Renault Australia has launched the highly anticipated fourth-generation Clio. Inspired by the DeZir concept car – a car that is said to symbolised Love – the Clio returns to local shores having skipped a generation, with the Clio 3 only available in the top spec RenaultSport Clio RS.
With its sight set firmly on the similarly style-led MINI, the new Clio will come with a variety of personalisation programme. Depending on the specification level, this personalisation programme enables a customer to choose their wheels, exterior colour accents, interior colour accents and even the colour of their dashboard cowling from several thousand combinations.
This is on top of the already extensive standard equipment list which includes cruise control with speed limiter, Renault’s MEDIA NAV and R-Link infotainment system with 7” touchscreen tablet display, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and audio streaming and USB connectivity.
The new Clio also features as standard Bass Reflex technology speakers in the front doors. Thanks to an additional cone, this technology allows the equivalent volume and listening enjoyment of a 30-litre speaker.
Two new engines are available from launch – TCe 90 and TCe120. The TCe 90 is the first three-cylinder engine to be produced by Renault. It is equipped with Stop&Start and generates 66kW @ 5,250rpm and 135Nm of torque @ 2,500rpm. Mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, it multipoint sequentially injected petrol engine returns a combined fuel consumption of 4.5L/100km.
The more powerful TCe120 is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder direct injected turbocharged petrol that generates 88kW @ 4,900rpm and 190Nm @ 2,000rpm. It is paired exclusively with a 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2L/100km.
There are three models within the Clio range – Authentique, Expression and Dynamique. Priced from $16,790, the Authentique is equipped with the TCe 90. Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights mounted in the front grille, manual airconditioning, digital speedometer, 2-speaker sound system, electric front windows, multifunction trip computer and 15” Extreme steel wheels.
The Expression trim can be had in either the TCe 90 at $17,790, or the TCe 120 EDC at $19,790. It adds a 4-speaker sound system, satellite navigation, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, body colour electric door mirrors and 16” Fairway flex wheels.
The top of the range Dynamique comes in TCe 120 only and is priced from $23,290. It brings niceties such as auto headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, hands-free entry and engine start, climate control and 17” Diamond alloy wheels.