The fifth-generation Clio has eventually been introduced to South Africa in February this year. “Eventually”, because of the Covid pandemic, the planned release of Renault’s worldwide best seller’s latest edition to South Africa, had to wait another two years.
Renault South Africa has, however, done quite pretty well in the meantime without the Clio as their main contender in the South African passenger car market. The trusted Renault Duster as well the very economical Kwid and practical Kiger pulled Renault SA through the tough times with the advent of the pandemic. So much so that Renault is South Africa’s fifth biggest passenger car seller. With the new Clio V in its arsenal, Renault SA can now just go from strength to strength.
The Renault Clio IV was a huge favourite on these shores and more than 34 800 models were sold in a span of seven years since its introduction in 2013. The new Clio V offers now so much more in quality and comfort specifications so that the motor buying public that look for a quality car in the B segment with about all the bells and whistles in a very funky eye-catching livery will not be disappointed.
Although instantly recognisable as a Clio, the new one is 100% new. Not a single part of the previous model has been carried over to the new one. This is not a facelift but the real deal. It is more compact, more aerodynamic, and lighter than the previous generation. In spite of the slightly smaller dimensions, the Clio V offers more spaciousness.
The new Clio has undergone a complete revolution on the interior, offering quality materials and finishes. The new high-tech driver-orientated cockpit is distinguished by its cocooning seats and the multi-sense customisable ambient lighting, allowing for heightened driving pleasure.
The high-tech experience is further enhanced by a personalised 7” TFT digital cluster, electronic parking brake (EPB), and a prominent 9.3” Easy Link multimedia touchscreen, the largest screen in its category. This infotainment system is perfectly integrated with the Renault Connect universe. The easy link system, compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allows for easy access to all your multimedia content on your mobile device.
The Clio is equipped with an entirely new 1.0 TCe 100 petrol engine.
The three-cylinder turbo offers 74kW of power and 160Nm of torque, an improvement of 8kW and 20Nm vs Clio IV, with CO2 emissions of 132g/100km. It also takes advantage of the latest technological developments to lower fuel consumption by 10%, which puts it at the highest level of the market. The new Clio yields fuel consumption from only 5.7l/100km (combined fuel cycle).
Thanks to its dynamic chassis, and its direct and precise steering, a more intuitive driving experience is guaranteed. The suspension and soundproofing have also been upgraded for the comfort of all, and then there is the audio system with its six speakers offering a rich ad immersive sound experience, adding to the comfort of the drive.
The Clio V has three specifications levels. The entry-level model is now called the “Life”, the “Zen” is the next level and the “Intens” is the luxury level. If one goes by the specifications of the Life with the knowledge that the Zen and the Intens models even offer more, then you have a good idea of the high specification levels that the new range offers.
The Life has for instance four airbags, including side airbags, seat belt warning with presence detection, front headrests with anti-whiplash function, Emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC with ABS), hill start assist (HSA), and cruise control and speed limiter, just to mention a few standard specifications.
The Zen and Intens models all offer the same specs but the Intens as the luxury model also offers “comfort items” such as electrically adjustable door mirrors, a height- and depth-adjustable multi-function steering wheel, and a 60:40 folding rear bench seat.
All the Clio V models are equipped with keyless entry and keyless ignition.
A huge plus point with all three models is the extremely comfortable seats, the easy-to-read instrumentation, and the nippy performance. Although aimed at city dwellers the Clio V can also quite comfortably be taken on a long stretch road where if it needs to can easily maintain a speed of 120km/h and even slightly more. Its high torque engine can manage with no difficulty steep inclines when necessary.
As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the new Renault Clio model range comes with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals, and a standard two-year/30 000km service plan applies.
Prices:
Clio V 1.0 Turbo Life R309 900
Clio V 1.0 Turbo Zen R324 900
Clio V 1.0 Turbo Intens R349 900.
Photos: QuickPic
