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Renault has issued the following press release:
After New M’gane and New Sc’nic, Renault is set to launch an all-new Clio range ’ dubbed Clio Generation 2004 ’ offering three trim levels, five equipment levels and special Initiale and Renault Sport variants. Now available in 97 different versions, Clio also gets new styling and a choice of all-new colours, in addition to a new 100bhp 1.5 dCi diesel engine offering maximum driving pleasure. Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V has also been given a power boost to 182bhp and a revamped chassis for optimum ride and handling.
Clio II has been an all-round success. Since its launch in 1998, over 3,840,000 units of the model have been produced in both passenger car and van variants and Clio has remained among the three top-selling compact cars in Europe. Small cars represented 35% of the total market in 2003 and automakers are obviously keen to gain a firm foothold in the segment. Clio II ranked No. 1 in its sector in France with 137,405 units sold between January and October 2003. Clio Generation 2004 looks set to build on this success with a host of new product developments.
A broader range
Clio Generation 2004 comes in 97 variants, compared with 45 previously, and customers can now choose from a deeper and broader line-up. The new range offers three trim levels (Authentique, Dynamique and Privil’ge), five equipment levels (Pack, Confort, Confort Pack Clim, Sport and Luxe), two special variants (Initiale and Renault Sport) and ten engines (four diesel and six petrol units). Three transmissions (fivespeed manual, five-speed robotized and four-speed proactive automatic) round out the range. — Car of the Year 2004 award winner Fiat Panda.
On the inside, the “Creps Toucan” cloth upholstery gives the Authentique level a subdued feel. The “Graphic Night” cloth upholstery, satin-finish chrome door handles and metallic grey safety belts add a personal touch to the Dynamique level. The Privil’ge level is predominantly light-coloured, with “Vertigo” cloth and “Unix” velour upholstery. The Initiale variant has a distinctively top-range feel, including “Nutmeg” alcantara/leather trim and wooden inserts reminiscent of Vel Satis. This new wooden finish is also used on the steering wheel, the gear lever knob and the dashboard mouldings.
The use of soft-feel rear door panels further enhances perceived quality. In addition, a digital screen has been added to the centre of the dashboard and the analogue instrument dials carry over the New M’gane design for a more modern appearance. Clio Generation 2004 also comes with a height-adjustable driver’s seat from the entry level and new rear electric windows on the five-door Luxe-Privil’ge and Initiale variants.
A new top-range engine: 100bhp 1.5 dCi
The line of 1.5 dCi new-generation turbodiesel engines has been expanded with a new version developing 74kW (100bhp) at 4000rpm and 200Nm at 1900rpm. The engine supplies maximum driving pleasure from the lowest speeds, thanks to the multi-vane — Renault Grand Modus.
variable nozzle turbocharger, with more than 90% of torque available from 1500rpm. It is lively even at maximum speed (5200rpm), while retaining fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km in the combined cycle. To optimize the sound-proofing qualities of the benchmark 1.5 dCi engines, the 100bhp unit has been teamed with a cableoperated gearbox and a clutch housing with a large mating surface. The 55bhp, 65bhp and 80bhp 1.5 dCi units have been carried over alongside the 1.2,
1.2 16V, 1.4 16V, 1.6 16V and 1.2 LPG engines.
Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V gets added power
Clio Renault Sport Generation 2004 has seen its performance and efficiency boosted, with maximum power of 131.5kW (182bhp) at 6500rpm. Maximum torque of 200Nm is now available from 5250rpm (150rpm earlier than the previous version). The car — Fiat 500's Car of the Year 2008 victory.
offers genuine driving pleasure and vigorous response under all circumstances. The suspension system has been developed to optimize performance and the comfort/efficiency equation. Clio Renault Sport Generation 2004 inaugurates the new Michelin Pilot Exalto (205/45 R16) tyres, which are larger and specially designed for optimum traction. The most demanding enthusiasts can have a sports chassis fitted optionally to enhance the driving experience. An aerodynamic blade under the front bumper and a racing spoiler are also available as options to optimize airflow. Clio 2.0 16V is now fitted with the Renault Sport signature chrome-finish twin-pipe exhaust introduced on Clio V6. The new Renault Sport 16-inch alloy wheels add to the car’s sporting appeal. The model also features all-new colours, including Dynamo Blue, Artic Blue and Dor’ Black. Titanium Grey has been carried over. The distinctive Sirius Yellow and Orion Green colours will be available as part of the Renault Sport personalization programme.
The interior exudes a sporty feel, with a “Dark grey seaspray” dashboard teamed with perforated alcantara upholstery with a light grey under layer. The safety belts are also light grey, featuring a metallic finish. The vehicle’s sporting qualities are also underscored by new satin-finish chrome dashboard mouldings, upper dashboard, steering wheel insert and gear lever knob. A number of packs are available in the personalization programme for exclusive treatment options. The Renault dealer network will start taking orders for Clio Generation 2004 from November 2003 in France. The 100bhp 1.5 dCi and 2.0 16V Renault Sport variants will go on sale in January 2004.
