Renault South Africa have revitalised the 2012 Clio range with a focus on improved affordability and technology.
“The Renault Clio has been one of the cornerstones of the Renault brand worldwide,” says Renault South Africa managing director, Xavier Gobille. “The Clio III range has already established itself as a compelling contender as far as performance, safety, technology and value are concerned. For the 2012 Clio, we have taken the concept even further by introducing a revitalised model range perfectly in tune with the desires and needs of a youthful, sophisticated and trend-setting urban generation that considers technology and connectivity as an integral part of everyday life.”
The 2012 Renault Clio 1.6 Yahoo!, which is the new entry-level model in the range and replaces the Clio S, includes a Parrot Bluetooth system that offers hands-free cellphone functionality. The Parrot system is neatly integrated into the cabin, and accessed via a simple controller unit. It is covered by the Clio’s standard five-year warranty. In addition, the Clio Yahoo! boasts an MP3-compatible radio/CD player with an RCA auxiliary audio jack for connecting personal media players, plus the convenience of Renault’s remote audio controls. Other standard equipment includes: air-conditioning; cruise control; a multi-function computer; remote central locking; electrically powered front windows and side mirrors.
The Clio Yahoo! Plus builds on the standard equipment level to add a little excitement by way of multi-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a sporty roof spoiler. Both Yahoo! models feature white interior door handles and vents, while the front seats are embroidered with an eye-catching Yahoo! custom design, however, the Plus model also benefits from leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever.
The Clio 1.6 Avantage retains its TomTom LIVE integrated navigation system, along with connectivity for external media players via auxillary input, USB and Bluetooth. The benefit of TomTom LIVE is its real-time traffic information that allows the system to calculate automatic re-routing around areas of congestion to minimise delays. The TomTom LIVE system also includes road safety alerts and Local Search with Google, which uses the popular search engine to localise almost 20 million points of interest. A five-day weather forecast service is also included.
Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre engine remains unchanged and offers 83 kW and 151 Nm of torque. Renault claim average fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100km, a sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the Clio 1.6 Avantage available with a 4-speed automatic.
Also new for 2012 are a range of optional accessories that include: a sporty body kit; rear spoiler; sports exhaust; fog light kit; roof bars; park distance control sensors; tow bars or stand-alone TomTom navigation systems; as well as external digital storage devices for music on the go, and custom audio systems.
The Clio III remains one of the safest vehicles in its class, with a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating to its credit. Driver, passenger and side airbags are standard across the range. Curtain airbags are additionally included in the top-spec Avantage. The Clio is also equipped with disc brakes at each corner, which are linked to an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
The Clio now also offers greater peace of mind, thanks to an extended 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, backed up by a comprehensive 5-year / 150 000 km warranty – all part of the Renault Confiance care package that guarantees parts availability for all models, failing which, the customer will be provided with a ‘mobility solution’.
| Pricing | |
| Renault Clio 1.6 Yahoo! | R159 900 |
| Renault Clio 1.6 Yahoo! Plus | R169 900 |
| Renault Clio 1.6 Avantage | R189 900 |
| Renault Clio 1.6 Avantage Automatic | R199 900 |
