inspire confidence and energy. Comfort goes hand-in-hand with a modern feel and user-friendliness thanks to the dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the centre console, a wide range of colour options, a digital speedometer, comfortable seats and chrome and gloss-black trim highlights. Broadest-ever personalisation programme & long list of affordable options Exterior and interior personalisation was dialled into New Renault Clio’s design process at the outset. From launch, buyers will be able to personalise the outside of their car with a selection of colour touches to the front grille, rear and side door inserts. To personalise the interior, the menu covers the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever and air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and optional floor mats. Thanks to attractively-priced option packs, buyers are able to choose the look and feel they prefer. New Renault Clio: packed with innovations When it comes to innovation, Renault’s new supermini retains Clio’s tradition of redefining expectations within its class and raising the standards for small cars. Renault R-Link – an integrated tablet connected to the car and internet Having been first with notable innovations such as steering wheel-mounted radio controls (1982, R11 Electronic) and in-car navigation (1994, Safrane), after bringing keyless entry to the volume market (in 2001) and GPS navigation with a high-resolution screen (Carminat TomTom® priced at £450 for Clio in 2009), and having launched on-board connected navigation in the shape of Carminat TomTom® LIVE for Clio, Renault continues its stream of innovations with Renault R-Link. Available as standard from Dynamique upwards for New Clio, Renault R-Link provides a bridge between the car and the connected world outside thanks to: - A wide seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen, intuitive voice commands and, as a market first, a home page that can be personalised by the user for safe and simple access to essential functions, without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road. - TomTom® connected navigation includes Live services and boasts the market’s best real-time traffic information, helping to minimise journey times and fuel consumption. - Among other benefits, a connection with the car’s own electronic systems permits access to an advanced eco-driving function (Driving eco²) which analyses the driver’s behaviour and provides advice to help reduce fuel consumption. - Thanks to the Renault R-Link Store, the automobile world’s first ever Application Store, users can easily view or download a comprehensive and varied range of apps from their car or computer (via ‘My Renault’). The scope of Renault R-Link’s connected functions will continue to expand thanks to ‘Paris Incubateurs’ (a Paris-based hot-house for young talent) and to an appeal extended to start-ups at the LeWeb’11 show. Over and above the services provided by TomTom® LIVE and the COYOTE app, which alerts the driver to dangerous situations (in countries where this feature is available), R-Link users can also check their messages, for example, manage their diary, locate the nearest service station or place to park, or send a tweet…. One Renault R-Link app – Renault R-Sound Effect – enables the audio experience inside New Clio to be personalised by immersing the cabin in a specific sound environment. It can simulate six different engine sound profiles, each with a specific, attractive signature and perfectly synchronised with driving parameters such as speed and acceleration. A world first: Bluetooth® radios with the Renault Bass Reflex system All versions of New Clio are available with a clever sound system integrated into the front doors’ loudspeakers. Known as Renault Bass Reflex, this system delivers the volume and listening enjoyment of a 30-litre home speaker system. Bass frequencies are more powerful and the threshold of saturation and distortion is pushed much higher. The entire New Clio range features Bluetooth®-equipped radios for hands-free telephone operation and audio streaming from portable music players with excellent sound quality. All radios incorporate USB and jack sockets. New Renault Clio: a pleasure to drive, and targeting number one status for fuel economy and low CO2 emissions New Renault Clio combines low fuel consumption with driving pleasure thanks to a significantly updated range of petrol and diesel engines. The two petrol engines (Energy TCe 90 and TCe 120) combine very low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions with responsive performance and mid-range acceleration. The significantly improved new-generation Energy dCi engines bestow New Clio with record-breaking fuel economy for the same driving pleasure. Two new Energy engines: advanced technology for everyday motoring New Energy TCe 90 petrol engine New Clio is the first Renault model to feature the new three-cylinder petrol turbocharged Energy TCe 90 engine. This is the first three-cylinder powerplant ever produced by Renault and, from launch, will provide a remarkable balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy: - This three-cylinder, turbocharged 899cc unit comes with Stop&Start and delivers the performance of a normally-aspirated 1.4-litre powerplant, - An ultra low-inertia turbo for satisfying response from low engine speeds: 90hp and 135Nm at 2,000rpm (90 per cent of peak torque available from 1,650rpm to 5,000rpm), - An economy-optimised version with taller gear ratios and fuel consumption of 65.7 mpg, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 99g/km[a], - A 21 per cent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savingc compared to the TCe 100 it replaces New diesel Energy dCi 90 The latest addition to the Energy family is a new 90hp version of the 1.5 dCi, equipped with Stop&Start: - A four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine with 220Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm, an increase of 20Nm over the current dCi 85, - An economy-optimised version with taller gear ratios which also qualifies for the Renault eco2 signature with fuel consumption of 88 mpg, equivalent to CO2 emissions 83g/kmc. New TCe 120, paired with six-speed EDC automatic transmission New Clio will be available with the new, dynamic TCe 120 engine mated to six-speed EDC transmission (Efficient Dual Clutch), a first for Renault in the B segment: - A four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine with the performance of a normally-aspirated 1.6 engine, - Direct fuel injection and turbocharging for peak power of 120hp and 190Nm of torque from 1,750rpm. This engine is currently in the process of being homologated and will become available in the first half of 2013. It will be among the most powerful, yet most economical, engines in its class. Along with the availability of EDC dual clutch transmission for the dCi 90 engine in the first half of 2013, New Clio will mark a further step in expanding access to the driving pleasure and seamless gearshifts delivered by this responsive and frugal automatic transmission. Systems designed to promote economical driving Over and above these engineering features, New Clio offers drivers an integrated suite of efficient solutions to help them reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: - An ECO mode[b] allows drivers to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent by modifying the car’s performance parameters at the push of a button. - A driving style monitor (green, yellow or orange) and a Gear Change Indicator (GCI) on the dashboardd help drivers improve their driving style to reduce their fuel consumption. - The Driving eco²app available through Renault R-Link provides drivers with a full suite of information, enabling them to analyse their driving style and take corrective measures in order to reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.