The Renault Clio celebrated its 30th birthday in 2020, and it has never been better than this latest generation of the award-winning French supermini.
The Clio is already a top seller in Ireland and the addition of clever E-Tech Hybrid technology only strengthens the supermini’s position as one of the very best cars in its class. Being able to achieve in excess of 64mpg (4.4l/100km WLTP) in real world driving conditions is truly impressive, and when the Clio looks as good as it does, inside and out, it’s sure to be a success.
Cutting-Edge Technology;
The new Clio E-Tech Hybrid is one of only a handful of hybrid superminis on the market, and it can drive short distances exclusively on electric power. In fact, Renault claim that the Clio E-Tech Hybrid allows you to drive in full electric mode for up to 80% of your daily commute. With Renault being the pioneers of electric vehicles, it is no surprise that they developed two types of hybrid engines – E-Tech Hybrid (Self-Charging) and E-Tech Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), with as many as 150 patents protecting this innovative technology. The new Clio E-Tech Hybrid combines cutting-edge electric and combustion engine technology with a particularly efficient, Formula 1-inspired, automatic transmission. This multi-mode gearbox features intuitive regenerative braking for dramatic deceleration and it takes the wasted energy from the braking process and uses it to recharge the car’s batteries. As a result, the new Clio E-Tech Hybrid consistently starts in electric drive, optimises electric driving in the city, and it boasts a silent electric experience for ultimate serenity on the move.
Hugely Impressive Spec;
The new Clio E-Tech Hybrid is available as a stand alone model with a hugely impressive standard specification. Key features include striking 17” Viva Stella diamond-cut alloy wheels with grey inserts, automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers, chrome-look insert on lower side doors with Clio embossing, black door mirrors, blue exterior colour pack, Vision Grey interior detailing, grey fabric upholstery with blue stitching, blue interior colour pack, air-conditioning with climate control, Easy Link Navigation with a 9.3” touchscreen, 4x20W amplifier, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, 7” driver information display, front & rear parking sensors, reverse camera, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a sliding centre front armrest, along with a suite of innovative safety, comfort and convenience features for maximum occupant enjoyment.
Car on Review;
My Clio E-Tech Hybrid test car looked amazing in its Quartz White metallic paintwork, while the combination of light and dark dashboard and door trim, along with stylish grey upholstery, added a new dimension to the spacious cabin. The Clio Hybrid deploys two differently sized electric motors in tandem with a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine for a combined power output of 138bhp (140PS). The instant responsiveness of the electric motors, along with the multi-mode automatic gearbox, provides quick acceleration and smooth gear changes. The Clio’s smaller electric motor does the work of an alternator, starting the car as well as smoothing gearchanges, while the bigger e-motor provides 48bhp to help propulsion, and channels recuperated energy to the 1.2kWh battery. The principal sensation is how intuitive and seamless the computer-controlled driving experience is. The Clio Hybrid possesses a similar relaxed and comfortable ride quality to its petrol and diesel powered siblings, while the steering is light and effortless. The 0-100km/h acceleration run takes just 9.9-seconds to complete, while a WLTP CO2 emission figure of just 99g/km translates to annual road tax of €180. Cabin space in the new Renault Clio has always been commendable, while the Clio Hybrid has a boot capacity of 300-litres (down from 391-litres in a standard Clio) to accommodate the hybrid’s battery pack.
Pricing & Warranty;
The new Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid is priced at €29,145 (ex-delivery) and is on sale at Renault dealerships nationwide. The new Clio E-Tech PHEV is due to be launched later this year. All new Renault passenger cars are supplied with a comprehensive 5-year/200,000km warranty for total peace of mind motoring. Presently, the new Clio E-Tech Hybrid is available with a €1,000 Green Bonus, 3.9% APR finance and 3 months deferred payments. The new Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid truly is a new driving sensation in every respect.
Quick Facts (if space permits);
- Petrol/Electric Power
- Formula 1 Technology
- Impressive Specification
- Excellent Driving Dynamics
- Terrific Finance Options
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