2008 Moscow Motor Show: New Renault Symbol, an Elegant Three-Box Saloon With Seductive Appeal - VIDEO ENHANCED
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MOSCOW – August 26, 2008: Renault has profited from the Moscow Motor Show to reveal New Renault Symbol, the latest vehicle to join its line-up as part of the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. The lines of this three-box saloon suggest refinement and elegance, and its status-enhancing front-end looks are underpinned by the design of the headlamps and the specific grille which is picked out in chrome. The robust lines of the rear are also suggestive of status, while the cabin is comfortable and carefullyappointed.
New Renault Symbol is truly economical to run. Its range of latest-generation engines all combine performance, fuel efficiency and respect for the environment. Both the petrol- and diesel-powered versions of this new vehicle can claim best in class fuel consumption, returning a low 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 116g/km) with the 1.5 dCi 85hp engine, and 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 140g/km) with the 1.2 16V 75hp powerplant.
Click PLAY to watch the Renault Symbol promo video
New Renault Symbol sets new standards when it comes to travelling comfort, too. The running gear is inherited from that of Clio II which is acclaimed for the first class balance it strikes between comfort and roadholding. Passengers will also appreciate the quiet drive ensured by the thoroughly soundproofed cabin, while thermal comfort has been engineered to function in the extreme climates of countries like Russia, Turkey, etc. The large (506 dm3), practical boot meets the needs of a wide variety of uses, ranging from family holidays, professional use or a weekend away in the country. And this new three-box car is equally uncompromising in the realm of, delivering optimal protection for all occupants. New Renault Symbol has plenty of arguments in its favour to win over families in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, the Maghreb countries and the Gulf States. Indeed, this new vehicle heralds the forthcoming renewal of Renault's entire three-box line-up and is due to be released for sale on the majority of its markets between September and November 2008.
Status symbol
Renault has chosen the Moscow Motor Show to take the wraps off New
Renault Symbol, the first three-box saloon to form part of the Renault
Commitment 2009 plan. This new model was designed to meet customer demand
in such dynamic markets as Russia and Turkey. New Renault Symbol is the
fruit of international cooperation between different Renault engineering
departments.
Close collaboration between Renault engineering teams, plus best
level quality
New Renault Symbol was developed over a period of 26 months. Digital
technologies including modelling and dynamic simulation were employed at
every step of the project which resulted in both time and cost savings. The
total capital outlay for New Renault Symbol – including
production-related investment – was €100 million. The use of
the running gear from Clio II, itself a benchmark in its segment in terms
of comfort and roadholding, permitted design lead times to be kept to a
minimum while ensuring an extremely high level of quality. Although Clio
Symbol was derived from Clio II, New Renault Symbol is a model in its own
right. Designed jointly by Renault engineering teams at the Technocentre
(France), in Turkey and in Romania, it is manufactured at the Oyak-Renault
plant in Bursa, Turkey, one of the Renault Group's leading factories in
terms of quality. It is both ISO 9001- and ISO 14001-certified and employs
the production methods spelled out in the Renault Production Way (SPR).
Quality control also covers the management of this factory's diversified
production which manufactures five different body types on the same line.
Bursa's capacity is 360,000 units in three shifts for the five models it
produces, namely New Renault Symbol, three- and five-door Clio III, Clio
Estate and four-door Mégane saloon.
A vehicle aimed at promoting growth outside of the Europe
region
The decision to manufacture New Renault Symbol in Bursa was
taken at a very early stage in the project in order to ensure its
production as near as possible to the countries where it would be sold.
Indeed, Russia, Turkey, Romania and Algeria are key markets for this model
and are expected to absorb more than 80 per cent of production. The rest of
production will go to the CEEC (Central and Eastern Europe countries), the
Middle East and Africa. This new three-box car targets automobile markets
that are enjoying strong growth. Between 2000 and 2007, the BRIC countries
(Brazil, Russia, India and China) grew by 176 per cent, while new growth
economies such as the Maghreb countries and Turkey grew by 87 per cent, and
mature markets (Western Europe, North America and Japan) receded by 4.5 per
cent. Forecasts expect this trend to be even more marked in years to come.
In this highly competitive marketplace which has seen a significant renewal
of the offer, New Renault Symbol has many arguments in its favour,
beginning with the brand's performance in this segment. Clio Symbol has
been a success story since 2000, with sales totalling more than 600,000
units. It was once again Turkey's best-selling car in 2007. Up to the end
of April 2008, Clio Symbol topped its segment in Turkey and was second in
Romania, Morocco and Algeria.
