Automobiles Review

Tag: Clio

  • Renault Twingo

    Renault TwingoRenault Twingo will go on sale on 15 June 2007, the first new vehicle release in an extensive range renewal programme under the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. New Twingo targets a broader, more international customer base than its predecessor, and there’s even a right-hand-drive model for the UK market.

    New features include a benchmark-setting 1.5 dCi diesel engine and a high-appeal design, with the emphasis on dynamism for the GT version, and on practicality and robustness for the other versions. New Twingo rounds out Renault’s coverage of the small-car segment alongside Clio Campus, Modus and Clio III. This great little car is made at the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia to exacting specifications on quality and profitability.

    Renault Twingo
    Renault Twingo
    Renault Twingo

    Feisty

    New Twingo expands upon its predecessor’s qualities to offer superior dynamic and safety performance. It is precise and nifty in town, yet reassuring on the open road, thanks to a highly effective axle system. With its special chassis tuning and new 100hp TCE petrol engine, New Twingo GT asserts a strong dynamic personality and boasts best-in-class trade-off between performance and fuel economy. New Twingo is uncompromising on safety, offering optimum protection for all vehicle occupants along with modern driver support equipment that was not available on the previous model. Many of these systems, such as automatic headlamp light-up and cruise control with speed limiter, are only usually found on larger, more expensive cars.

    Practical

    True to the concept pioneered by its predecessor, New Twingo has three doors opening onto four comfortable seats that accommodate passengers of any size. Quality materials and excellent finish are apparent throughout the intuitive, ergonomic passenger compartment. This eminently practical little car goes to extremes on user convenience, with its versatile layout capabilities, surprisingly spacious interior and handy stowage cubbies. The boot is the largest in this vehicle category, and some versions feature four independent sliding seats.

    Connected

    New Twingo communicates effortlessly with the outside world, with connection capabilities unparalleled in this vehicle segment. The TunePoint sound system, with steering-wheel controls, imports custom music libraries in MP3 format, on USB key, MP3 player or iPod®. There’s a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with hold function, for safer motoring. And under the innovative “my Twingo” philosophy, motorists can customize their new cars with decorative decals for the exterior and innovative accessories like the Organizer-Box and Make-up Box for the interior.

    Reliable, economical and environmentally sound

    Respect for the environment is an inherent part of New Twingo’s genetic makeup,with CO2 emissions down below 140g/km, 9% of recycled plastic material, and production at the Novo Mesto plant, certified to ISO 14001. Regardless of the choice of engine, all New Twingo versions bear “Renault eco2”. And New Twingo is designed with meticulous attention to detail, for the lowest possible running costs and the longest possible service life: New Twingo is economical to run as well as being inexpensive to buy.

  • Renault Clio Sport Luxe

    Renault is marketing a version of Clio Renault Sport Luxe to meet demand from customers looking for a vehicle that combines high performance, comfort, refinement, and safety. Clio Renault Sport Luxe boasts standards of performance and charisma on a par with its predecessor Clio Renault Sport.

    It offers a wide range of equipment like leather upholstery, 17-inch diamond wheels, and chrome external features. Clio Renault Sport Luxe is an outstanding vehicle, due to hit the market in May 2007 in France and Italy, and subsequently other markets with country-specific option packs. (more…)

  • Renault Clio Grand Tour

    Renault introduces Clio Grand Tour Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A glimpse of developments to come within the Clio III range, Clio Grand Tour Concept targets drivers looking for a small, dynamic and attractive estate car with the abilities of a classic grand tourer. Finished in special Comet Gold paintwork, Clio Grand Tour Concept is powered by the 2.0 16V 200hp petrol engine, a unit that promises incomparable driver appeal. The cabin is bright, practical and comfortable – the perfect place for relaxing journeys.

    And with its large, easy-to-load cargo area, Clio Grand Tour Concept is geared very much towards leisure activities. Developed around photographic and multimedia themes, the show car has a very high specification and includes a number of benchmark electronic features.

    A powerful, dynamic presence

    At 4.2 metres in length, Clio Grand Tour Concept will appeal to drivers who want a compact estate with the panache of a grand tourer. There is no mistaking its provenance. Clio III’s distinctive profile is easily detectable, although the shape is enhanced by more pronounced curves. Fitted with bespoke side panels and a rakish tailgate topped by an aerofoil, Clio Grand Tour Concept fizzes with power and energy. The three-door bodyshell, roof bars, wider front and rear wings, sculpted sills, air ducts and rear diffuser underline its potency.

