Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is a supermini car produced by the French automobile manufacturer Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation. The Clio has seen substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch,^[1] and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s. Symbol of its success and its longevity, the Clio is the only car to have been elected European Car of the Year twice, in 1991 and in 2006. The Renault Clio buoyed by its success all over the world is now looking to set foot in India. Renault Executive VP Philippe Klein said “In January 2012 we will launch a hatchback in B to B+ segment and it is specifically designed for the Indian customers by our Mumbai centre”.^[2]

Clio I (1990–1998)

The Clio was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in June 1990 and sales in France and the rest of the continent began then, although sales in Britain did not begin until March 1991. The Clio largely replaced the Renault 5 (which continued to be built in lower volumes until 1994 in Slovenia as a budget alternative). The engine range available at launch included 1.2 L and 1.4 L E-type "Energy" petrol I4 engines (first seen in the R19) and 1.7 L and a 1.9 L diesel (both based on the F-type unit) engines. The petrol engines all received an electronic fuel injection system in place of carburettors in 1992, in order to conform to new pollutant emission regulations.

A minor trim facelift occurred after only a year of being on sale. A new "smooth" version of the Renault diamond badge (the previous "ribbed" badge was being phased out at the time) and a new front seat design were the only changes. The altered design did not constitute a new "phase". In March 1994, the Phase 2 model was launched, with small updates to the exterior and interior of the Clio. Most noticeable was the change in the front grille from two metal ribs to a single colour-coded slat grille. The bump strips were made slightly larger and rounder, and the car's trim level badge was incorporated into the bump strips. The badges on the tailgate strip were moved up onto the tailgate itself and the tailgate strip was given a carbon fibre look. The rear light clusters were given a slightly more rounded bubble shape to them, giving the Clio a more modern look. The clusters, however, are physically interchangeable with Phase 1 clusters.

In 1996, with the arrival of the Phase 3 facelifted Clio, the 1.2 L Energy engine was replaced by the 1149 cc D7F MPi (Multi Point Injection) DiET engine, first used in the Renault Twingo; for some time also, versions were available with the older 1239 cc "Cléon" unit from the original Twingo. The cylinder head design on the 1.4 L E-Type was also slightly altered for the Phase 3 models in a bid for better fuel economy. This resulted in the engines producing slightly less power than their earlier versions.

The Phase 3 Clios had a slightly more noticeable update than the Phase 2's. The Phase 3 has different, more rounded headlights, incorporating the turn signal in the unit with the headlight. The bonnet curved more around the edges of the lights. The tailgate incorporated a third brake light and a new script "Clio" name badge, following the same typeface as contemporary Renaults. Some mechanical improvements were also made.

Renault also released a warm hatch version of the Clio. It was aesthetically very similar, but with the addition of a 110 PS (81 kW) 1.8 L 8-valve engine, side skirts and disc brakes on all wheels. This was badged as the RSi.

During 1991, a 1.8 L 16-valve engine producing 137 PS (101 kW) (also first seen in the R19) capable of propelling the car to 208 km/h (129 mph) was introduced to the Clio engine range, known simply as the Clio 16S in France (S for "soupapes", the French word for valves), and Clio 16V in export markets. As well as having higher top speed than a regular Clio, the 16S sported wider plastic front wings, an offset bonnet vent, wider rear arches and uprated suspension and brakes, and colour-coded front mirrors and bumpers. The RSi side skirts were omitted, however. Interior wise, the 16V model had an extended instrument panel that housed dials for engine oil pressure, oil temperature, and oil level (which only indicates on engine start). The seats were also more supportive to match the sporting nature of the model.

The Clio was voted European Car of the Year for 1991, and soon became one of Europe's best-selling cars, as well as the first Renault to be consistently among the top-10 best sellers in the United Kingdom. UK sales were helped by a famous television advertising campaign by Publicis shot in France, featuring the two main characters of Nicole (played by Estelle Skornik, who was not French nor did she have a driving licence at the time) and Papa.

From 1991 to 1993, trim levels were identical in every European country. Starting in 1993, each country of sale had individual trim levels designations.