New Renault Symbol, tailor-made for its markets
New Renault
Symbol reaps the benefit of the organization by regions introduced by
Renault in 2006 and which features regular meetings between all the key
local players and representatives of centrally-based functions for a more
streamlined decision-making process in tune with the needs of the
marketplace. The Euromed1 region was closely involved in the project,
notably in terms of deciding the specification of the new car and then
forecasting sales volumes. Customer surveys and feedback from the field
conducted at a very early stage in the project enabled a detailed analysis
of the segment to be made with a view to producing a vehicle that perfectly
matched customer demand. Two major factors stood out as essential, namely
exterior looks and low running costs (fuel consumption, upkeep and
servicing). Despite variations from one market to another, this process
outlined the principal characteristics of the typical New Renault Symbol
buyer who is male and looking for a spacious family car that is
comfortable, easy to run and versatile (family journeys, travelling to and
from work). The typical buyer is also looking for the best quality-to-price
ratio, as well as a safe, attractive car. Brand image is seen as important,
too. New Renault Symbol is the first step in the creation by Renault of a
range of three-box models. This will enable the brand to build on the
thousands of satisfied Clio Symbol buyers and also win over new customers
thanks notably to the newcomer's statusenhancing looks and extremely
competitive running costs. The car is due to be released for sale on the
majority of its markets between September and November 2008.
ELEGANCE AND SEDUCTIVE APPEAL
Symbol's status-enhancing front-end looks and harmonious styling exude refinement and elegance. Inside, the driver and passengers will appreciate the comfortable, carefully-appointed cabin.
Elegant, status-enhancing lines
New Renault Symbol is a new
three-box saloon which features attractive styling. It sits on 14- or
15-inch wheels, while its length of 4.26 metres and height of 1.43 metres
ensure nicely balanced proportions. The harmonious forms of its headlamps
combine with the foglamps and body colour exterior mirrors (except entry
level version) to underpin the front end's status-enhancing looks. Seen
from the side, its lines are those of a prestigious saloon and the presence
of a third lateral window ensures first class visibility. The robust design
of the rear is also suggestive of status, an impression which is compounded
by the body colour rear bumper and wrap-round rear lights. The use of
chrome trimming for the grille surround, rear panel and exterior door
handles adds a further note of refined distinction (depending on equipment
level). New Renault Symbol can also be ordered with a rear wing (available
as an accessory) and 15-inch aluminium alloy wheels which give it further
poise and dynamic appeal.
A comfortable, carefully-appointed cabin
The same seductive
appeal and level of perceived quality are apparent inside New Renault
Symbol, too. The practical interior exudes a sensation of comfort and
well-being, while the trim strip of the dashboard brings an added touch of
elegance and refinement. The dashboard itself features a rev-counter,
warning lights and the trip computer display. The gearlever knob falls
readily to hand, while appointments include a chrome steeringwheel trim
(depending on version) and the height-adjustable driver's seat.
INEXPENSIVE TO RUN
New Renault Symbol is genuinely inexpensive to run. Its range of latestgeneration powerplants combines performance, fuel efficiency and respect for the environment. The diesel 1.5 dCi 85hp and petrol 1.2 16V 75hp engines deliver best in class fuel consumption of 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 116g/km) and 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 140g/km) respectively.
Best level fuel efficiency
New Renault Symbol features
segment-leading fuel consumption performance. In their respective
categories, the 1.5 dCi 85hp diesel engine and the petrol 1.2 16V 75hp
return record low combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a
three-box vehicle of this size, i.e. 4.3 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2
emissions of 116g/km) and 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of
140g/km). To achieve such low figures, Renault's engineers paid especially
close attention to New Renault Symbol's aerodynamics (CdA = 0.691) and to
keeping weight to a minimum. Indeed, the 1.2 16V 75hp-powered version tips
the scales at a low 904kg to give it a best level performance-fuel
consumption ratio. New Renault Symbol contributes actively to the '120-140'
pledge outlined in the Renault Commitment 2009 plan which saw Renault
commit to selling one million vehicles in 2008 that emit less than 140g of
CO2/km, including one third that emit less than 120 g/km.
A range of engines that combine performance and low running
costs
The New Renault Symbol range features the latest-generation
engines that power all Renault's entry level range (Twingo, Clio and
Modus), providing the market's best level fuel consumption, performance and
acoustic comfort. Depending on country and equipment level, the petrol
engine range comprises the 1.2 16V 55kW (75hp), the 1.4 55kW (75hp), the
1.4 16V 72kW (98hp) and the 1.6 16V 77kW (105hp). Meanwhile, the 1.5 dCi
diesel engine is available in a choice of two power outputs: 48kW (65hp)
and 62kW (85hp). Depending on market, these engines comply with Euro1,
Euro3 or Euro4 depollution standards. The two most powerful petrol engines
can be mated with fourspeed proactive automatic transmission.
The petrol engine range
1.2 16V 75hp
The 1,149cc 1.2 16V (D4F) has a power output of
75hp (55kW) at 5,500rpm and delivers torque of 105Nm (10.7mkg) at 4,250rpm.
In addition to this engine's linear power curve, the torque is available
from very low revs, making it a particularly versatile engine suited to all
types of journey. 90 per cent of peak torque is available over a broad rev
band that extends from 1,750 to 5,750rpm. The overhead camshaft with roller
cam followers and specific inlet calibration have enabled the idling speed
to be kept to a low 650rpm which translates into a fuel saving of between
two and three per cent when driving in town. Powered by this engine, New
Renault Symbol returns the best combined cycle fuel consumption of its
class with a score of just 5.9 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of
140g/km).