    At the front, a wide air intake grille cools the naturally aspirated 2.0 16V 200hp engine. The streamlined front lights house high-performance LEDs and the compact rear lights encapsulate Clio Grand Tour Concept’s nononsense character. The rear-view mirrors and bumpers are painted Comet Gold, like the bodywork. A subtle array of pixels can be picked out on the sides of the bodywork, suggesting the worlds of multimedia and photography. Hunched on aluminium wheels – 18-inch rims at the front, 19-inch at the rear – Clio Grand Tour Concept looks effervescent and dynamic.

    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour
    Renault Clio Grand Tour

    A large, practical boot

    Clio Grand Tour Concept’s generous proportions will meet the needs of customers looking for a car that blends practicality and character. Its adaptable interior and longer rear overhang (bigger than that on a standard Clio III) combine to provide excellent load-carrying capacity. Clio Grand Tour Concept has an impressive 430-litre boot and the cargo area measures 1.7 metres in length. Svelte, individual seats with integral head-rests offer comfort and good body support for up to four occupants. The rear seats fold easily to create a flat load area. In an instant, the Clio Grand Tour Concept transforms into a two-seater coupe – a 100% fun car with a 1,275-litre load capacity.

    Comfort and driver appeal

    A cocktail of the Clio III’s remarkable roadholding and sheer driving pleasure, Clio Grand Tour Concept is a car for free spirits. Its dynamic attributes allow the naturally aspirated 2.0 16-valve engine to show its full potential. It’s a flexible (215Nm of torque at 5,500rpm), powerful (200hp [145 kW] at 7,250rpm) unit that is lively when required, yet docile and tractable in everyday driving. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates from 0-100kph in just 7.2 seconds.

    Underneath, however, Clio Grand Tour Concept is still a Clio – and that means it’s supremely comfortable and easy to live with. The practical interior is perfect for relaxing journeys. The wide, panoramic glass roof creates a bright, airy ambience that highlights the generous cabin dimensions and large boot. The elegant dashboard incorporates a navigation screen and analogue/digital speedometer. A great deal of attention was paid to interior lighting. Yellow in tone – Renault’s corporate colour – it gives the cabin a certain vibrancy, which echoes the car’s entertaining character. The centre console, boot floor and door trims also disseminate streaks of yellow light.

  • Renault Clio Rip Curl

    Open the door of the Rip Curl Clio and enter a world of fun and freedom. Renowned surf and snowboard specialist Rip Curl has added its trademark styling to the Clio’s attractive, dynamic lines and the Rip Curl Clio features special Iceberg Blue paintwork and, optionally, 16-inch alloy wheels.The interior has a sporting feel, too, with bright red flourishes forming a spectacular contrast to a deep black backdrop. Practical and comfortable, the cabin is perfect for those who love the great outdoors.

    The Rip Curl Clio features equipment that is 100 per cent designed for beach or piste: the special rubber flooring and rigid boot box are impervious to sand or snow. The Rip Curl Clio is also 100% dedicated to music, with an Audio Connection Box that links mobile music players to the in-car entertainment system. The two available engines – the TCE 100hp and 1.5 dCi FAP – are environmentally sensitive and ripe with innovations. They combine driving pleasure with low fuel consumption and emissions. This underlines Renault‘s responsible attitude towards the environment as it seeks to reduce greenhouse gases and build cars that are 95 per cent recyclable by weight.

    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl
    Renault Clio Rip Curl

    The Rip Curl Clio highlights a strong bond between Renault and Rip Curl – a long-term commitment that will evolve in the years to come. The two companies share a passion for freedom and mobility and are committed to respecting and protecting the planet. They will collaborate with an abundance of good humour and artistic creativity and the partnership stands out as different, offset approach to both the product and communicating.

    A dynamic design retouched by young talents Clio has been a major success for Renault’s designers. Its compact lines are simultaneously dynamic, robust, flowing and attractive. For this limited edition model, Renault handed its paintbrushes and spray guns to Rip Curl, whose artists were able to express their sensitivity and graphic flair. Clio’s protective side strips are embellished with the Rip Curl motif and the hatchback incorporates an original graphic incorporating the brand’s name. The Rip Curl Clio is also the first Renault to feature a new body colour, Iceberg Blue, which provides a neat link between glacier and ocean.

    Inside, the emphasis has been placed on comfort and alluring décor. Attention to detail is a Rip Curl trademark: the bespoke trim includes red inserts on the dash panel which complement the sides of the seats , anti-slip door sill strips and Rip Curl insignia on the front headrest tags and centre console facia.

