Thursday, October 08, 2015

The 1.2liter Turbo Renault Clio GT Line - A budget Clio RS?



Whilst I was over in Thailand driving a truck, interviewing truck drivers and eating lots of tom yam, TC Euro Cars launched the New Renault CLIO GT LINE. The car will be available in Malaysia at the estimated price of RM118,000, with an additional RM5,000 for the Flame Red colour. Launch availability is slated for Q4 2015. The spirited and sporty five-door hatchback will be available in four colours – Flame Red, Diamond Black, Glacier White and Malta Blue.


Like all Renault passenger cars, service intervals for the New Renault CLIO GT LINE are 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first. It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, which unlike other new vehicle extended warranties, is fully-backed by Renault for enhanced ease of ownership as there are fewer complications with terms and conditions.

Question is whether the car can be a bread and butter variant of the fun to drive Clio RS. Armed with a 1.2liter turbocharged engine that makes 118hp /190Nm torque it does 0-100kmh in 9.4seconds via its 6 speed dual clutch gearbox. As a warm, not hot hatch, it is actually as fast as a large 2.0liter hatchback with an automatic. So, on paper the Clio GT Line looks to be quite preppy. The drive experience is needed for any final comments. 



PRESS RELEASE
Tc Euro Cars previews the robust and agile NEW Renault Clio GT Line

Kuala Lumpur, 18 September 2015 – TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia, today previewed the dynamic and sporty New Renault CLIO GT LINE designed to win over customers with its blend of emotion, superior road handling, performance and exceptional fuel efficiency.

Ideal for drivers who want a sporty look but are not in the market for the high performance of an R.S. model, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE continues Renault’s long tradition of offering ingenious innovations combined with strong distinctive designs that enrich customers’ lives.

Taking all its different generations into account, Clio stands out as one of Renault’s best-selling cars, as well as a market benchmark that has generated total sales of 12.5 million units from 1990 – 2014.

The New Renault CLIO GT LINE builds on the Clio model’s hallmark strengths and everyday versatility as well as a long tradition of innovation in its segment. Then there is its handling, which has always been exceptional. With the New Renault CLIO GT LINE, Malaysians can now own a popular mainstream version of the Clio – Renault’s best-selling model – that is fun to drive with low running costs thanks to its innovative 1.2-litre turbo engine,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

Balanced, dynamic exterior styling and proportions

The New CLIO GT LINE also champions Renault’s new design strategy which places emphasis on simplicity, warmth and sensuality.

Starting with its front-end design, which features the prominent Renault logo, set bold and upright to a gloss black background, this frontal treatment is further emphasised by the headlights – the lower edge of which is picked out in chrome – and wide-set LED daytime running lights.

A special rear bumper design, body-coloured side protective mouldings with dark metal insert, dark metal door mirror housing, extra-tinted rear glass, special 17-inch alloy wheels as well as GT LINE badging on the tailgate, all contribute to the sporty exterior of the New Renault CLIO GT LINE.

Like the New Clio, Renault designers have also paid particularly careful attention to achieving balanced proportions for this GT LINE version. It is a low-slung car (height: 1,448 mm) and this lower ride height not only provides the car with a more solid stance but also benefits its aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the wide front and rear track further enhances stability and road-holding.

With pronounced shoulder lines, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE’s coupĂ©-like silhouette is accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. The ratio of wheel-size to vehicle-height has been fine-tuned for a more dynamic look, while the large-diameter wheels are pushed outwards in order to fill and finish flush with the wheel arches.

A modern, welcoming and user-friendly interior

Safe, protective and refreshing, the interior of New Renault CLIO GT LINE perfectly complements the exterior style to inspire confidence and energy.

Comfort goes hand-in-hand with a modern feel and user-friendliness thanks to the grey-trimmed dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the centre console, comfortable seats boasting specific upholstery as well as the availability of stowage space throughout the cabin and careful attention to detail.

The sports steering wheel is leather-trimmed. Additionally, like Renault Clio R.S. the New CLIO GT LINE is also fitted with Renault Sport-badged door sill guards.

Punchy performance with outstanding fuel efficiency

Building on the expertise it has gained as an engine supplier in Formula One®, Renault continues to demonstrate that a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine vehicle can – with new technologies and an ongoing quest for maximum efficiency – deliver on power and performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

The New Renault CLIO GT LINE features the company’s Turbo Control Efficiency or TCe 120 engine – a thoroughly modern powertrain that comes in a small four-cylinder engine displacement with a turbocharger, delivering performance equivalent to a naturally-aspirated 1.8L engine.

Mated to a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission which delivers fast but smooth gear changes, Renault’s punchy new drivetrain enables the New CLIO GT LINE to deliver maximum power of 118hp at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 190 Nm that is available from as low as 2,000 rpm – enabling powerful acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. At the same time, this spirited yet fuel-efficient engine also offers fuel efficiency of up to 5.2L/100km1, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Additionally, by engaging the car’s ECO mode, which automatically changes the way the powertrain operates, up to 10 percent of fuel savings can be achieved.

Packed with innovations: more driving pleasure, enhanced travelling comfort and safety

The New Renault CLIO GT LINE’s suspension combines driving precision with reduced noise and vibration levels. The Macpherson-type front suspension is linked to a right-angled triangular lower wishbone with twin bushes. This configuration delivers better road holding, more responsive handling and steering precision while minimising the effect of longitudinal and transverse loads, which is vital for the comfort of occupants.

The rear suspension comprises a programmed-deflection torsion beam with coil springs and an anti-roll bar to optimise cornering stability. Effective shock absorption is assisted by bump stops that are now made from polyurethane, which are more progressive than the older design and add further to the comfort delivered by this GT LINE version of the Renault Clio.

With reduced weight combined with the optimised calibration of the electrically-assisted power steering (EPS) and a quicker steering rack, the car is even more manoeuvrable, with a 10.6-metre turning circle.

Additionally, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE comes equipped with the Renault Bass Reflex system. This clever sound system, integrated into the front doors’ loudspeakers, deliver the volume and listening enjoyment of a 30-litre home speaker enclosure. It also delivers more powerful bass frequencies, while further pushing back saturation and distortion thresholds.

Safety:
In addition to being extensively equipped, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE is yet another testament to Renault’s unwavering commitment to deliver outstanding active and passive safety.

  • EuroNCAP five-star rating. EuroNCAP ratings are based on four chief criteria, namely adult, child and pedestrian protection as well as driver aids, assessed on the basis of their entry level versions). Based on this evaluation procedure, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE meets all requirements to achieve EuroNCAP’s maximum five-star passive safety rating
  • Adult Protection. The New Renault CLIO GT LINE comes with a reinforced structure, high-efficiency frontal airbags, lateral head and thorax airbags, a pressure sensor to detect impending impacts, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters (pre-tensioners for front seats only), anti-whiplash head rests, a luggage partition and ‘Fix4sure’ anti-submarining front and rear seats
  • Child protection: Three-point ISOFIX child seat anchorage for three seats (front passenger seat and two outer rear seats) and four homologated seat belt anchorage points
  • Pedestrian protection: Particular attention was paid to this aspect of passive safety. From the outset, the design incorporated several features to minimise the risk of impact injury, notably to the head, legs and hips. The bottom of the front bumper is sufficiently rigid to prevent flexing at knee level but has a softer upper part to lessen potential leg injuries. The bonnet and front panel were conceived to reduce the severity of head and hip injuries, while the foot of the windscreen, bottom of the window bay and dashboard were designed to minimise the likelihood of cuts in the case of impact to the head
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Roll Movement Intervention. This intervenes in extreme situations, if the body roll angle threatens to become excessive. It makes use of the ESC’s control unit to brake individual wheels
  • Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling back when the driver releases the foot brake by temporarily holding the vehicle stationary
  • ABS and Emergency Brake Assist, plus latest-generation ESC traction control complete with seven sensors

Comfort and Clever:
  • Auto Headlights and Rain Sensors
  • MediaNav with 7” touchscreen, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, Navigation
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Keyless entry and engine start/stop with walkaway lock function
  • Cruise control and speed limiter
  • Regulated air conditioning
  • A tray in front of the gear lever which can hold items like a portable music player, mobile phone or portable CD player
  • A large seven-litre glove box capable of containing a 1.5-litre bottle of water
  • A 1.2-litre tray situated above the glove box
  • Two easy-to-access cup holders and additional stowage for small items between the seats at the foot of the centre console
  • Bins in each door designed to contain a 1.5-litre bottle of water
  • A height – and reach – adjustable steering wheel so that drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable driving position
  • Motorway mode indicators: an extremely practical feature which produces three flashes of the indicator with a single flick, when preparing to overtake
An unwavering pledge of quality and safety

Manufactured in Bursa (Turkey), the New Renault CLIO GT LINE is built to Renault’s exacting quality standards. The factory deploys identical, high-quality production standards, as does Dieppe, France, where Clio R.S. is manufactured.

Like all new models, the New Renault CLIO GT LINE has covered hundreds and thousands of kilometres of punishing treatment (impacts, high-speed, slopes, water, dust, etc.) at Renault’s Aubevoye proving facilities. This work was complemented by millions of kilometres in real-world conditions on everyday roads – a good gauge of how a vehicle performs over time. Such tests form part of Renault’s contemporary quality standards procedure, which is applied to the whole model range – including electric vehicles.

As well as putting its new models through their paces on the road, Renault runs a comprehensive programme of tests to ensure the long-term durability of every design aspect: seat comfort, seals, suspension, noise, vibration and harshness and so on. These demanding standards go well beyond the norm and even surpass the mandatory regulatory minimum.

Value-for-Money and Improved Cost of Ownership

The New Renault CLIO GT LINE will be available in Malaysia at the estimated price of RM118,000, with an additional RM5,000 for the Flame Red colour. Launch availability is slated for Q4 2015.

The spirited and sporty five-door hatchback will be available in four colours – Flame Red, Diamond Black, Glacier White and Malta Blue.

Like all Renault passenger cars, service intervals for the New Renault CLIO GT LINE are 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first. It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, which unlike other new vehicle extended warranties, is fully-backed by Renault for enhanced ease of ownership as there are fewer complications with terms and conditions.

Malaysian drivers who are keen to know more about the New Renault CLIO GT LINE are encouraged to register their interest at www.renaultclio.com.my/gtline.

For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.

1 Based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for combined cycle

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