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Clio creates welcome sales boost for Renault
publication date: Nov 20, 2009
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author/source: David Miles
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Despite having a model range littered with new and
updated passenger cars, including high profile sporting versions, so
far this year Renault in the UK is really struggling with new car sales.
Despite
the Government incentives with the Scrappage Scheme and VAT at 15PC
Renault sales so far this year are down by 40.3PC whilst the overall
market has recovered somewhat to a deficit of 12.3PC, according to
figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
On the positive side Renault’s October registrations
increased by 95PC, compared with the same month last year, to 8,438
units and out of that total the new Clio supermini range achieved 3,613
sales. That put the Clio in the number seven position of the top ten
sales chart.
Aware that their fun and quirky image that once brought
us the marketing themes of Nicole and Papa and the famous shaking
bottom Megane has long gone, Renault are now pushing their range of
economical and ecological cars and vans, plus their ‘hot’ RenaultSport
models. Not too far away is production of electric powered zero
emission vehicles but for now small fuel efficient models are bigger
sellers for the French brand.
The Clio ‘supermini’ range consists
of the three door models priced from £10,485 for the 1.2-litre 75bhp up
to £17,115 for the RenaultSport 200bhp. Five door hatch versions start
at £11,085 and rise to £17,385 and five door estate Sports Tourer
models range from £11,970 to £15,170.
Whichever Clio model is the
choice it competes against stiff competition such as the top selling
Ford Fiesta, the British built Honda Jazz, the long warranty Hyundai
i20, Mazda 2, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, Vauxhall Corsa and
probably the best of all – the new Volkswagen Polo. |
ON THE ROAD
| | | The refreshed Clio is the latest incarnation of this
popular range which has sold 10 million in the past 20 years in more
than 100 countries worldwide with over 1 million in the UK.
The
latest range, priced from £10,485, includes a wide choice of petrol and
diesel power units from 75 to 200bhp and seven trim and equipment
levels depending on the body style chosen. In addition there are
various extra cost option packs including a TomTom edition.
Unfortunately the all important Electronic Control Stability programme
is a £300 extra cost option for most models, surely in this day and age
it should be fitted as standard. | |  | Core features for all models include anti-lock brakes,
front and front-side airbags, deadlocks, ISOFIX child seat mounting
points, three point rear seat belts, remote central locking, variable
assistance power steering, multi-function trip computer, electric front
windows, stereo sound system and front fog lights.
The best
selling mid-range Dynamique versions gain 16-inch alloys wheels, manual
air conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, curtain airbags,
leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, 60:40 split folding
rear seats, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, soft touch
dashboard trim, black centre console with satin chrome inserts and air
vent controls.
I’ve just spent some time with the three door Clio
with this specification and priced at £12,735. The car had the new
1.2-litre TCe turbocharged petrol engine which provides 100bhp and
145Nm of torque from 3,000rpm. This unit is based on the 75bhp
1.2-litre range-starter unit but with the added turbocharger it is more
fuel efficient returning an average 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just
137g/km so the road tax is £120.
This new engine matches the power
of the previous 1.4-litre petrol engine but in its turbocharged form it
matches the torque of the 1.6-litre VVT 111 unit. In real life motoring
conditions my test car returned an impressive 43.5mpg.
Mention
turbocharging for a petrol engine and the assumption is this is a
go-faster unit. It is not, the turbocharger brings improved response
making the unit very flexible at low to medium speeds as well as a
slight boost at higher speeds for overtaking slower traffic.
Top
speed is a very respectable 114mph but the 0-62mph acceleration time of
11 seconds is the main bonus together with the fuel economy. At no
point did the engine feel stressed even though it has a relatively
small capacity. It is probably the best feature of the new Clio.
Having
said that, all Clio models in the past have been praised for their
agility, surefooted roadholding and comfortable ride. Despite the
latest Clio growing in size, as all ‘superminis’ have, the latest model
which is 41mm longer has an overall length of 4,027mm so the roomier
interior will be appreciated especially by adult rear seat passengers.
The boot space is good as well, 288-litres with the rear seats in place
and then an impressive 1,038-litres with the rear seats folded.
Although
the Clio three-door is a relatively small car it offers ride comfort
and surefooted roadholding of a car a size larger. The suspension is
compliant, the ride stable and the front wheel drive understeer control
within the £300 extra cost Electronic Control Stability programme works
very well. I was also surprised on how quiet the new Clio was with very
little noise intrusion from the engine or tyres.
Not so impressive
for me is the styling of the latest Clio. Before it was chic and
cheerful. Now it could be any other three or five door hatchback,
except the new Polo and Fiesta which set the standard in this sector.
The new Clio’s styling ‘mirrors’ the latest Megane to meet the front end impact and pedestrian safety legislation.
The
new look has rendered the latest Clio pretty bland rather than pretty.
A chic and fun image is what the Clio needs, just like it used to have,
and whilst it is selling well its lacks styling flair and that is a
skill that Renault needs to rediscover. |  |
MILESTONES.
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| New Renault Clio Dynamique TCe 100 3-Door £12,735 (£14,335 with options). | | Engine/transmission: 1.2-litre, four cylinders, turbocharged petrol, 100bhp, 145Nm from 3,000rpm, 5-speed manual gearbox. | | Performance: 114mph, 0-62mph 11 seconds, 48.7mpg (43.5mpg actual), CO2 137g/km, VED Band E £120, BIK tax 15PC. | | Insurance group: 4E | | For: A great fuel efficient and responsive small petrol
engine, nimble, comfortable, practical, safe, cheap to run but buy now
before Scrappage Scheme discount end and increased VAT charges start. | | Against: Expensive unless discounts apply, bland styling, hopefully residual value will improve. | | © David Miles |
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