It's finally here. The Clio V, true Renault DNA

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

We are in the month of love, so it was planned by Renault that all journos drive red Clio V’s. And I must add that the drive was superb. As motoring scribes, we really do put the vehicles we drive through a plethora of tests.

Happy to report that the Clio V ticked all the boxes. Renault has, despite the problems experienced with Covid related issues managed to hold their own together. Whilst most original equipment manufacturers all took massive sales hits, Renault was still able to post modest sales figures. The Kwid, Triber, Kiger, Duster and Koleos sold well.
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Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Back to the Clio V. The iconic Clio model is almost synonymous with the Renault brand itself. To think that the Renault CLIO celebrated its 30th-anniversary global in 2020 already. Since its first introduction, the Clio became Group Renault’s best seller throughout the world, with more than 15 million units sold globally.

Renault reliability

The Clio model offers first class reliability. Its quality has been applauded by leading global authorities, thanks to its extremely rigorous build quality making it one of the most reliable cars in the B-segment. It continuously delivers on offering a high-value proposition, with its great comfort, handling, engine and safety credentials, as well as a host of features generally associated with C-segment vehicles. It boasts exterior evolution and interior revamps. But it is still every bit a Clio, but just more Clio than before:

Quick take outs:

• New Clio is instantly distinguished by a completely renewed modern design, which is undeniably striking.
• An elevated experience within the New Clio’s driver-orientated cockpit offers next-level comfort and convenience.
• A range of innovative equipment, including a 9.3” Easy Link infotainment touchscreen, multi-sense driving modes, park distance control, and cruise control enable a superior driving experience.
• New Clio boasts top safety levels with active and passive safety features which aid the driver for a safer driving experience, with features such as Lane departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam Control (HBC). A responsive new 1.0L turbo engine yields an impressive 74kW.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Smart cockpit

The driver is truly the focus in New Clio and its functional features, in a Smart Cockpit, which is high quality and sophisticated. New Clio has undergone a complete revolution on the interior, offering quality materials and finishes. The new high-tech driver orientated cockpit is distinguished by its cocooning seats and the multi-sense customisable ambient lighting, allowing for heightened driving pleasure.

High tech

The high-tech experience is further enhanced by a customisable 7” TFT digital cluster, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and a prominent 9.3” Easy Link multimedia touchscreen, the largest screen in its category.

This infotainment system is perfectly integrated with the Renault Connecy universe. The Easy Link system, compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allows for easy access to all your multimedia content on your mobile device.

Under the bonnet

The Clio is equipped with an entirely new 1.0 petrol wngine. The three-cylinder turbo offers 74kW of power and 160Nm of torque, an improvement of 8kW.

It also takes advantage of the latest technological developments to lower fuel consumption by 10%. I drove the Clio V up and then down the Franschoek Pass in the Mother City and was able to obtain 6.9l per 100kms. Impressive.

Safety

The Clio V is also equipped with keyless entry and keyless ignition, by means of a Renault Smart key card.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Pure Vision Headlights, Parking Sensors (Front* & Rear), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), combined with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The reinforced structure of the seating and high-efficiency front airbags, side airbags, pressure sensor to detect impact and seat belts with pretensioners.

Price:

• Clio V 1.0 Turbo Life- R309, 900
• Clio V 1.0 Turbo Zen- R324, 900
• Clio V 1.0 Turbo Intens- R349, 900

As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the New Renault Clio Model range comes with a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15,000km intervals, and a standard two-year/30,000km service plan applies.