16-06-2005
Following the launch of Modus in 2004, Renault continues the renewal and
development of its B-segment range with Clio III. The new car marks the
beginning of a new chapter of the Clio story which began in 1990 and which
has continued to ride a wave of success ever since. The third generation of this
market-leading model stands out as a new benchmark in its segment. Bigger
and roomier, Clio III places the accent on driving pleasure thanks to its
dynamic handling and high level of comfort, as well as offering a further
illustration of Renault's expertise in the realm of safety. Clio III is in the spirit
of Clio II. Dynamic, elegant, spacious, it comes with more big car refinements.
In all domains, it boasts features worthy of models in higher segments while
maintaining a compact design which is the hallmark of its category.
The power of seduction
Clio III’s soft, sensual lines highlight the car’s dynamism
and hint at driving pleasure. The warm and carefully
finished interior takes up to five people in comfort
and, in precise response to customer demand, the
new model can be ordered in a choice six different
interior trim levels and three equipment levels.
Extraordinary room and comfort
With a length of 3.99m, Clio III is not only bigger but
it also ensures exceptional interior space for passengers,
both in three- and five-door format. Travelling
comfort is further enhanced by the brightness of the
cabin interior which reinforces a sensation of roominess
previously unseen in this category. The driving
position and user-friendly controls contribute to
making the driver feel perfectly at ease. Numerous
other comfort and safety features are also available,
some of which – including the hands-free card – are
totally new in this segment.
Driving pleasure takes front stage
Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed B
platform, Clio III was made for driving. Its suspension
takes its inspiration from that of Mégane II, while
the new model's handling is nicely balanced due to
its long wheelbase, wide track and low centre of
gravity. These fundamental features are complemented
by the car's outstanding chassis.
For its launch, Clio III will be available with a choice
of petrol and Euro 4 compliant diesel engines. The
petrol engine range comprises a 1.2-litre 16V
(75hp), a 1.4-litre 16V (100hp) and a 1.6-litre 16V
(110hp) unit, while the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine
comes in a choice of three power outputs: 70hp,
85hp and 105hp. The list of available transmission
options for Clio III is the same as for Modus and the
two models share a first for Renault in the form of a
robotized gearbox commanded by paddles located
behind the steering wheel.
Acoustic comfort, a key factor when it comes to driving
pleasure and the quality of travelling comfort, was
engineered into the car at a very early stage and this
work places Clio III at the very top end of its segment.
Safety… part of Clio III’s DNA
In order to meet the target of excellence Clio III has
set concerning safety, the new car benefits from
Renault's significant expertise on both the active and
passive safety fronts. As with previous programmes,
the intention is to obtain the highest Euro NCAP
rating. Clio III is neutrally balanced, easy to drive and
boasts outstanding braking performance. It is delivered
as standard with Generation 8 Bosch ABS plus
electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency
brake assist (EBA). The new car is also available
with the electronic stability programme (ESP)
incorporating ASR traction control, UCL understeer
control and MSR engine torque overrun regulation.
Along with Modus, Clio III is the first car in its
segment to offer additional cornering headlamps,
while double-distance xenon headlamps are also
available for enhanced night-time visibility.
Clio III's passive safety features stem from a particularly
demanding brief that mirrors Renault’s commitment
and expertise in this domain.
The car's
structure includes a number of programmed deformation
zones and has been designed to function
with the occupant restraint equipment championed
by Renault's third-generation System for Restraint
and Protection. This includes up to eight airbags,
including two adaptive front airbags complete with
load limiter and double pretensioners for the front
seats. Clio III also inaugurates a new seating concept
for children aged between 6 and 10 sitting in
the central position of the rear bench seat.
Easy to live with, inexpensive to run
and environmentally-friendly
Clio III facilitates life for its owners. Servicing intervals
are every 30,000km for petrol-engined versions
and every 20,000km for diesel-powered cars. The
high quality of its design and manufacture ensure
built-in durability and low running costs. Clio III is
also environmentally sound: some 95% of its weight
is easily recyclable and its eco-design takes into
account forthcoming restrictions concerning the use
of heavy metals.
Renault continues the renewal
of its small car range
Renault is one of the principal players in the smallcar
segment, a strategic sector that accounts for
more than one-third of the European market (5 million
vehicles). With Clio III, Modus – launched in
2004 – and Twingo, which continues to be highly
successful, Renault is aiming for a market share of
close to 11% in Europe in 2005.
The total renewal of Renault's small car line-up –
which began with Modus – has led to the establishment
of a new manufacturing structure that sees
each of its production sites (Flins and Bursa, plus
Dieppe for the Renault Sport version) given over to
a single type of vehicle.
The total programme outlay for Clio III was €953
million, of which €630 million represented production-
related investment.
Text and photos courtesy of Renault
