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Euro NCAP tests confirm Renault's expertise
Clio III is the eighth Renault to win five stars from Euro NCAP

After Modus in 2004, Clio III has achieved the maximum five stars in crash tests carried out by the independent body Euro NCAP, with a score of 32.67 points out of a possible 37. Like Modus, the car also secured the maximum four stars for child protection, confirming its family orientation.

Clio III has benefited from all Renault's safety expertise and demonstrates the company's determination to offer "safety for all". As the only automaker to have eight vehicles with five-star rating from Euro NCAP, Renault underscores its leading position in the field of safety.

Throughout the various tests, Euro NCAP inspectors emphasized the excellent level of occupant protection afforded by Clio III. The car's structure crumpled perfectly, dissipating energy and preventing any intrusion into the cabin. Analysis showed that the damage sustained by dummies demonstrated the effectiveness of its restraint system, particularly the two-stage adaptive front airbags and anti-submarining system.

Uncompromising protection for all passengers

Clio III comes with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection, which guarantees optimum protection for occupants wherever they are sitting. 1 Front impact: 14.11 points out of 16, side barrier impact: 15.56 points out of 16, side pole impact: 2 points out of 2, audible seat belt reminder: 1 point out of 3

Depending on the version, the system comprises six to eight airbags: two twin-stage adaptive airbags in the front, four side airbags (two chest airbags in the front seats and two curtain airbags to protect the heads of front and rear passengers) and two anti-submarining airbags on the three-door version. When a front impact occurs, the system comes into operation taking account of the size of the driver, which is measured by a sliding sensor. The front seats are also fitted with an anti-submarining system and 400daN load limiters that protect occupants' chests. An audible seat belt reminder sounds and an icon on the dash display lights up if drivers forget to fasten their seat belts. In the rear of the car, the danger of submarining is restricted by seat belts with pretensioners, short, vertically installed belt buckles and a special seat design. The rear side seats have pyrotechnic reels and 600daN load limiters - features which Renault is the only automaker to offer. Clio III also comes with a luggage retention bar which is screwed into the floor at the base of the rear bench seat back. It holds back baggage in the case of impact without taking up boot space. Having won four stars in Euro NCAP's child protection tests, Clio III joins Modus as one of the safest cars in its category in this respect. Renault has equipped Clio III with four Isofix anchorage points built into the rear side seat and front passenger seat. Clio III also introduces a new concept aimed at children aged between six and 10 sitting in the central position of the rear bench seat. To enable the child to sit in the correct position, the seat cushion is shorter, while the seat belt buckles have been brought forward and positioned lower to ensure that the belt is perfectly positioned across the child's lap to combat submarining.

Reinforced cabin structure

Clio III's body shell employs new steels and materials that ensure improved absorption and dissipation of kinetic energy. The front, side and rear of the body are all designed with built-in programmed deformation which reduces both the impact and the violence of the impact felt by the car's occupants. The very rigid cabin forms a non-deformable survival cell to combat the intrusion of powertrain components (engine, gearbox, battery, casings and accessories), which are designed to stack up under impact. The magnesium frame of the steering wheel deforms and the steering column retracts to increase the space between steering wheel and driver. Footwell padding and a thin metal sheet built into the cowling underneath the steering wheel reduce the risk of leg injuries. A brake pedal retracting system also protects the driver's ankles.

Padding in the door panel of Clio III plus an aluminium bar adapt the load exerted when a side impact occurs to provide effective protection for occupants. If the side impact is against a pole or tree, a curtain airbag also deploys to protect the heads of front and rear occupants while side airbags in the front seats protect their chests. In the event of a rear impact, Clio III offers an innovation from Renault for the front seats: seats and headrests that absorb energy. This new technology represents a significant breakthrough in protecting occupants' necks against the effects of whiplash. When the height is adjusted, it is the headrest itself which slides rather than the rods, which are no longer rigid. When an impact occurs, the occupant's back can be pushed further back into the seat until his or her head comes into contact with the headrest. The rear bench seat comes with three integrated headrests, while the seat itself and its anchorage points are reinforced to restrict reclining of the seat back under impact.

Star performance at Euro NCAP

After Renault opted to equip New Vel Satis with a seat belt reminder for the front passenger, Euro NCAP gave the car another point. So Vel Satis still has five-star rating with a total of 34.12 points out of a possible 37. The audible reminder is a major factor in making occupants aware of the importance of seat belts because about 1,200 lives could be saved in France every year if everyone remembered to fasten them. With eight vehicles awarded five stars by Euro NCAP, Renault has the safest range on the automobile market for adult protection.
• Espace IV 5 stars "safest car on the market" (2003)
• Vel Satis 5 stars "best in class" (2005)
• Laguna II 5 stars first 5-star vehicle in the segment (2003)
• Scénic II 5 stars first 5-star vehicle in the segment (2003)
• Mégane II 5 stars first 5-star vehicle in the segment (2002)
• Mégane CC 5 stars "best in class" (2004)
• Modus 5 stars first 5-star vehicle in its category (2004)
• Clio 5 stars (2005)
• Kangoo 4 stars (2003)
• Twingo 3 stars (2003)