Sales across Europe were strong throughout its production life, and a decade after its demise it is still a common sight on Europe's roads.

Clio Williams

In 1993, Renault launched the Clio Williams as a limited edition of 3,800 cars (1,300 more than they needed for homologation purposes) with each car bearing a numbered plaque on the dash. These sold out so quickly that Renault ended up building 1,600 more.^[4]

After the first series, due to the demand, Renault built Willams 2 and Williams 3. All together there were 12100 Clio Williams made. But because a lot of new road cars were directly converted to race cars and when damaged replaced with another converted road car, acutal number of road cars is significantly lower. A lot of cars has been broken for parts in the last few years, making the road cars in original condition even rarer.

The car was named after the then Renault-powered Formula One team WilliamsF1, though Williams had nothing to do with the design or engineering of this Clio. The modifications to the Clio 16S on which it was based were the work of Renault Sport, Renault's motorsport division.

The 2.0 L 16-valve straight-4 engine rated at 150 PS (110 kW) and a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph), with performance-tuned ride and handling. Renault later released the Williams 2 and Williams 3 special editions, much to the chagrin of those owners who had been assured of the exclusivity of the "original" Williams. One common mistake people can make is thinking that the 2.0 16V (F7R) used in the Williams is simply a bored out 1.8 16V (F7P), whereas, in reality the large engine had different size valves, cams, stroked crank and engine oil cooler. Other differences between the Williams and the Clio 16S it is based on include a wider front track with some parts borrowed from the Renault 19, wider Speedline alloys, uprated (JC5) gearbox, bespoke four-to-one manifold, firmer suspension, and some cosmetic differences on the exterior and interior.

The differences between the three versions of the Williams were largely a reflection of phase changes across the Clio range, e.g. the gradual addition of enhanced safety features and cosmetic variations. Other than this, the Williams 1 and 2 had no sunroof and were painted in 449 Sports Blue. The final Williams 3 was painted in a slightly brighter shade of blue (432 Monaco Blue) and finally gained a sunroof which had long been standard on virtually all previous Clios. The original Williams was the lightest of the three, lacking the electrics necessary for the sunroof or the mirrors, and was the only one to sport a metal plaque stating the build number.

Respected motoring journalists consistently rate the Williams as one of the very best hot hatches ever made, regardless of era. One of its many accolades was 6th place in Evo's Car Of The Decade feature in 2004.

Renault Clio Williams was and still is a very popular rally car. Basic racing version (Gr.N) had racing suspension, different engine management and a more free flowing exhaust. Power output was around 165 PS (121 kW). Roll cage was made by Matter France. Bucket seats were made by Sabelt.

Next step up was Gr.A car, which was fitted with 16″ Speedline 2012 rims (with optional extractors), further improvements on suspension and more tuned engine producing between 205-220 PS. Front brakes were also uprated with 323mm discs and 4 pot Alcon brake calipers.

Final evolution was Renault Clio Williams Maxi kit-car with wider arches and 17″ Speedline 2012 rims and improved Proflex suspension. Sodemo engine was further tuned to 250-265 PS.

Clio II (1998–2005)

The second generation of the Clio was launched in the spring of 1998 and sold for less than €8,000, with considerably more rounded and bulbous styling than its predecessor. Part of the radical concept of the new Clio were many components made of unusual materials to save in weight and repair costs. For instance, the front wings were made of plastic (Following on from criticisms of corrosion in this part of the previous model and based on technology developed for the Renault Espace) and the material of the bonnet was aluminium in some versions. Originally the engine lineup was similar to before, with 1.2 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol engines and a 1.9 L diesel. In early 1999, a sportive 16V version equipped with a new 1.6 L 16-valve engine was introduced, and eventually, all the older petrol engines were upgraded to more powerful and more economical 16-valve versions.

In 1998, Renault launched the 169 PS (124 kW) Clio Renault Sport (also known as Clio RS for short, named Clio Renault Sport 172 in the UK and sold for less than €7,500- 172 coming from the DIN method horsepower measurement), with a 2.0 L 16-valve engine and a top speed of 220 km/h (140 mph). Standard 5-door Clio RTE powered with a 1.2 54HP engine could reach 180 km/h on its maximum. The top-of-the-range Clio, however was the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Clio V6 Renault Sport, originally engineered by Tom Walkinshaw Racing for a one-make racing series, which placed a 230 PS (170 kW) 3.0 L V6 engine, sourced from the Renault Laguna behind the front seats, with a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).

