Playing at home, French brand Renault made the 4th generation of the Clio its greatest asset at the Paris Motor Show. No wonder, this model largely depends on its future.
In this 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show, the big star at the stand of the French brand was the Renault Clio 2013. Presented in 5-door and family van versions, the small utility vehicle was king and lord. Sharing some of the sparkle with the very special Clio RS 200.
Completely renovated from top to bottom, we highlight the absolute debut of the 898cc turbo petrol engine in the Renault range. An engine that will serve as a gateway to the Clio range. And don't think that because it's the most modest of the engines on the Clio, it will be sub-powered. On the contrary, this small block manages to develop an interesting 90hp of power and 135Nm.
More than enough numbers to move little Clio around on a day-to-day basis, or in longer tirades without appeal or aggravation. Consumption follows the same "down-sizing" philosophy of the engine and is very moderate, just 4.3 liters per 100km. CO2 emissions stand at 99g/km.
But the engine that should be more successful in Portugal will be the 1.5 DCI unit with 90hp and a very generous 220Nm of maximum torque. The French brand announces “parakeet” consumption for this version. Only 3.2 liters per 100km, remarkable indeed.
And Renault does not forget those who want a vehicle a little more expedient in traffic or on the national road, and therefore in the middle of next year Renault will equip this model with the 1.2 Tce petrol engine. A small turbocharged engine with 120hp that promises to delight those looking for a more "fastened" utility.
If power varies depending on the engine, there are characteristics that cut across the entire range. I speak for example of design. Much more appealing and well achieved than in previous generations, and much bolder than direct competition, Renault did well to choose the Clio to debut its new stylistic language.
Another highlight is the R-Link multimedia system comprising a 7-inch LED screen and an integrated TomTom navigation system. System that centralizes many of the car's functionalities, and that allows for the first time in a car to download specific applications, like mobile phones.
The French brand didn't even do the thing for less. The Clio 2013 is a very well conceived product from every point of view. Therefore, it is not surprising that the brand publicly assumes that it intends to dethrone what has been the leader in the B segment: the Volkswagen Polo. We are sure that, if the sum of the parts gives the result we are waiting for, the competition will have a very tough nut to crack here...
Text: Guilherme Ferreira da Costa