It wasn’t just the Germans that introduced essential recent models at this 12 months’s IAA Mobility show (otherwise referred to as the Munich Motor Show), because the French also had something substantial to indicate. Say hello to the sixth-generation Renault Clio, the most recent chapter in a nameplate that has existed since 1990.
Across five generations, nearly 17 million of the Clio have been sold in 120 countries along the world, including ours prior to now. A continuous fixture at the highest portion of European sales charts, the Clio is a vital model for Renault, and the corporate is trying to keep it on the minds of buyers with an entire redesign.
Built on an updated CMF-B platform, the brand new Clio is a bigger vehicle than before, measuring in at 4,116 mm long (+67 mm), 1,768 mm wide (+39 mm), 1,451 mm tall (+11 mm) and with a wheelbase of two,591 mm (+8 mm).
It also boasts a more expressive design in comparison with its predecessor, with the corporate saying it follows on from the Embleme concept that made its debut last October. Looking visually aggressive, the Clio’s front end features angular headlamps flanking a hexagonal-shaped grille, while the lower apron has “parentheses” daytime running lights framing black panels and the lower intake. All of the air inlets have an insert with small diamond shapes, a nod to the Renault logo.
Viewed from the side, you’ll notice the more streamlined silhouette and revised proportions, the latter including an extended bonnet. Meanwhile, the side windows form a convex shape ending at C-pillars that look deceptively thin, as only a small section is body colored, with black trim and the Clio’s familiar concealed door handles completing the look. While it is a hatchback, Renault saw it fit to offer the Clio black wheel arches for more visual presence.
As for the rear, it gets a steeply-raked windscreen and sculpted bonnet, accompanied by 4 hexagonal-shaped taillights, roof spoiler and a particular line running across a recessed section for the number plate.
The design overhaul continues on the within, with the Clio sporting a dual-tier dashboard that sees the corner air vents and dual 10.1-inch displays that form a “gentle V” sit on the upper level. Below the centre OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, the central air vents and climate controls are angled towards the driving force.
Further down after blank plastic trim are the USB-C charging ports and a wireless charging pad, while the centre console is home to cupholders with a folding lid in addition to the electronic parking brake and armrest storage. Renault also touts a compact steering wheel taking from higher segment models, and that the 48-colour ambient lighting extends to the door cards. A Harman Kardon audio system is on the market together with a spread of interior colors, all depending on the chosen trim level.
Buyers will get to pick from Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine trims, all equipped with adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. Higher-end options include as much as 29 functions, including the brand new Lively Driver Assist first seen within the Renault 5, front and rear detection and emergency trajectory correction, automatic emergency braking in reverse, secure exit alert for occupants and emergency stop assist.
When it comes to powertrains, the Clio’s flagship option is a brand new full hybrid E-Tech system that sees 160 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Announced back in May this 12 months, the system comes from Horse Powertrain, which is a Geely-Renault three way partnership, and is predicated around a 1.8 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle.
That is paired with a bigger 1.4-kWh battery, a four-speed hybrid automatic transmission and two electric motors (a traction motor and a starter-generator) for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds and fuel consumption as little as 3.9 litres per 100 km.
Remaining powertrains are a 1.2 litre turbocharged inline-three with 115 PS and 190 Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual or options dual-clutch EDC gearbox, plus a dual-fuel petrol-LPG engine (also with 1.2 litres displacement and three cylinders) that makes 120 PS and 200 Nm and is EDC only. Each non-hybrid options share the identical century sprint time of 10.1 seconds. Reports indicate this generation of the Clio is the primary to not be offered with a diesel engine.
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
