New Renault Clio V Builds On The Success Of The Clio 4

The fifth-generation Renault Clio arrived in South Africa at the start of 2022 after a delay of more than two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic and semiconductor chip shortage. Although the stylish hatchback is late to the party, it still has some prominent features that would help it compete with the new Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, and the Kia Rio. The fourth-generation Clio received lots of accolades around the globe, and the 2022 Renault Clio V builds on that success.

Trim levels and powertrain

The first non-tangible change for the Clio V is the new trim names. Renault has replaced the old Authentique, Expression, and Dynamique with entry-level LIFE, mid-level ZEN, and range-topping INTENS. 

The French carmaker gives buyers just one powertrain choice for the 2022 Clio V, i.e., a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. While the engine might seem like carried over from the Clio IV, it basically has an entirely new motor producing 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque - 8 kW and 20 Nm more than the previous generation. The new powerplant is more fuel-efficient at 5.7L/100 km (claimed); however, in real-world testing, the reviewers witnessed around 6.9L/100Km.

Renault won’t want to offend the automatic gearbox lovers, so we expect a new mill and an auto variant sometime this year or for the refreshed 2023 Clio V.

Exterior

While the overall design of the new Clio V isn’t much different from the previous model, the new C-styled headlights and the new lower bumper give it an up-to-date appeal. Renault has also updated the rear styling with bigger LED rear lights built into the tailgate and a superbly incorporated chrome finish. Let’s not forget the concealed rear door handles that give the new hatchback a sophisticated look.

Interior

Renault is famous for its attractive cabin design, and the Clio V is no different. The interior looks upmarket, with most controls focused on the driver. The biggest highlight is the 9.3-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other salient features include two USB ports on the console and the digital instrument cluster that changes themes according to the drive mode.

To make the Clio V more capable, you can opt for the option that includes front parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, a little bigger (9.3- in place of a 9.0-inch) display, and a wireless charging pad.

The new 2022 Clio V is a little more compact than its predecessor, but that doesn’t make it less spacious for carrying luggage. In fact, the cargo room has increased by 61 litres to take the total volume to an inspiring 391 litres with the rear seats up. Fold them flat, and the capacity increases to around 1069 litres.   

Renault Clio price

The 2022 Renault Clio V starts at R307,999 for the entry-level LIFE and R322,999 for the mid-level ZEN. The flagship INTENS model goes for R362,999. All Clio models come with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty and a service plan.

.

.

.

.

Info sourced from https://www.motorhappy.co.za/motorhappyblog/

Renault’s Clio 5 Rivals The Polo

Renault launched the fifth-generation Clio in 2019, though it only reached SA in 2022.

At first glance, the new model doesn't look remarkably different from the previous model, but there are plenty of new features to write home about and to set it apart to the keen eye, like the broader shoulders, lower roofline, and more sculpted lines. The radiator grille is also raised and broader, while the signature C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and Headlights add to its more assertive look.

And while it might not be chalk and cheese to the average consumer, it's because Renault says it's they've taken a winning formula and just refined it to create an even better little city car than before.

Same, same but different

In the week when Volkswagen has launched a brand new Polo range, with the GTI model being its range-topper, news that there'll be no Clio R.S model is a very bitter pill to swallow. But even more interesting is that A Life nomenclature also denotes Renault's entry-level model, much like VW. 

It's crazy to think the Clio for sale is already more than three-decades-old, and the name still stirs some kind of excitement when hearing it. Despite the first Clio only arriving in SA in the year 2000, with the second generation model, it's one of those cars that get better with age, constantly evolving with the times to keep up with modern trends and needs.

Since its local introduction, more than 76 000 models have been sold here, while more than 34 800 of those were from the fourth generation from 2013. While the styling is not radically different to the previous model, it's inside where there have been significant upgrades. And, it's really this car's success story as the brand has kept its DNA by taking something from every generation before it, especially its robust design, which has set the tone for the brand's most recent models.

New premium materials are evident, along with better build quality and higher-spec equipment. The cabin is also more driver-orientated for more comfort and convenience, and the car comes in six body colours. There's a new 9.3-inch Easy Link infotainment touchscreen on the tech front, multi-sense driving modes, park distance control, and cruise control. Safety features include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam Control (HBC).

It has a lot to go up against, namely the brand new VW Polo, but also the Hyundai i20, Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta, and the Kia Rio - all with competitive pricing too, and all outstanding cars. And this is where the Clio will have to fight really hard to make its mark in the local line-up with such compelling options on offer to South Africans. Perhaps in recent years, the Clio had an advantage for being such a forward-thinking and dynamic package, but everyone else has come to the party, all having their hands raised up high, saying, 'Pick me, pick me.

