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ALL NEW CLIO - MORE THAN EVER THE SMALL CAR WITH BIG CAR REFINEMENTS

All New Clio was launched this morning by Renault Ireland and will be on sale from Renault Dealerships around the country from the 26th of October. New Clio, which is longer, wider and bigger than previous models, has already earned the coveted 5 Star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making it the eight model in Renault's extensive range to achieve such high levels of safety.

Completely remodelled from its predecessor, New Clio's soft lines give it a much more dynamic look. New Clio is also much more robust, without taking away from the fluidity or attractiveness of the car on the road.

Generous size for total comfort and safety.

By increasing the size of the chassis, New Clio now has much more room in the cabin, which can accommodate up to five people in comfort. Inside the cabin of New Clio has benefited from a complete revamp. Increased storage space and warm, carefully finished interior trim levels couples with the improved all round visibility to provide passengers with the light, airy interior space for which Renault have become renowned.

An improved driving position and user-friendly controls contribute to maximising comfort for both passenger and driver. Added to this New Clio comes with a long list of standard comfort and safety (passive and active) features.

Options to make your life easier

A multifunction trip computer gives an accurate and timely report on the performance of the car. The tinted windows and double optic headlights reduce tiredness by decreasing glare during the day and improving visibility at night.

New Clio also comes with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist as standard. Two-stage adaptive airbags protect both the driver and passenger while pretensioners and load limiters on both the passenger and driver side, front and rear, improve the protection offered to all occupants of the car. Both the outer seats on the rear bench and the passenger seat come with the revolutionary Isofix child seat safety harness system. Three locking points in each of these seats ensures that child seats are securely fastened at all times and prevent unwanted movement of the child seats.

New Clio owners will also be protected by some of Renault's peerless security features. Remote central locking, RAID (Renault Anti Intrusion Device) automatic door locking which locks the doors as soon as car reaches 6km/h, anti-drill locks and locking fuel filler cap all come as standard.

Road handling for total control

Suspension on the New Clio is inspired by that used on the Mégane II. This combines precise directional control with the ability to filter out both noise and vibrations. When combined with the longer wheelbase, wider track and lower centre of gravity, the balance and handling of New Clio is much improved, making for an altogether smoother ride.

The upshot of all these improvements, along with the standard safety equipment that comes in New Clio, is that New Clio is much more neutrally balanced in an emergency situation. This allows for easier control of the car giving the driver a greater chance of avoiding accidents.

The external body of the New Clio contains a number of strategically placed programmed deformation zones, which are designed to absorb some of the shock of an impact, minimising the effect of an impact on passengers inside the cabin.

Travel in style

There will be two engine sizes and three trim levels to chose from on New Clio. Starting with the 1.2L 16V engine which produces 75bhp and can propel the car to a top speed of 167km/h. In the combined cycle this engine uses 5.9 litres of petrol for every 100km travelled. The 1.4L 16V version produces 100bhp. Like its smaller brother this engine is Euro 4 compliant and has an increased top end speed of 183km/h.

The remodelled lines of New Clio also serve to make it more aerodynamic. Added to this, the new engines are equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle system which, in association with a motorised throttle valve, ensure precise control of air flow to the engine. All these improvements serve to make New Clio much more efficient and help to lower emissions.

Comfort for one and all

Trim levels on New Clio start with the Authentique. Along with all the standard equipment drivers will get a car with 15" Yaghan wheel trim, front electric windows and a 2x15watt radio and front loading CD player with four speakers. The upholstery, Irus, comes with a carbon trim. The rear bench is fully folding.

The next level of trim is Sport+. This also comes with the Irus upholstery with carbon trim. Added to this are features such as the 16" Mahonia alloys. Sport + comes with sports headlights which incorporate integrated cornering lights and front fog lamps. The rear bench of the Sport+ splits 60:40 and comes with three height adjustable headrests. A 4x15Watt radio and front-loading CD player with satellite controls is fitted and comes with 6 speakers.

The top of the range of New Clio will be known as the Dynamique and again offers increased standard equipment designed to make journeys an even more enjoyable experience.

Curtain airbags offer greater protection for all occupants. The 1.2L Dynamique will come with 15" Mahonia alloy wheels while the 1.4L version will get 16" Canasta alloys, both of which will fit into the wider sport front wings. The upholstery will be sporty and has a charcoal trim. On the dashboard and instrument dials there will be brushed aluminium finishes that will also form the inserts, surrounds and door handles.

Conclusion

Speaking at the launch Bill Cullen, Chairman Renault Ireland, said, "The Clio is probably on of the most important cars in our line up. New Clio continues the very strong Renault tradition of producing excellent superminis and I'm confident that existing Clio drivers will receive New Clio with enthusiasm due to its greater size, improved comfort and excellent safety."

Prices for New Clio will start from €15,850 for the three door 1.2L Authentique going up to €18,490 for the 1.4 five door Dynamique model*. (*All prices include VAT and exclude delivery and related charges.)