By Otsile Kadiege

In the year 2000, Renault South Africa introduced the Clio nameplate to the South African market. Throughout its time in Mzansi, the Clio has been quite a popular vehicle which won numerous accolades globally like the prestigious Car of The Year on two occasions – Clio I in 1991 and again in 2006 with the Clio III generation. Today Renault SA is ready for the next chapter with the fifth-gen Clio which enters the local motoring scene with seductive styling, modern technologies, the latest safety systems and a frugal power-plant.

Exterior

The new Clio has an eye-catching exterior design marked by its sensual lines, dynamic profile, sculpted sides and assertive presence. Up front, the new Clio boasts signature C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and Headlamps. Its broadened shoulders gives it a sporty stance while the updated rear styling gives the new Clio a more imposing look, with larger LED rear lights built into the tailgate.

It comes with 6 different colours. The non-metallic colours are Glacier White and Urban Grey. The metallic colours, which cost R2,500 each, include Flame Red, Mercury, Titanium Grey and Diamond Black.

Interior

Inside, Renault says the new Clio has undergone a complete revolution on the interior, offering quality materials and finishes. The new high-tech driver orientated cockpit features and a customisable 7” TFT digital cluster, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and a prominent 9.3-inch Easy Link multimedia touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and a 6-speaker sound system.

Powertrain

Powering the new Clio is an entirely new 3-cylinder turbo 1.0 TCe 100 petrol engine making 74kW of power and 160Nm of torque. Renault claims the new Clio has a combined fuel consumption of only 5.7L/ 100km. The French automaker promises an intuitive driving experience thanks to its dynamic chassis, and its direct and precise steering.

Safety

The Clio provides the most modern and effective active and passive safety systems, including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Renault LED Pure Vision Headlights, Parking Sensors (Front and Rear), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), combined with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The reinforced structure of the seating and high efficiency front airbags, side airbags, pressure sensor to detect impact, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters in the front and rear side seats, seat belt reminder warning with detection, whiplash headrests and ISOFIX seat anchors.

According to Renault, the new platform offers an enhanced passenger compartment and energy absorption zones, with 6 airbags as standard.

Pricing

Pricing for the new Renault Clio is as follows:

Clio V 1.0 Turbo Life – R309,900

Clio V 1.0 Turbo Zen – R324,900

Clio V 1.0 Turbo Intens – R349,900

As standard, the New Renault Clio Model range comes with a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A standard 2-year/30,000km service plan applies.