Renault has unveiled their all-new Clio 4 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The new Renault Clio will be available in hatch and estate body styles in Europe, as well as the renowned Renault Sport (RS) hot-hatch model.
The fourth-generation Renault Clio features bold front-end styling with a side profile and rear end that are more softly sculpted and fluid than that of the current model. The Clio 4′s rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillar, giving the five-door hatchback a three-door look, which compensates somewhat for the fact that Renault will offer the car exclusively as a five-door hatch.
As well as the new shape, there’s also plenty of new technology, the highlight of which lies beneath the bonnet where a choice of two new engines is to be found. The entry-level TCe 90 is a brand-new 900 cc 3-cylinder petrol unit, which makes 67 kW and 135 Nm of torque thanks to a small turbocharger. Equipped with engine stop/start and brake energy regeneration systems, the Clio TCe 90 is capable of returning fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. The TCe 90 can be had with a choice of two 5-speed manual transmissions; one is transmission is geared evenly, while the send choice offers extra long gears to achieve better fuel economy.
Next up is a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that makes 85 kW and 190 Nm of torque. An all-aluminium engine block, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust ports, as well as an all-new Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission, mean the 1.2-litre is both powerful and efficient, although Renault has not announced figures at this stage.
The interior of the 2013 Renault Clio is characterised by a dashboard that’s been fashioned after an aircraft wing and features a neatly packaged centre console. There is also plenty of stowage space throughout the cabin and a wide choice of colours is available, including chrome and gloss-black highlighting that adds to the warmth of the interior. Renault R-Link’s user-friendly 18 cm touchscreen display forms an integral part of the modern centre console and provides a full range of multimedia functions (navigation, radio, Bluetooth® telephony and audio-streaming, connectivity for portable music players, connected services, “eco” driving, etc.) in one place for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
Joining the Clio line-up is the Clio RS hot hatch. The Clio RS is powered by a 147 kW and 240 Nm version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine found in the Nissan Juke. Controversially, the new RenaultSport Clio will get Renault’s new 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission as the only gearbox option, a move that may upset some purist fans of the current car.
As always, the Renault Clio RS is offered with a choice between two chassis: Sport and Cup. The Cup chassis is 15 percent stiffer and rides on a 5 mm lowered ride height. The new Clio RS comes with 320 mm diameter front brake discs, which represents an 8 mm increase over its predecessor. The 2013 Clio RS offers three driving modes (Normal, Sport and Race), each offering different settings for the engine and gearbox mapping, ESC settings, steering feeling and throttle response.
To generate extra downforce, the 2013 Clio RS is equipped with an F1-style front blade and a new rear diffuser and spoiler, which generate 80 percent and 20 percent extra downforce respectively. The equipment list also includes new bumpers, a re-styled front grille, LED DRLs, 17- or 18-inch wheels and a dual-tailpipe exhaust.
The New Clio 4 will be launched in South Africa within first half of 2013, while the new Clio 4 RenaultSport 200 is expected in South Africa late 2013.
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