Renault revises popular ClioFacelift also sees launch of new Renaultsport 200
02 May 2009
2009 Renault Clio has visual and mechanical tweaks
The Renault Clio has just been subject to a comprehensive makeover, incorporating new looks and new trim levels.
The new version of this popular is easy to spot. Visual changes to the styling – especially at the front – bring the design closer to the and . There’s a choice of six engines and seven trim levels – plus revised Renaultsport models for enthusiastic drivers.
Starting with the regular cars, both turbodiesel engines – different power variants of Renault’s long-serving 1.5 dCi – and three of the petrol engines carry over from before. However, joining the 1.2, 1.2 turbo and 1.6 automatic is a new more powerful 1.6 with 126bhp that comes into the line-up as part of a new GT trim level.
Sporty GT, sat nav for TomTom Edition
As the name suggests, GT is a sporty Clio, slotting in between the already racy Dynamique and range-topping Renaultsport. It comes complete with bodykit, 16-inch alloys and twin-exit exhaust.
Another new specification is the TomTom Edition – named after the Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system that’s fitted as standard. Optional for just £450 on other Clios, this includes a full-colour screen, remote control and SD card slot.
Comprehensive equipment
Renaultsport 200 sprints to 62mph in 6.9seconds
The other trim levels are familiar: Extreme, Expression, Expression A/C, Dynamique, Privilege and Initiale.
Extreme includes six airbags, aux-in socket for MP3 players, front fog-lights and electric front windows. Expression adds split-folding rear seat and electric heated door mirrors. Expression A/C boost this with air conditioning.
Dynamique is described as the ‘core’ Clio model, and features wider front wings, 16-inch alloys, and a sporty interior. The TomTom Edition is based on this, also adding cruise control and speed limiter in addition to the sat nav.
Privilege and Initiale come as five-door Clios only. Privilege includes climate control, electric rear windows, and part-leather interior. Initiale furthers this with USB socket, alarm, Carminat TomTom, full beige leather and reversing sensors.
New Renaultsport 200
Finally, the performance flagship: the new Renault Clio Renaultsport 200.
Building on the highly successful and very well received Renault Clio Renaultsport 197, the Renaultsport 200 gains 3bhp taking it to 197bhp total (200ps in European figures, hence the name). Low-down torque (pulling power) below 3,000rpm is increased some 20% for greater initial response.
As before, the Renaultsport is available as both standard car and as a lightweight ‘Cup’, which costs less and does without air conditioning, but gets more aggressive steering and suspension, plus reduced weight for better performance.
The new Renaultsport Clios sprint 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and have a top speed of 141mph.
Priced from £9,995
Prices for the revised Renault Clio range start at £9,995 for the 1.2 petrol Extreme, rising to £16,895 for the Initiale diesel. The Sport Tourer estate cost £900 more than the equivalent five-door, starting at £11,445 for the Expression 1.2.
The Renaultsport 200 costs £15,750 for the Cup and £16,750 for the regular version.
The new Renault Clio is available to order now, and arrives in showrooms 15 May.
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