Page 16 - Motoring Autumn 2022

SA LAUNCH RENAULT

RENAULT CLIO V

acked by almost 30 years of production, controls are through the touchscreen. Once again, I feel that I would prefer separate physical
with the brand’s rating as the No.1 controls instead of being distracted having to use the screen.
Bselling range in France and No.2 in New seat designs aimed to improve comfort and safety are features of the interior and the
Europe, there are few car ranges that can tactile quality felt good, with superb, materials used throughout.
boast a pedigree quite like that of the Renault The Clio is powered by a new 1l 3-cylinder turbo engine providing 74Kw and 160Nm to the
Clio, which is now in its 5th generation. front wheels. These are increases of 6kW and 20Nm and certainly help to provide the car with
The Clio V was already launched in respectable performance on the road. The overtaking response is also satisfactory, giving you the
France in 2019 but the pandemic, microchip ability to tackle the open road with confidence. Road holding through the Franschhoek Pass showed
shortages, currency fluctuations and a well sorted chassis and reminded me of the Clio 2 that I owned. The car always feels stable and
production shortages delayed its arrival here planted and seems like a much larger car on the road.
in SA. It’s here now and it’s out to make a The power is delivered through a 5-speed manual transmission that is light and easy to use,
statement in the B-segment hatch market. becoming more responsive when driving a bit faster. There were occasions when I felt that a
Interestingly, the launch coincided with the 6th gear would be a bonus and I think Renault may have missed a trick here, especially as the
launch of the latest generation VW Polo - it opposition in the segment does offer this. Also, a touch surprising is the lack of an automatic option,
will be fascinating to watch the competition considering how the demand for automatics is constantly growing in all segments of the market.
between the two. According to the launch briefing, these are currently not available. However, there is a facelift due
“Evolutionary on the outside and within the next 2 years and I get the impression that they may make their appearance at that stage.
revolutionary on the inside” was the Overall, the new Clio V builds and improves on the recipe of the previous generations and
description used in the launch presentation. deserves success in our market.
There are exterior changes and modern The car is available in 3 variations, being Life, Zen and Intens. The pricing ranges from R309 900
touches but the car is unmistakably a Clio to R349 900, with the Option Pack on the Intens (as driven at the launch) priced at R364 900.
and cannot be confused with any other car. All models include a 5-year/150 000km warranty, plus a 2-year/30 000km service plan. n
Top models carry daytime running lights, a
bolder grille and more, but they also retain Click here for our full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNK5GQRZAVg
the somewhat cute and chic presence of the
previous generations.
The interior is very different and up to
date, with a TFT screen in front of the driver
and touchscreen infotainment screen in the
centre of the fascia. The standard is a 7.3-inch
unit, but the range-topping Intens model with
extra pack ups this to a much larger 9-inch
unit. All the required functions like navigation,
reverse camera and connectivity are available
with this unit.
Like a number of other cars I’ve
experienced recently, air-con and ventilation

MOTORING | Autumn 2022 | 14