Renault has announced the prices and specifications of its updated Clio supermini, which features a new hybrid powertrain and a sporty Esprit Alpine trim. The new Clio is available to order now in the UK, with customer cars arriving by the end of the year.
The new Clio hybrid
The new Renault Clio is only offered with a single E-Tech hybrid powertrain option in the UK, which combines a 1.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The hybrid system produces a maximum combined output of 143bhp and can run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 40mph for short distances.
Renault claims the new Clio has improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared to the previous Clio E-Tech. The official figures are 67.3mpg and 96g/km, which are 3g/km and 10g/km better than before. The performance data has not been revealed yet, but the new Renault Clio is expected to be slightly faster than the current model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in under 10 seconds.
The hybrid system also comes with an automatic transmission and an e-CVT gearbox that simulates seven-gear ratios. The new Clio also features regenerative braking, which recovers energy from braking and stores it in the battery for later use.
The new Clio trim levels
The new Clio comes in three trim levels: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine. Each trim level offers different features, equipment levels, and prices.
Evolution
The entry-level Evolution model starts from $28,000 and comes with some standard equipment such as:
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Electric folding mirrors
- Keyless entry and start
- A 7-inch digital driver’s display
- A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Techno
The mid-range Techno model costs $30,000 and adds some more features, such as:
- Front parking sensors
- Wireless phone charging
- Interior ambient lighting
- Larger 17-inch alloy wheels
Esprit Alpine
The top-spec Esprit Alpine model costs $32,000 and adds some sporty touches such as:
- A unique bodykit inspired by Renault’s Alpine brand
- Sports seats with blue stitching
- Heated seats and steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control
- An upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen (10 inches) behind the steering wheel and another one (9.3 inches) for the digital driver’s display
The new Clio design
The exterior design of the new Clio has been updated to give it a more modern and aggressive look. The front end features a wider grille with a chequered pattern that resembles Renault’s logo, reshaped LED headlights that flow down into the lower bumper, slimmer LED daytime running lights, fresh color options and new wheel designs of up to 17 inches.
The rear end also gets some tweaks, such as revised tail lights with LED elements integrated into them, a silver airfoil in the lower bumper that adds some aerodynamic flair, and a spoiler on both ends that improves stability at high speeds.
The interior design of the new Renault Clio remains largely unchanged from before, but it has been improved with better quality materials such as leather-free upholstery made from recycled fabrics. The cabin also features digital displays showing various information such as speed, fuel level, navigation directions, and media playback.
Conclusion
The new Renault Clio is one of the most popular superminis in Europe, selling more than one million units since its launch in 1990. It competes with models such as the Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo, and Ford Fiesta. With its updated styling, technology and hybrid powertrain option, it aims to attract more customers looking for a stylish, efficient, and fun-to-drive car.
Renault has unveiled the fourth generation of its Master van, which offers a new design, a revamped interior, and a choice of diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains. The new Master is designed to meet the needs of professionals in various sectors, with a range of body styles, sizes, and configurations.
Aerodynamic Design and Strong Personality
The new Renault Master stands out with its eye-catching looks and strong personality, which reflect its robustness and reliability. The front end features a new grille with chrome accents, a higher bonnet, and C-shaped LED headlights, giving the van a more truck-like appearance.
The new Master is available in four body lengths and three body heights, with a choice of front- or rear-wheel drive. Depending on the version, the van offers a cargo volume of 11 to 22 cubic meters and a payload of up to 2 tonnes.
Multi-Energy Platform and Advanced Technology
The new Master offers a multi-energy platform, covering all needs with different powertrain options. Diesel engines have three power outputs: 105 hp, 143 hp, and 178 hp, with a manual or automatic gearbox. The diesel engines comply with the latest Euro 6D emissions standards.
The electric version of the Master called the Master E-Tech, comes with two battery options: 40 kWh or 87 kWh, providing a range of 180 km or 410 km, respectively. The electric motor delivers 130 hp or 143 hp, depending on the battery size. The electric version also features a regenerative braking system, which recovers energy during deceleration and braking, and a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) system.
The new Renault Master E-Tech is also ready to accommodate a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, which will be available in the future. The hydrogen version will offer a range of 500 km and will emit only water vapor.
The new Master also has 20 driver assistance systems, including active emergency braking, blind spot warning, rearview camera, parking sensors, hill start assist, and trailer sway control.
Benefits and Advantages of the New Renault Master
The new Renault Master E-Tech offers several benefits and advantages for professionals, such as:
- A versatile and flexible van that can adapt to various needs and sectors, with a wide range of body styles, sizes, and conversions.
- A multi-energy van that can suit different preferences and requirements, with diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrain options.
- A fuel-efficient and eco-friendly van that can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with aerodynamic design, stop-start system, eco mode, regenerative braking, and V2G and V2L system.
- A comfortable and high-tech van that can enhance the driving experience and productivity with a new infotainment system, digital cockpit, wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry and start system, and 20 driver assistance systems.
- A reliable and robust van that can handle various road and load conditions, with a strong personality, a dynamic braking system, and a 5-year / 200,000 km warranty.
Comparison to Similar Cars and Competitors
The new Renault Master competes with other large vans, such as the Ford Transit, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Volkswagen Crafter, and the LDV Deliver 9. How does the new Master compare to these rivals?
- The new Renault Master E-Tech offers a larger cargo volume than the Ford Transit, which ranges from 9.5 to 15.1 cubic meters, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which ranges from 7.8 to 17 cubic meters.
- The new Master offers a similar cargo volume to the Volkswagen Crafter, which ranges from 9.9 to 18.4 cubic meters, and the LDV Deliver 9, which ranges from 9.6 to 12.4 cubic meters.
- The new Master offers a longer electric range than the Ford Transit, which offers a range of 217 km, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which offers a range of 168 km. The new Master also offers a longer electric range than the Volkswagen Crafter, which offers a range of 173 km, and the LDV Deliver 9, which offers a range of 200 km.
- The new Master offers a unique hydrogen option, which none of its rivals currently offer. The new Master also offers a more advanced infotainment system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and Google integration, which none of its rivals currently offer.
Conclusion
The new Renault Master is a next-generation multi-energy electric van that offers a new design, a revamped interior, and a choice of diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains. The new Master is designed to meet the needs of professionals in various sectors, with a range of body styles, sizes, and configurations. The new Master offers several benefits: versatility, flexibility, fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness, comfort, high-tech, reliability, and robustness.