In 2000 a few minor changes were made to the Clio range, which included revised specification levels, a new instrument cluster, and a passenger airbag fitted as standard for all models

The Clio has been sold as the Renault Lutecia in Japan, because Honda owns the rights for the name Clio (being one of Honda's sales networks in Japan called Honda Clio ).

Facelift

A major facelift occurred in the spring of 2001 which saw the exterior restyled (most visibly the headlights were made more angular), the interior quality improved and a 1.5 L common rail Diesel engine added. In 2006 the Phase 2 model was facelifted with a restyled front and rear. The number plate moves from boot to bumper and a better specification on all Campus models introduced. The Clio Renault Sport's power was improved to 179 PS (132 kW) (in the UK, the designation RS 182 was adopted, once more using in reflection of DIN-measured horsepower).

The last units of the Clio II built in Mexico featured the headlights used on the Nissan Platina, thus becoming the third headlight design to be used in the car. This version lasted a month (January 2010) on sale, before both Clio and Platina being replaced by the Dacia Logan and Sandero. Second generation Clio is still marketed in European markets as the Clio Campus.

Sedan

In 1999 Renault launched the saloon version of the Clio II, named Clio Symbol in Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria, Thalia in Central Europe, the Baltic states and the ex-Yugoslavian states, Clio Classic in Asia and North Africa, Clio Sedan in Brazil and Paraguay, Symbol in the rest of South America, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus or Clio in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Originally, the car was intended for sale in developing countries, but due to demand, it was later made available in countries where saloons were traditionally preferred over hatchbacks, most notably in Eastern Europe, where the Thalia was cheaper than the Clio, but was still about 30% more expensive than the Dacia Logan, also sold by Renault as a low cost model. In some Latin American markets the sedan was offered as the Nissan Platina (manufactured in Aguascalientes, Mexico), with slight changes in the front of the car to make it resemble the Nissan Altima. The sedan version of Clio was facelifted in 2002, with new exterior similar to facelifted Clio, better equipment and safety levels.

In fall of 2006, an improved Clio sedan has been offered in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey as Renault Symbol. Apart from Brazil, where the name "Symbol" was adopted, in all the other countries the names weren't changed. This model featured the interior of the facelifted Clio II with very minor parts commonality with Megane II, as well as new standard and optional equipment, such as automatic air conditioning and a CD player. The model earned moderate reception in the domestic market.

Renault introduced the second generation of the Symbol/Thalia model at the 2008 Moscow Motor Show. The new model features chrome-trimmed front grille and rear fascia, while powered by similar engines as the Dacia Logan range. The new Symbol/Thalia was designed for the Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa.

Clio III (2006–present)

An all-new third generation Clio was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Clio III uses the Nissan B platform, co-developed with Nissan (which Renault has a share in), that is shared with the Renault Modus, the current Nissan Micra and the Nissan Note. It is considerably larger and 130 kg (287 lb) heavier as well as more expensive than the Clio II, and at nearly 4000 mm in length has almost outgrown the supermini class. This was the result of a decision to move the Clio upmarket. It also brings the trademark "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser to the Clio for the first time. The new Clio achieved a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, joining the rest of Renault's family at the maximum safety rating (with the exception of Kangoo and Twingo). Sales began throughout Europe in October 2005. It was voted European Car of the Year 2006, defeating the Volkswagen Passat by 5 votes and was considered by the judges to be the car which will set the benchmark for quality, safety and style for a car in this class.

In June 2006 the sales of the third generation Clio Renault Sport started in France for the price of €23000. The Clio Renault Sport is equipped with a new naturally aspirated 16-valve 2.0 L engine based on the earlier version used in the second generation Clio Renaultsport and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine develops 197 PS (145 kW) at 7250 rpm. The top speed is 215 km/h (134 mph) and 0–100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds.

