Twenty five years and 13 million cars on from its launch in the UK, the new Renault Clio brings with it a whole host of styling, equipment, powertrain and quality improvements to the 4th generation of Renault's best-selling supermini when it appears ready to order in the UK in late September for October delivery.
Back in 2012, the 4th-generation Clio brought with it Renault's new styling identity, and the 2016 version, complete with a full-LED lighting signature, including C-shaped daytime running lights on some models, continues that design identity refreshment.
“Clio embodies Renault's acclaimed reputation for delivering larger car attributes in a compact, yet affordable vehicle. Since 2012, the Renault Clio has won over an increasingly large fan base thanks to its style and versatility, as well as through the generosity of its equipment package. New Clio gains maturity and combines painstaking attention to detail and styling with driving pleasure, advanced connectivity and innovative features to facilitate driving and travelling comfort.” Ali Kassaï – Renault Head of Product Planning
On higher-end versions, the headlamps additionally incorporate C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), permanent rear LED lights mirroring this C-shaped design (depending on version), while at entry-level and mid-range versions we find LED Daytime Running Lights and a chrome trim along the bottom of the grille.
All of which means that the new Renault Clio is continuing the stylish reputation that it has gained over the years.
The steering wheel has been redesigned, and trimmed with full-grain leather in higher-end models, as has the gear lever and door panels. And the whole cabin ambience has been transformed with the high-grade materials, new look central air vents and warm LED interior lighting enveloping the inhabitants in a pleasant glow, right across the board.
Under the bonnet, the new Clio boasts one of the market’s most extensive powertrain ranges thanks to a choice of eleven engine/transmission combinations, including the addition of a powerful, fuel-efficient 1.5 dCi 110 diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and six-speed manual transmission for the TCe 120 petrol engine.
The petrol Energy TCe 120 engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, offers a viable alternative to the existing EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission, and delivers 205Nm of torque at 2,000rpm courtesy of direct injection, turbocharging and Stop & Start technology.
All this means that the new Renault Clio offers one of the widest ranges of diesel engines around, with a choice between 90hp or 110hp units and either manual or, on the dCi 90, EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as a similarly encompassing petrol line-up, with options for 75hp, 90hp or 120hp and either manual or EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Emissions range from a low 82g/km of CO2 on the dCi 90 ECO engine to a still very respectable and low 127 g/km on the Dynamique Nav 1.2 16V 75, with fuel economy as high as 88.3MPG on the combined cycle with the Play dCi 90 ECO and Dynamique Nav dCi 90 ECO. Engines above the 1.2 16V 75 mainly offer over 60mpg.
The new Renault Clio doesn't skimp on technology either with three different connected multimedia systems - Media Nav Evolution, Renault R-Link Evolution and the new, smart R&GO system - as well as a BOSE quality sound system and a suite of driving aids. These include a reverse parking sensor, front parking sensor and a reverse parking camera (depending on version) and Handsfree Parking on top-of-the-range models.
As with the fourth-generation version, the New Clio UK line-up offers four versions: Expression, Play, Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav, as well as a top-of-the-range high-performance Renault Sport Clio line-up.
Right from the Expression trim entry level, equipment specification is impressive, featuring:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Electronic Traction Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Six airbags
- Cruise control
- Speed limiter.
- R&GO app-based system with satellite navigation and infotainment via smartphone
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB/FM/AM tuner with 2 x 20W stereo
- USB and jack connection points
- Electric front windows
- Electric and heated door mirrors
- Central locking
- Keycard entry with Start/Stop button
- Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- 60:40 split folding rear seat.
Play versions add in 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights and air conditioning.
One step up we find the Dynamique Nav, with all the above Expression and Play features, plus:
- Renault’s MediaNav system with 7" touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth streaming, TMC traffic information and SIRI “Eyes-Free” control for compatible iPhones.
- 4 x 20W Arkamys stereo system
- Handsfree Keycard
- Automatic lights and wipers
- Electrically operated, heated, and body coloured door mirrors
- One-touch function on the electric front windows
- Black gloss and chrome interior and exterior trim items
- Leather steering wheel.
Then at the top of the non-Sport trim is the Dynamique S Nav level which adds in:
- Full LED front and rear lights, integrating the DRLs at the front and rear,
- 17" alloy wheels
- Climate control
- Centre armrest
- Electrically folding door mirrors
- Rear electric windows
- Rear parking sensors.
Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav versions are available with a GT Line Look Pack to increase wolf-whistles with a sporty look, and adds in:
- GT Anthracite alloy wheels (16" on Dynamique Nav and 17" on Dynamique S Nav)
- Front bumper with Dark Metal air scoops and lateral sills (like the Clio R.S),
- Dark Metal rear bumper panel
- Exclusive exhaust with a chrome tailpipe
- Anthracite door mirror casings and protective inserts on the doors
- Renault Sport sill kick plates
- GT Line badging.
A fixed glass panoramic roof and a rear parking camera (linked to the optional R-Link system) are also available along with a "huge array of personalisation options that add co-ordinated colour touches and finishes to the cabin, wheels and exterior, as well as a choice of vibrant roof decals."
The new Clio Renault Sport
With two power outputs and three chassis, the new Clio R.S packs a host of technology and style options for immediate driving pleasure including R.S. VISION lighting as a standard feature, an exclusive optional Akrapovic exhaust system, and a smart exterior sporty look.
Available in two models, Renault Sport 200 Auto EDC and Renault Sport 220 Trophy Auto EDC, both of which achieve 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of just 133 g/km, the new Clio R.S. is available with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a choice of two power outputs (200hp and 220hp on the Trophy version), mated to six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.
As customisable as its less-powerful siblings with three different types of chassis, the Clio R.S. offers an unprecedented equipment package for the segment that includes Launch Control (with three driving modes -Normal, Sport and Race), the R.S. Monitor application and hydraulic compression bump stops.
The 220hp Trophy version is capable of out-performing all other sporty vehicles in its class, taking just 6.6 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph, 14.5 seconds to cover 400m from a standing start and going on to reach a top speed of 146mph - and it looks good too!
The Clio R.S. looks wider thanks to a specific front bumper, and features LED multi-faceted lighting in the form of a chequered flag called R.S. Vision. The look is further enhanced with new 18" wheels and specific sills, a spoiler, functional diffuser and twin exhaust tail pipes, at the rear with C-shaped lighting rear lights.
And then there is the GT Line look pack, equipped with Dark Metal air scoops in the front bumper along with lateral sills (like the Clio R.S.), uniquely designed 16" or 17" wheels, as well as an exclusive exhaust with a chrome tail pipe and a Dark Metal rear bumper panel.
Both the New Clio and New Clio R.S. will be available to order in the UK from September with deliveries due in October, so register your interest in leasing one with our Customer Service Representatives now.