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Renault Clio range rationalised and updated

Pics supplied by importer

Renault’s award-winning (European car of the Year for 1991 and 2006 and SA Car of the Year 2000) Clio range has been rationalised to its two most popular models for now, with a 1,6 automatic on the “maybe” list and a sporty, entry level 1,6 “S” version on the cards for next year.

Offerings in the new line up are a 1,6 Dynamique 5 door and the range-topping 2,0 litre Sport. Both underwent some basic revisions and have additional features in return for very moderate price increases.

Clio Dynamique boasts an additional 41 mm of wheelbase, giving more living space with a bonus of extra shoulder- and headroom in the back. Revised head- and taillights and new bumpers take care of exterior aesthetics, while changes have been made to the inside as well.

Interior execution includes a soft-touch finish for the dashboard and high quality dark charcoal trim. Controls are more user-friendly, with new steering column stalks and relocation of the cruise control and speed limiter switch to the centre console.

A generously dimensioned electrically opening panoramic sunroof is available as an optional extra.

Improved soundproofing has been carefully engineered to filter out engine, transmission, wind and road noise.

New is a fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system fitted as standard. Access to the unit is via a bright and easy to read 15 cm colour screen, positioned high up on the dashboard for visibility. It is fully updatable by means of a supplied 2GB SD card.

Navigation instructions are transmitted through the car's speakers, while volume is adjusted via steering wheel-mounted satellite controls. A separate remote control makes programming and scrolling easier.

The unit displays traffic information, speed restrictions and speed camera alerts, while the screen also serves as central multimedia display for the radio, MP3 playlists and Bluetooth cellphone integration. It is also available as a R5000 ex-factory option on the Sport model.

Over and above the outgoing 1.6 Dynamique's standard features, new Clios gain cruise control with speed limiter, cornering lights, climate control, a combined rain and light sensor, electric rear windows and heated electric folding mirrors. Keyless entry and starting is available optionally.

The 2,0 litre Clio Renault Sport boasts its own package of goodies. Apart from a 10 mm increase in wheelbase, wider tracks front and rear and similar updates to standard features, engine power has been increased by 2,5 kW while torque goes up by 20 percent across a wider rev range. It peaks at 5 400 rpm, 100 rpm lower than before.

The front visage has been given its own dedicated treatment, to distinguish the Sport from its more pedestrian sister, while extended fenders make it look even chunkier than previously.

Following input from Renault Sport Club members and the motoring press, the first three gears have been shortened to improve sprint times. Zero to 100 km/h now takes place in a claimed 6,9 seconds. But that’s not all – top speed is up by 10 km/h to 225 while fuel economy has been improved by 0,7 l/100 km.  Ride comfort has been upgraded by means of improved damping, and steering response has been improved via changes to the power steering system.

Braking duties are taken care of by high-performance four-pot Brembo callipers and 312 mm ventilated discs up front, with 300 mm discs at the rear. ABS with EBD is standard, as is the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). A full complement of front, side, curtain and knee airbags ensures a high level of passive safety.

Still included is free advanced driver training on closed tracks by dedicated Renault personnel, for all Renault Sport car buyers. Confirming the company’s commitment to enthusiast buyers, the Renault Sport Club with dedicated stores and staff, offering special parts and accessories, continues. New to the stores are RS decal packs priced between R450 and R900.

The Clio 1,6 Dynamique is priced at R188 000 and the Clio Renault Sport 2,0 at R249 900. Both include a 3 year/45 000 km service plan backed by a 3 year/100 000 km warranty and Renault Confiance.

 

Renault Clio 1.6 Dynamique

 Dynamique interior with TomTom satnav unit high up on the dash

2.0 litre Clio RenaultSport has a new front end to differentiate it from other Clios

What We Do

This is a one-man show, which means that road test cars entrusted to me are driven only by me. Some reviewers hand test cars over to their partners to use as day-to-day transport and barely experience them for themselves.

What this means to you is that every car reviewed is given my own personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.

Every car goes through real world testing; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.

I am based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa. This is the central hub of the KZN Midlands farming community; the place farmers go to to buy their supplies and equipment, truck their goods to market, send their kids to school and go to kick back and relax. 

So occasionally a cow, a goat or a horse may add a little local colour by finding its way into the story or one of the pictures. It's all part of the ambience!

 

Comments?

Want to ask a question, comment or just tell me you thoroughly disagree with what I say? That's your privilege, because if everybody agreed on everything, the world would be a boring place. All I ask is that you remain calm, so please blow off a little steam before venting too vigorously. Contact me here

 

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