First Drive 2013 Renault Clio TCe 90 By Henny Hemmes +VIDEO

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

FLORENCE, Italy, October 15, 2012. The fourth generation Clio is undoubtedly the most important new model that Renault introduced during the past years, as it competes in Europe’s the most important market. It is also the first car that has been fully created under design chief Laurens van den Acker, who joined Renault from Mazda in 2009. From its market launch In 1990, the Clio has been a pioneer in its segment. It was the first with ABS, generation two was the first with navigation and number three debuted with the ‘key card’. The new Clio is leading the way in its class with innovations. It gets standard a Bluetooth radio that, except for the base model, offers Media Nav. This system has basic multi media functions and offers Renault R-link as an option. This is a 7-inch tablet with touch screen and voice control, for which updated are available in the Renault R-Link Appstore, also a first in the automotive world. And – another first in the market – a home page that can be personalized by the user.

Lighter, lower and roomier

Compared to its predecessor the new Clio has shed 220 pounds, thanks to the use of new, lighter turbo engines and a lighter, plastic hatch and weight reduction of the B-platform. This is the same on which the outgoing Clio is built, as well as almost 20 other models of the Renault-Nissan alliance. The platform has been fine with a 0.55 inches longer wheelbase and wider track(+1.34-1.42 in.)

Other measures added to the weight loss, such as the use of high tension steel for the body’s structure, a thermoplastic tailgate (saves approx. 6 lbs), a smaller fuel tank and the use of new, lighter engines.

There is a choice of the new 900 cc 3-cylinder engine as TCe 90 model and TCe 90 Eco. The CO2 emission of those engines (respectively 104 and 99 grams/km) is important for certain European countries that have tax incentives based on CO2 emission. Also new is the 1.4-liter diesel in the dCi 90 model and dCi90 Eco (90 g and 83 g CO2 respectively). All engines have start-stop and are working together with a 5-speed gearbox. Even though it is not said in so many words, we know that the petrol engine has been developed by Nissan and the diesel by Renault. The base model gets the existing 1.2 16v 4-cylinder with 75 hp. Renault already earned 5 stars in the EuroNcap crash test, which, safety wise, enhances a good start for the new Clio.

Dynamic looks, good drivability

Before the new Clio made its world debut at the Paris show, Renault released some pictures that made me look forward to see the car live. It was revealed as the first production model with the rejuvenated Renault design, inspired by Van den Acker. We got our first view with his first concept car, the DeZir, that was presented in 2010 in Paris.

At this year’s show, I was happy to see that the styling of the new Clio is not complicated , nor boring. In one word, it looks dynamic. The handles of the rear doors are concealed next to the rear quarter light, somewhat like the 1998 Alfa Romeo 156… But hey, that does not mean it does not look right!

The new generation Clio is 1.4 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider. But what adds al lot to a more sporty stance, is the fact that it is 1.8 inches lower than gen III.

The extra centimeters, or inches, are beneficial for the leg and head room of the passengers. I can easily find the right position behind the two-way adjustable steering wheel, thanks also to the adjustable height of the driver’s seat. The passenger seat however is fixed and for my taste it is too high.

Our test car was equipped with the advanced R-Link tablet, which looks really good and is easy to handle with the touch on the desired icon.

I drove together with my colleague Mario Vos, who mounted a camera at different positions on the car. While I was the driver, he worried somewhat about its fixation. But he should not have been: the camera stayed where it was.

Watch the Renault Clio promo video

The bright yellow TCe 90 was the first model we drove. After pushing the start button to wake up the engine, you hear a somewhat raw noise, but after ‘take off’ there is no audible sound. During cruising at 80 mph you only hear wind rustle over the A-pillars, as well as some roll sound. The new steering gear (with 2.7 turns to lock) is also an improvement, as the vague feeling of the current Clio is gone. Now, the car reacts quickly to your steering input and enters the corners with confidence. With its wider track and longer wheel base the suspension is neither too hard, nor too soft.

Before we got into the car, my colleague was more reserved than myself about the usefulness of a 3-cylinder motor. But the longer we drove, the more convinced we both were that the 90 hp/100 lb-ft strong engine performs very well. It is smooth and the torque is enough to be able to push the car and overtake slower traffic with verve.

During such a first drive, you never come close to the fuel consumption that is published by the manufacturer, in this case 4.5 l/100 km, or 52 mpg (the Eco model has 4.3 l/54.7 mpg), but if you are not living in the Alps, and your country is more ‘flat’ you may be able to reach 6.5 l, which translates into 36 mpg.

Henny's Hot Laps - 2013 Renault Clio TCe90

Coming up is the Clio RS, developed by Renault Sport. The production model may indicate the possibilities for such a fast model, so we pushed the throttle pretty hard during the part of the test route that took us through the mountains in Tuscany.

Of course, you may not expect a fair amount of liveliness from the 900 cc engine, but the Clio’s 3-cylinder hardly let us down, but we had to shift actively to overcome the rather long gear ratio, deliberately applied for fuel consumption.

Keeping the engine on its toes, it was possible to actively conquer the bends, maintaining a higher then normal speed. Then, the suspension shows its true character: pretty comfortable but still able to handle the pressure. There is body roll in the corners indeed, but not to the amount that you may fear to fall from your seat. And, really, there is not a big amount of over steer, something that we had expected.

Well, the basic are good, so we are looking forward to the RS, that will be true to the S in its name. After the Paris show, Renault released the first picture and some details: the engine will be a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo with 200 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and the RS will sit on 17-inch wheels. Renault fans have to be patient until the summer.

The new Clio bowed at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris and has been for sale in France since the show started. Renault reported already to be happy with the sales so far. The 5-door hatchback will arrive on October 25th in the other European countries. The Estate, also shown in Paris, will arrive in the spring. Because of the low demand, there will not be a 3-door model anymore. The fast RS, developed by Renault Sport, follows in the summer.