All-new Renault Clio awarded as Australia's Best Light Car

MELBOURNE – Nov 19, 2013: The all-new Renault Clio TCe 120 has emerged as Australia’s Best Light Car in the annual Australia’s Best Cars awards.

Launched just a few weeks ago in Melbourne, the all-new Renault Clio range of five-door city hatches is priced from $16,790 (Manufacturer’s Retail Price) and represents the very latest in Renault design and advanced turbo-charged engine technology. The entry TCe 90 models have secured a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

The conclusion of the 2013 Australia’s Best Cars judging team stated that: “The surprising 1.2-litre Clio Expression TCe120 earned the Clio the first place, impressing judges with a combination of performance, standard features and value for money, beating some big brands in the process. The on-road attributes are where the Clio really shines, however, with surprising flexibility and performance from the willing 1.2-litre engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

“Handling, poise and ride from a vehicle in this price range was a notable stand out, with the Clio feeling very much at home in all driving conditions.”

“We are delighted that the ABC judges were able to clearly see the strength of the Clio offer in a very competitive market,” says Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia.

“We did our homework when we specified the all-new Renault Clio, and the recognition we have received today is a strong endorsement of the vehicle’s dynamic strengths as well as the offer it makes to customers in this price-sensitive class.

“We have a very well equipped vehicle at a competitive price that is a joy to drive and is stylish and chic at the same time.

“The TCe 90 model uses only 4.5L/100km and the TCe 120 consumes only 5.2L/100km, making both exceptionally efficient and affordable to own.

“Coupled with the Renault 5-year/unlimited km factory warranty, Capped Price Servicing of $299 per year for three years or 45,000km, and attractive finance and insurance available through Renault Financial Services, we strongly believe we have brought to market a winning combination.

“The Renault Clio also scored very highly in the New Car Assessment Programme in Europe, which underlines its ability to offer comprehensive protection to its occupants, as well as being awarded the Best Supermini of 2012 by Euro NCAP.

“This is the first time in many years we have a full range of Clio cars with which to compete in the Light Car segment, and we have already seen an early rush of customers purchasing this very appealing city car.

“Having the full range is very exciting for Renault and our growing national dealer network,” he says.

“In just a few weeks we will be launching the hero of the Clio family in the form of the Renaultsport Clio 200 EDC, which will add even more sparkle and performance to the Clio range.

“This ABC win is very important to us at Renault Australia. It is a signal that the all-new Renault Clio should be on the shopping list of anyone considering purchasing a vehicle in the light car class,” Hocevar says