    Standard features tailored to young adventurers 100% action: the specification includes equipment designed especially for younger drivers, their hobbies and their thirst for adventure. Hence the rubber floor mats in the front and the storage box in the boot. The latter is big enough to accommodate all the kit you’ll need for your snow or surf trip.

    100% music: located in the glovebox, the Audio Connection Box provides a direct link between iPods®/MP3 players (via USB or jack) and the car stereo, which has steering wheel-mounted controls. 100% voyager: occupants are well catered for in the user-friendly, comfortable cabin. Clio remains the benchmark within its segment.

    Respect for the environment
    A range of engine options underlines the Rip Curl Clio’s dynamism and driver appeal. It also reaffirms Renault’s commitment to developing environmentally sensitive technology. The new TCE 100hp (73kW) engine is fitted with a low-inertia turbo and delivers remarkable performance, because it combines the power of a 1.4-litre engine with the torque of a 1.6 (145Nm) and the economy of a 1.2 (the 650rpm idling speed helps save fuel). Its CO2 emissions are rated at just 140g/km and it has been developed to set new performance and economy standards within this power band. Its true capacity is just 1,149cc and this tiny jewel is more economical than any rival engine in the combined cycle, where the Rip Curl Clio returns 5.9l/100km.

    The Rip Curl Clio is also available with a 1.5 dCi 85hp diesel engine, with particulate filter: in this guise it emits 126g/km of CO2 and sips fuel at just 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg) in the combined cycle. Another new, ecologically sound development, the filter features an injector within the exhaust system. It’s a shrewd innovation that was subject to a number of patent applications during its evolution. In keeping with consumer demands, the Rip Curl Clio is available with a range of clean, thrifty engines to enhance its environmental credentials. The Rip Curl Clio is also 95 per cent recyclable by weight, which illustrates that Renault shares its partner’s real-world cares and concerns.

    A lasting partnership
    The Rip Curl Clio limited edition heralds the dawn of a multi-year partnership and this commitment is founded on three pillars: a common passion for freedom and mobility, a commitment to safety and environmental respect and creative forward thinking.

    For each partner, this is a fresh approach to both the product and communicating. It’s a tough challenge, but potentially very rewarding.

    -Renault will put its automotive know-how, all-round excellence and industrial power at the disposal of a rising brand and its armada of young fans who love surfing, snowboarding, music and the planet. Renault has placed its confidence in the Australian company’s creative talents, who have put the finishing touches to this limited edition model and contributed significantly to the original launch announcement. Furthermore, Renault will join Rip Curl in supporting surfing in Europe and protecting sensitive areas where the sport takes place (Rip Curl Planet Project).

    – Rip Curl brings Renault its slightly off-the-wall creativity and a taste for innovation. This leading surf brand is renowned for its technical prowess and is also a byword for dependability in its field. Still privately owned, Rip Curl retains its spirit of adventure and even has its own lifestyle ethos, known as ‘The Search’.

    The Rip Curl Clio is, ultimately, a form of expression using words and styling cues that will be familiar to surfers and snowboarders. It is blessed with a healthy dose of irreverence and should under no circumstances be taken too seriously. The Renault Rip Curl Clio insignia symbolises an unusual – but incredibly dynamic – crossbreed.

  • Renault Clio F1 R27

    To mark the international launch of the new R27, Renault Sport Technologies will present the Clio Renault F1 Team in Amsterdam today. This will be a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of the two-fold world champion Formula 1 Team with the unveiling of a unique car packed with sports features and technologies. Offering sensations of pure performance, passion and driving pleasure, the special edition Clio Renault Sport asserts its identity across a unique look and sporty dynamics, boosted by range of equipment drawn from the best of competition vehicles.

    Asserting the Renault F1 Team identity

    With its red brake callipers, its new Sirius yellow colouring and exclusive Renault F1 Team and World Champion markings, this special edition of the Clio Renault Sport will be immediately identified with its older sibling, the Mégane Renault F1 Team. The interior features Récaro seats, and the numbered plate evokes its unique sports character.

    Renault Clio F1 R27
    Renault Clio F1 R27

    Chassis and settings for ultimate efficiency

    Clio Renault F1 Team R27 rests on a Cup chassis. BeBop 17” Dark Anthracite wheels provide more sensation and road-holding accuracy. Its base is lower than the Clio Renault Sport, efficiency is improved by adjusted shock-absorbers and specific springs. This means more performance and extreme pleasure. The general public will find more details on this Special Edition Clio Renault F1 Team R27 at the next Geneva Car Show. Test drives and commercial marketing at a later stage.

    Renault Clio F1 R27
    Renault Clio F1 R27