So what's it like to drive?

Under the bonnet is a brand 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TCe 100 (turbo) petrol engine delivering 74kW and 160Nm. Power figures see an improvement of 8kW and 20Nm compared to the Clio IV, with CO2 emissions of 132g/100km. Renault also says fuel consumption has been reduced by 10%, with a claimed figure of 5.7 litres/100km in a combined fuel cycle.

At first, you'd think the new Clio is a tad bit underwhelming, and you're probably more than likely to stall a couple of times with the manual transmission. Don't try putting your foot flat in the corner too, or you'll be disappointed, just like you'll be slumped going up a hill.

But here's the thing about the new Clio; driving it is like going on a first date - you can't possibly know everything about your new love interest at first glance; you need to take some time and get to know them better. The same applies here, and once you take the time to play with the throttle, it's hardly mundane at all.

The 1.0-litre engine is feisty, but you have to know how to lure that out. Power figures are only 74kW at 2500rpm. But you need to hit it at the sweet spot of 5000rpm and keep it in that power band to get the most out of this little hot hatch, and then it really comes out of its shell and holds its own on sweeping S-bends in any of the Cape's delectable mountain passes to hold its own.  

Renault has hit the nail on the head with its smaller city cars like the Kwid, Kiger, and Triber, all selling really well for the brand and bringing in hundreds of sales numbers every month, consistently bringing in a tally of over 2000 units. It will be interesting to see if the Clio could move that many units too. If it does, Renault will make a killing and bump its ranking up from the fifth place in the automaker standings and market share.

.

.

.

Review compiled by https://www.news24.com/wheels/

How Renault Improved The Koleos

The current Renault Koleos for sale: it’s “planted”, solid, quiet, comfortable and much nicer than the old one. The previous generation never sold very well in South Africa, with the last few easing off showroom floors by mid-2016.

Carried over to the new model is the Alliance’s 2.5-litre QR25DE petrol engine, now with more torque at lower revs, the X-Tronic CVT gearbox presently boasting seven virtual gears rather than the original five and, for the all-wheel drive version, iDrive 4x4 off X-Trail. It is still built at the Renault-Samsung factory in Busan, South Korea.

And, like other brands from that country, build quality has improved remarkably over the past ten years.

We were tempted to compare its fit and finish with cars from the German Big Three but knew that some readers might blow gaskets because certain things cannot be said out loud. It is very good, though.

And the new car looks every inch like the solid, muscular and handsome D-segment SUV that Renault was aiming for. It is the brand’s new range-topper, so forget budget-beating Dusters and Stepways for a moment; think European, think Clio.

Briefly, the new range consists of two models in the Dynamique trim level; two drive trains, 4x2 and 4x4; one engine and one transmission.

Expression offers 4x2 drive, auto-on halogen lights with cornering foglamps, 17inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, black fabric seats with manual controls, rear parking sensors, powered windows and mirrors, automatic dual-zone air conditioning with ducting to the rear and temperature-controlled cup holder, extra grab handles, a seven-inch touch screen, Arkamys 3D sound with app mirroring via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (now downloadable from Google Play Store), voice commands and the usual Bluetooth and plugs. The boot has grown from 450 litres to 464.

Safety kit includes six airbags; ABS brakes with EBA, EBD, ESC; traction control; hill start assist; ISOFix mountings; cruise control with speed limiter and side impact beams.

Dynamique offers a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 and ups the ante. Try LED headlamps, 18inch alloy wheels, leather seats with electric adjustment on both front chairs, additional parking sensors front and side, reversing camera, blind spot detection, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, illuminated sun visor mirrors, an 8.7” capacitive (more sensitive) touch screen, LED dashboard with ambient lighting in five colours and auto-fold for the outside mirrors.

Colours: Ultra Silver, Metallic Grey, Metallic Black, Mineral Beige, Cosmo Blue and Solid White – the only “standard” colour.

Driving impressions: Spacious and all the adjectives used above. The all-wheel drive made easy going of gravel roads turned into quagmires by heavy rain the day before. The CVT is an acquired taste, unfortunately. It’s cooperative when driving sensibly and fuel-consciously, with manual override available for emergencies or sporty motoring. Traditionalists still prefer a “normal” automatic though.

• Engine: 2488 cc, naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 16-valve petrol
• Power: 126 kW at 6 000 rpm
• Torque: 233 Nm at 4 000 rpm
• Claimed average fuel consumption: 8.1 l/100 (4x2), 8.3 (4x4)
• Tank: 60 litres
• Boot: 464 litres
• Warranty: Five years/150 000 km
• Service: Five years/90 000 km at 15 000 km intervals

.

.

.

Info shared on https://www.news24.com/

The Renault Captur Is A Charming SUV

Released into an increasingly popular – and competitive – baby SUV market, the little crossover has to contend with popular alternatives such as the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Venue.

Based on the fifth-generation Clio hatch, the Renault Captur specs bring high-riding suspension, a huge boot and urban styling including two-tone paint and the black lower body cladding now de rigueur in this class. It’s smaller than showroom siblings such as the Koleos, but a fair bit larger than before.

There’s just one engine in the Captur range, an impressive 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo that needs 6.6L/100km of unleaded to make healthy 113kW and 270Nm maximums.

The line-up gets 17-inch alloys, LED headlights and a 7-inch portrait-style touchscreen linked to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a six-speaker stereo. Auto emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance are standard. 

Mid-range Captur Zen models add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard, plus two-tone paint, smart keys, climate control, a heated leather steering wheel and more available a trim level up.

The range-topping Captur Intens has 18-inch alloys, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with sat nav and 9-speaker Bose stereo, electric driver’s seat adjustment, leather trim, interior mood lighting and better LED headlights.

Intens customers can get an “easy life” pack with a 10.25-inch digital dash, self-parking and automatic high beams as well. 

The cabin is a highlight, thanks to a floating centre console, twin USB outlets each for the front and rear, comfortable seats and more space than before. It feels better resolved than the original Captur but misses out on fun features such as removable seat covers with oversized zippers.

The bigger new model can accommodate adults in the rear, the digital dash looks great, and the tablet touchscreen looks sharp but can be clunky to use.

Every Captur has a punchy turbo motor paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. There’s no all-wheel-drive or manual option, but paddle shifters are standard in all three grades.

The gearbox can be tricky at low speeds when its stop-start system and slightly hesitant programming conspire to create the odd dodgy moment. It’s more convincing on the open road, where the strong engine has an advantage over most of the competition – much of it powered by less muscular three-cylinder engines.

The Captur is fun to drive, with accurate steering and a punchy motor that makes it more endearing than most. As with many high-riding hatchback spin-offs, the ride is a little busier than we would like, particularly on coarse roads outside urban areas.

VERDICT

Punchy, stylish and bigger than before, the current Renault Captur is worth a look.

.

.

.

Review compiled by https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/

Throwback To When The Refreshed Renault Duster Range Touched Down In SA

 

The Renault Duster in SA sports a host of fresh new styling and technology upgrades since its re-launch.

Up front, you'll find a chrome-licked radiator grille flanked by a pair of redesigned headlamps with bold new C-shaped daytime running lights. Other standout design details include silver roof rails, aluminium-look front and rear skid plates plus a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on the flagship Intens model (Zen 4x2 and 4x4 models get 16-inch alloys). You'll also notice a sporty new rear roof spoiler and revamped tail-lamp clusters. It's a subtle makeover that gives the Duster a little more visual punch.

When it comes to the cabin of the new Duster, Renault claims to have improved the quality of some finishes including the fabric upholstery that wraps the newly designed and more ergonomic front seats. Another neat touch comes in the form of backlit steering wheel controls, which increases usability during night driving. Standard across the range is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, automatic climate control, speed limiter and cruise control. Drivers can also look forward to a rear parking camera and rear parking sensors.

Meanwhile, the Duster Zen 4x4 model ups the ante with additional features such as hill descent control, a MultiView camera and Renault's handy 4x4 Monitor with altimeter.

Renault Duster models are powered by the firm's proven 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that offers decent all-around performance and excellent fuel economy — up to 4.8l/100km across the combined cycle depending on the model derivative. In the entry-level Zen 4x2 model it can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. In the former, it makes 66kW and 210Nm and in the latter, this is increased to 80kW and 250Nm. The Zen 4x4 comes fitted exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission that automatically distributes 80kW and 260Nm to all four wheels. Lastly, the 80kW/250Nm Intens 4x2 is offered only with a six-speed automatic. 

Pricing includes a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a three-year/45,000km service plan. 

.

.

.

Article shared by https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/

Five Favourites Of The Current 2022 Renault Clio

After being delayed by the crippling effects of the global semiconductor shortage, the all-new fifth-generation Renault Clio finally touched down on SA shores. Built to take on the VW Polo, Hyundai i20 and Ford Fiesta, here are five of our favourite things about the Renault Clio for sale. 

Evolutionary styling

The fifth-generation Clio adopts an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design epoch that builds on the strong aesthetics of its predecessor. Compared to the outgoing car, it looks more masculine thanks to a significantly reworked front end, an extra sculpted bonnet and some additional bodywork creases that help to up the general aggression ante. Elsewhere this athletic new look is accentuated by details such as the shark fin antenna and the chrome-trimmed side window surrounds. As with the Clio 4, the rear door handles of the Clio 5 are hidden in the C-pillar, delivering a coupé-like silhouette.  

It's also interesting to note that the new Clio is 8mm lower and 12mm shorter than the model it replaces. According to Renault, this improves both agility and manoeuvrability. Overall width has grown by 66mm, which should result in more sure-footed handling. 

One engine on offer

From launch, all new fifth-generation Renault Clio models come equipped with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 74kW and 160Nm worth of torque. This is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

In terms of performance, Renault claims that all new Clio derivatives romp from 0-100km/h in 11.8 seconds and reach a maximum top speed of 187km/h. When it comes to fuel consumption customers can expect a reasonable 5.7l/100km on the combined cycle. 

An upgraded interior

The fifth-generation Clio features a more premium cabin thanks to the fitment of higher quality materials, a soft-touch dashboard in the range-topping Intens model and more comfortable seats. Refinement levels have also been improved thanks to Renault splicing in extra insulative and soundproofing material. This extends to the special sound-deadening film being applied to the windscreen and a double sealing system on the doors and windows. All of this makes the car more liveable — especially on longer trips. Renault also claims that the new Clio offers slightly more interior space than the outgoing model.

Three model derivatives to choose from

At the moment the new Clio is available in three derivatives: Life, Zen and Intens. 

Aimed at the budget-conscious buyer the entry-level Life comes equipped with 16-inch 'Amicitia' wheels, body-coloured door mirror shells and LED 'Pure Vision' headlamps with integrated, C-shaped daytime running lights. The taillights are also of the LED variety.

Inside you can expect to find niceties such as manual air-conditioning, electric door mirrors, cruise control and a small-diameter multifunction steering wheel through which you see a 4.2-inch display flanked by an analogue speedometer and tachometer.

Infotainment comes courtesy of a seven-inch Easy Link system that syncs with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six speakers are standard as are two USBs and one Aux port. 

Next in line is the middle-of-the-range Zen model that improves upon the specification of the Life with body-coloured front exterior door handles, a synthetic leather steering wheel and smart satin chrome side air vents. Other improvements come in the form of a height-adjustable driver's seat, map pockets behind front seats as well as an upgraded seven-inch Easy Link infotainment system that features built-in satellite navigation. 

The flagship Intens hits the street wearing a gloss black exterior pack, privacy glass, satin chrome window trim and a set of 16-inch 'Philia Stella' alloy wheels. Other unique features include a leather gear knob, a centre console with storage and armrest, height adjustable passenger seat, front and rear electric windows, interior ambient lighting and a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster. Fully automatic climate control and inductive smartphone charging are also standard. The Intens model ships with the same seven-inch Easy Link infotainment system that you get in the Zen, however customers can upgrade this to a larger 9.3-inch system by speccing the optional Intens option pack. Priced at R15,000 this also gives you a reverse camera, front PDC and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

All new fifth-generation Clio variants are available in a choice of six different paint hues: Glacier White, Urban Grey, Flame Red, Mercury, Titanium Grey and Diamond Black.

.

.

.

.

Article compiled by https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/

Renault Kiger: High On Convenience And Priced Right

Renault arrived late to the sub-4 metre SUV party, but it came prepared. With the Renault Kiger, it has been able to create a sweet spot for itself in the ultra-competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment (along with Nissan Magnite, with which the Kiger shares the platform).

The top-end Kiger Turbo Xtronic CVT RXZ seems rather price, but we see if it’s value-for-money and how convenient it is to drive.

Muscular lines on the body, roof rails, high ground clearance (205mm), wheel arch cladding and spoiler give this variant a more SUV look compared to entry-level models that are priced almost half (which look more like a hatchback). At the same time, somewhere it does look a bit over the top.

The cabin has plenty of ‘functional’ storage spaces, the dashboard has a distinctive design, and it also appears to be the most spacious SUV in its segment.

The 999cc turbocharged petrol engine (100PS; 152Nm) powering this variant is quite engaging to drive. It has three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport (the default mode is Normal).

As opposed to automatic gearboxes like AMT, the CVT is far smoother. The feel of acceleration in the Normal and Sport modes is great, but the real-world fuel efficiency I got in both these modes was around 15 km/litre during city driving. The steering feedback—mechanical signals that front tyres send to the steering wheel—is accurate and you feel most bumps and dips on the road through the steering wheel.

In the Eco mode, the Kiger feels quite low on power, and acceleration is slower. But in city driving conditions it returned me 20.4 km/litre, which is among the best in India for a petrol-engine car.

.

.

.

Sourced from https://www.financialexpress.com/