1.4 75hp
With a power output of 55kW (75hp) at 5,500rpm, this
1,390cc engine (K7J) is acclaimed for its robustness and reliability. It
combines punch with a comfortable, enjoyable drive. Peak torque of 114Nm
(11.6mkg) at 5,500rpm brings out the best in New Renault Symbol's
versatility in built up areas and in open country.
1.4 16V 98hp
The maximum power output of this 1,390cc engine
is 72kW (98hp) at 6,000rpm to ensure genuine driving pleasure. Peak torque
is 127Nm (12.9mkg), 90 per cent of which is available between 2,000 and
5,750rpm. Depending on market, this engine can be ordered with either
four-speed proactive automatic transmission or a five-speed manual
gearbox.
1.6 16V 105hp (77kW)
The 1.6 16V (K4M) puts out 105hp (77kW)
at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 148Nm (15.8mkg) at 3,750rpm. With 90 per
cent of the latter available between 2,000 and 5,750rpm, this 1,598cc unit
is responsive and pleasant to drive. Fuel consumption has been minimized
thanks to the use of roller cam followers and lightweight materials. It is
available exclusively with four-speed proactive automatic transmission.
The diesel engine range
1.5 dCi
The diesel range is founded on the 1.5 dCi (K9K)
engine, the second-generation 1,600- bar Common Rail injection system of
which ensures enhanced combustion quality and, as a result, lower fuel
consumption. This engine is acclaimed for its efficiency and acoustic
performance, thanks notably to its so-called flexible flywheel which
filters out the effects of acyclic movements. This 1,461cc engine is
available in a choice of two power outputs: - 48kW (65hp):
The
maximum torque (160Nm/16.3mkg) of this version of the 1.5 dCi is available
from very low revs and ensures responsive mid-range acceleration. It is
ideally suited to New Renault Symbol's versatility and allows all types of
journey to be envisaged. Low fuel consumption is a feature of the new model
powered by this engine.
- 62kW (85hp) :
This more powerful version of the 1.5 dCi
packs an even bigger punch. Thanks to its low inertia turbo and torque of
200Nm (18.9mkg) available from 1,750rpm, it is particularly enjoyable and
comfortable to drive. It claims the best fuel consumption of its class with
just 4.3 litres/100km over a European-type combined cycle (equivalent to
116g/km of CO2). This version complies with Euro4 antipollution
standards.
A TOTALLY REASSURING RIDE
New Renault Symbol offers benchmark travelling comfort and employs the same running gear as Clio II which is acclaimed for the balance it strikes between comfort and outstanding roadholding. Passengers will also appreciate the particularly quiet ride, while thermal comfort has been tailored to deliver top performance in a wide variety of climates, from extreme heat to extreme cold.
Outstanding handling
The handling of New Renault Symbol is
predictable in all situations, even on wet roads. The choice of the same
running gear as Clio II, a front track dimension of 1.41m and a wheelbase
of 2.47m ensure pleasant, surefooted and surprise-free stability and
handling. The roadholding has been engineered with two priorities in mind:
safety and comfort. The MacPherson-type front suspension has been
calibrated to deliver optimal handling and ride comfort. It employs
hydraulic dampers and coil springs, and comes with an antiroll bar to
minimize body-roll. The diameter of the anti-roll bar is 23mm in the case
of versions powered by the 1.2 or 1.4 75hp petrol engines, and 24mm in the
case of the other models. The rear suspension is based on a compact and
lightweight programmed deflection Hbeam system. Ride comfort is enhanced by
the combination of vertically-mounted dampers, variable-rate coil springs
and rubber top and bottom spring mountings which effectively filter out the
transmission of vibrations to the bodyshell.
Effective stopping power
For advanced braking performance,
New Renault Symbol is equipped with solid or vented discs (diameter: 238mm
or 259mm) depending on engine, while most versions feature eight-inch drums
at the rear. The new vehicle can be ordered with ABS and electronic
brakeforce distribution. The power steering ensures precise steering and
heightens the sense of safety at higher speeds.
Top level soundproofing
New Renault Symbol boasts best in
class acoustic and anti-vibration performance. The choice of the Clio II
platform ensures that the cabin is effectively soundproofed. The seal at
the base of the windscreen and the use of specific mousse and damping
materials for the dashboard and dashboard cowling cut the transmission of
powertrain-generated noise and vibrations not only to the cabin but to the
outside, too. The addition of extra soundproofing materials such as thicker
mousse panels also contributes to minimizing wind and road noise.
Pleasant thermal comfort
New Renault Symbol's thermal comfort
has been engineered to meet to the demands dictated by the climates found
in a variety of countries. The routing of the vent ducts has been specially
thought through to ensure that the temperature climbs rapidly when
starting, especially in extreme cold. Depending on market, New Renault
Symbol features: