The Clio III is both different and dynamic -but not radically so, as it follows illustrious forebears, writes Andrew Hamilton
Dynamically smart in looks but at the same time not wildly radical, that's the third generation Renault Clio which will be making its Irish debut later this month in readiness for the January 2006 sales takeoff.
That said, Clio 3 is a conspicuously different product from its predecessor. With all small cars getting bigger, generation by generation, the new Clio predictably is 20 cms longer than the old car, and only a similar length shorter than its bigger Megane sibling. More significantly Nissan's Micra with whom Clio 3 shares its platform is nearly 30 cms shorter.
All three Clio generations have an illustrious predecessor, the 5 or Cinq which was a dominant force on the European supermini scene for almost 20 years earlier. Clio took over from the 5 in 1990 and since then it has accounted for around nine million sales.
What was wrong with Clio 2 that has been bettered in Clio 3? Biggest impression for an existing 2 customer has to be a more spacious interior and the feel and touch of quality instruments and materials. Six footers or simply big people can sit in the back with a modicum of comfort that wasn't available before.
Renaults say it's almost class-leading here: the qualification probably relates to Fiat's new Punto Grande which is bigger with consequent greater rear space.
For the he or she stepping into the driving seat, there's a discernible touch of upgrading. The steering wheel has a solid fell of integrity, although surprisingly it doesn't have reach adjustment as standard.
The overall ambience is of soft-feel materials on most surfaces along with brushed aluminium-look plastics and padded textiles. More than one commentator has said that it's the best supermini interior currently in terms of appearance. fit and finish.
Clio 3 comes with three petrol engines (1.2, 1.4 and 1.6) and three diesels (all 1.5 with 69.84 and 104 bhp). The tax sensitive Irish market will find most appeal for the 1.2 litre which is expected to account for 80 per cent or more of Irish sales. "Diesel or even a 1.4 petrol just don't do the business but we will offer them," says Jerr Nolan, from Renault Ireland.
Common to all engines, petrol and diesel, is refinement and contentment and even in through-the-gears work, the buzz from under the bonnet isn't too vocal. Renault claim a lot of work has gone into NVH reducation, NVH being the industry appellation for Noise, Vibration and Harshness. As for the 1.2 petrol that will dominate the Irish scene, its 75 bhp output and torque characteristics are unchanged but its quieter character is emphasised through small matters like reduced idling speed (down to 650 rpm from 750 rpm).
A thorough job seems to have been done on the driving dynamics with the cars offering precise handling and a compliant ride. Making a contribution here is the rear suspension system that's fitted to the Megane. Clio 3 seems to contradict the notion that French cars are compromised too much in favour of ride comfort.
The new Clio majors in a big way on safety and it has collected five stars in the EuroNCAP crash tests, the eighth Renault to do so. A revised head restraint system means head rests are easier to move up and down and because they are stiffer, further reduce whiplash in an accident situation.
Irish prices have been agreed but they will not be disclosed until the Irish launch later in the month. It does appear as if there will be a substantial hike, perhaps €1,500 or more over outgoing versions.
Some of that effect is expected to be dissipated with the marketing of one Clio 2 version which will be called Campus. "It will come with a very high level of specification at an affordable price." says Jerr Nolan of Renault here. "We expect to sell 500 to 600 Campus models next year."
As for Clio 3, it seems set to do sterling work for the French car industry and Renault, taking the Clio badge into double figure millions. Renault in Ireland expect around 3,000 Clio 3 sales next year, adding to the 30,000 that have done service on Irish roads since 1990.