The new Renault Clio 4 will be a much more eco-friendly hatchback than its predecessors, thanks to three new smaller, cleaner engines, a spot of weight loss and improved aerodynamics.
The entry-level engine on the standard Clio is a 0.9-litre TCe Stop&Start three-cylinder petrol, which provides fuel economy of 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The 1.2-litre TCe 120 EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) petrol and 1.5-litre dCi 90 Stop&Start diesel both manage 88.3 miles per gallon with ozone-consuming emissions at just 83g/km. All models are exempt from the London congestion charge.
Although the little 0.9-litre engine sounds weedy, Renault says its performance is on par with the outgoing 1.4-litre. 90bhp at 4,000rpm,135Nm of torque and weight saving of 15kg means there should be more than enough oomph to keep you entertained. The new diesel provides the same number of ponies as the little petrol engine but torque takes a hefty jump up to 220Nm, which is pretty impressive.
This time around, Renault is only supplying the Clio in five-door form, although the two rear doors have been neatly hidden away quite cleverly with handles integrated into the C-pillar. An estate version is planned, though it won’t be released in the UK.
On the inside, the dreary Clio III interior has been replaced with a much brighter, more contemporary cabin that features Renault’s R-Link technology – an integrated 7-inch tablet that provides TomTom navigation and voice control for making or answering calls or barking out sat-nav instructions.
The new Renault Clio will go on sale in October with prices starting at around £10,500.
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