Renault has unveiled its fourth-generation Clio, which is set to make its market debut in Europe after its public showing at the Paris Motor Show in September. Available only in five-door form, the Clio IV will have two engine options at point of launch, these being the Energy TCe 90 petrol and Energy dCi 90 diesel, with a third mill called the TCe 120 joining the party next year.
The new Clio will be the first Renault to feature the new turbocharged Energy TCe 90e, and the 899 cc petrol unit happens to be the first three-cylinder powerplant ever produced by the automaker. As the number in its designation suggests, the engine offers 90 hp and has 135Nm at 2,000 rpm, with 90% of peak torque available from 1,650 rpm to 5,000 rpm.
Likewise, the Energy dCi 90 also has 90 hp on tap, with 220 Nm of torque available from 1,750 rpm from the 1.5 litre oil burner, an increase of 20 Nm over the current dCi 85. Meanwhile, the upcoming TCe 120 is a 1.2 litre unit with direct injection and turbocharging, offering 120 hp and 190 Nm for numbers. It’s currently being homologated and will only be available in the first half of 2013
When it arrives, the four-cylinder TCe 120 will be paired with a six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission, another first for Renault in the B segment. The EDC transmission will also feature as a choice for the Energy dCi 90 engine.
The kit list will include a reverse camera, keyless entry and a Renault Bass Reflex system, the last promising better bass output and operation thresholds, accomplished without cutting into cabin space. Available as an option is what’s called Renault R-Link, an integrated internet-connected touchscreen tablet with a seven-inch touchscreen and TomTom connected navigation.
Apps can be downloaded to the unit, and one particular R-Link app is called the Renault R-Sound Effect, which enables the audio experience inside the new Clio to be personalised by immersing the cabin with one of six simulated engine sound profiles, each with a specific, attractive signature and perfectly synchronised with driving parameters such as speed and acceleration.
Interior elements include a dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, a wide range of colour options, a digital speedometer as well as chrome and piano-black trim highlights. Plenty of personalisation options, both inside and outside the car – buyers will be able to dress up their Clio with a selection of door mirror housings, grille bars, rear panel skirts, lower door protectors and wheel finishes as well as a choice of roof graphics.
As for the inside, the menu options cover the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever surround, air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and optional floor mats. The new Clio – which will be made in Flins, France and Bursa, Turkey – will be available in a choice of eight body colours, including the launch colour, Flamme Red, which is derived from the red used for the DeZir.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments express excitement and admiration for the Renault Clio's design, sporty appearance, and high-quality features, highlighting its attractive look and potential performance with engine options like the 1.2 and upcoming RS model. Some note the car's competitive pricing, better than many rivals such as Fiesta, Jazz, and Polo, and discuss potential import prices in Malaysia. There are mentions of the car's platform sharing with Nissan March and its European market focus, along with hopes that local importers will bring it in at an affordable price. A few comments compare it favorably to other small hatchbacks, praising its stylish design and practical features, while some critics wish for more powerful versions. Overall, the sentiment is very positive and eager for the car's arrival.