New Look For Renault Clio Range At Waters AutoPlanet

Ever since it was launched in 2005 by Ben and Sophie of the much loved “French Car, British Designers” advertising campaign, Renault’s New Clio has received many plaudits including “European Car of the Year 2006.”

Now, the Clio 2009 has been updated with a new look which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show for both its hatch and Sport Tourer versions.

The Clio 2009 range will be complemented by three performance versions: Clio GT, based on the three-door hatchback, combining racy looks, specific suspension and high performance; Renaultsport 200 Cup with the stiffer Cup chassis, and Renaultsport 200, with revised sport chassis for customers looking for a comfortable and extensively equipped performance hatchback.
Not only does the facelift give Clio the same purposeful looks as the New Laguna and New Mégane, the range of engines and transmissions has been improved, and interior space has been enhanced too.

The Clio also comes with an exclusive Carminat TomTom® satellite navigation system which is an option at £450. From launch, the TomTom Edition version with Carminat TomTom® and cruise control for just £360 will also be available. The easy-to-use Carminat TomTom® is the first fully-integrated GPS navigation system to market at this price and includes a 5.8-inch (14.7cm) colour screen for clear display.

Drivers will find everything they need for simple navigation, from detailed maps - including 'bird’s eye view' display to the latest traffic information, speed restrictions and speed camera location alerts.

Renault has worked hard to ensure that the versions of Clio 2009 powered by the 1.2 16V 75, TCe 100 and dCi 86 and 106 engines meet the three criteria necessary to qualify for the Renault eco² signature; they are produced in an ISO-14001-certified plant, emissions do not exceed 140g/km, or are biofuel compatible, and are 95% recyclable and at least 5% of plastics used in production have been recycled.

As well as being ecological, Renault is renowned for cars with a raft of equipment. Options on the Clio 2009 range include hands-free card, cruise control, speed limiter, rear parking proximity sensor, automatic headlamp and wiper activation.

Renault is also well-known for its commitment to safety and the Clio has features including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, ESP, traction control and engine torque overrun regulation to help with active safety. The previous version of the Clio was awarded the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating when it was launched and the new version is built on the same platform.

Shaun Egan, Dealer Principal said: “Renault is unbeatable when it comes to producing small cars. Thanks to its comfort, practicality and reliability, New Clio has been extremely popular among drivers.

“The Clio is a joy to drive; it’s affordable, roomy and stylish and we’re thrilled that this ever-popular supermini has been given a facelift. The build quality is even better, the design is fantastic and it’s as at home on the motorway as it is about town.”

To test drive any of the New Clio family with the three-door range starting from £9,995, or any of the Renault range, call in at any of our branches, e-mail us or call us at Letchworth on 0845 871 5108, Southampton on 0845 871 7045 or St Albans on 0845 871 5109.