Renault exhibited a Hi-Flex Clio Mk II with a 1.6 L 16-valve engine at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show. This vehicle, which addresses the Brazilian market (where this engine is available in the Clio II, the third generation not being sold there), features Renault-developed flex-fuel technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on fuel containing a blend of gasoline and ethanol in any proportion (0% to 100% of either).

An estate version called Sport Tourer was unveiled in March 2007. At the same time, Renault replaced the 1.4 L atmospheric engine with a new turbocharged 1.2 TCE version, with 101 PS (74 kW) and 145 N·m (107 ft·lbf) of maximum torque.

A facelifted version of the Clio III went on sale in the UK on May 15, 2009. It features better quality materials used in the interior and is better equipped than the pre-facelift model.^[6] It is also introduced with a new Clio GT variant, intended to slot between the regular Clio and the Clio 197. The Clio GT has a new aggressive front end styling incorporating a black grille, extended side sills, suspension settings unique to the GT variant, and a twin tailpipe design with a lip spoiler on the rear end.^[7]

Renault Clio III also became basis for Renault Clio Gordini 200 (limited edition) introduced in Great Britain in 2010. Gordini 200 is equipped with 2.0L engine which develops 200 bhp. However, limited edition is priced as low as usual version.^[8]

Engines

Consumer safety issues

In April 2006, the UK consumer affairs TV programme Watchdog aired details of incidents involving a number of Clio IIs in which the bonnet flew open without warning while still being driven. The problem was found to be caused by the catch not being cleaned and lubricated during servicing (as it should be on any car). Renault sent owners an addendum to the manual highlighting this requirement, and recalled the car so that the catch could be inspected and any deficiencies in its servicing corrected.^[9]

Renault Clio mechanical and electrical faults have been catalogued at carsurvey.org - including a common fault which causes the engine to unexpectedly stall; in some cases at speed whilst on the motorway. Another commonly reported fault occurs with the hazard lights turning on by themselves and unable to be switched off

Advertising

• In the United Kingdom, the Clio was advertised on television using the characters "Nicole" (a flirtatious young French woman played by Estelle Skornik) and "Papa" (her somewhat slow-witted father played by Max Douchin). The 1994 advert featured Vincent Cassel as Nicole's boyfriend. The commercials were very popular and in the final one of the series actually featured Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves, in a sequence parodying The Graduate. In 2000, the 1991 commercial "Interesting" was named the 12th best television commercial of all time, in a poll conducted by The Sunday Times and Channel 4. Sound clips of the advert were played repeatedly on The Chris Moyles Show when it was discovered Comedy Dave and his girlfriend had named their newborn daughter Nicole.

• In 1999 a television advert was launched worldwide for the Renault Clio MTV Limited edition featuring a man who was saying "Get up ah!" all the time, it was actually the only sound he can hear from a Clio passing in front of his house early in the morning, then the advert shows the five men inside the Clio and moving their heads to the rhythm of the James Brown song Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.

• The Clio II advertising campaign featured French model Hélène Mahieu, and French international footballer Thierry Henry for the Clio III, both attempting to define the term va-va-voom, a term later defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "The quality of being exciting, vigorous, or sexually attractive", although they state that it dates from the 1950s. In Brazil, the Clio had a trim level called Va Va Voom. The trim level has been discontinued. In Mexico, Clio II's latest campaign reads "todo por mi Clio" (anything for my Clio), depicting one would give anything to keep one's Clio safe from danger.

• The latest campaign for the Clio features French actress Annelise Hesme and English actor Jeremy Sheffield trying to outdo each other over the superiority of each nation via a range of cultural aspects. This "France Vs Britain" - French Car, British Designers - campaign has been extended across a number of media, for example the French Film, British Cinemas tag for the annual Renault French Film Festival. The music used is Nina Simone's "Sinnerman".

Motorsport

Awards

• European Car of the Year in 1991.
• European Car of the Year in 2006.
• What Car? "Supermini of the Year" 2006.
• Winner of El Mejor Automóvil Subcompacto (Best supermini) on Automóvil Panamericano magazine in 2002, 2003 and 2004 in Mexico.

References

External links

• Renault Clio official website at Renault.com