History and characteristics of Renault Clio cars

Renault Clio — a French subcompact city car produced by the automaker Renault from 1990 to the present. It is one of the best-selling cars in Europe. It is considered the "savior" of Renault in the 1990s and was twice named European Car of the Year—in 1991 and 2006. The name Clio comes from one of the nine muses of ancient Greek mythology. In Japan, the car is sold under the name Renault Lutecia due to the fact that there is already a chain of Honda Clio stores there.

Initially, Renault Clio was available as a five-door or three-door hatchback, and from 2008 to 2019 it was produced as a five-door station wagon. Its main competitors at the moment are the following cars from other manufacturers: Audi A1 Sportback, Chevrolet Aveo, Citroen C3, Fiat Siena, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai i20 (Getz), Kia Rio, Mazda Demio, Mitsubishi Colt, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo.

First generation (X57, 1990-1998)

First generation Renault Clio I (project X57) debuted in June 1990 in a 5-door version, and in September of the same year a 3-door modification appeared. The car replaced the Renault 5 (which was still produced until 1996) and used its chassis, as well as engines and gearboxes from the Renault 9, 11, and 19 models. During its production, the Clio I underwent two modernizations: in 1994 (Phase 2) and 1996 (Phase 3). In 1991, the model won the European Car of the Year award. The Clio I became the best-selling car in France from 1991 to 1997. In March 1998, it was replaced by the second generation, the Clio II.

The Clio I was offered with a wide choice of engines:

• Petrol engines:
• 1.1 (C1E): 1108 cm³, 49 hp at 5250 rpm, 79 Nm at 2500 rpm.
• 1.2 (C3G): 1239 cm³, 54 hp at 5300 rpm, 90 Nm at 2800 rpm.
• 1.2 (E5F/E7F): 1171 cm³, 60 hp at 6000 rpm, 85 Nm at 3500 rpm.
• 1.2 (D7F): 1149 cm³, 60 hp at 5250 rpm, 93 Nm at 2500 rpm.
• 1.4 (E6J/E7J): 1390 cm³, 80 hp at 5750 rpm, 107 Nm at 3500 rpm.
• 1.6 (Cléon-Fonte): 1555 cm³, 73 hp. (carburetor) or 78 hp (injector).
• 1.7 (F2N): 1721 cm³, 92 hp at 5750 rpm, 138 Nm at 3000 rpm.
• 1.8 (F3P): 1794 cm³, 95 hp at 5750 rpm, 142 Nm at 2750 rpm.
• 1.8ie (F3P): 1783 cm³, 110 hp at 5500 rpm, 155 Nm at 4250 rpm.
• 1.8 16V (F7P): 1764 cm³, 140 hp. (without catalyst) or 137 hp. (with a catalyst).
• 2.0 16V (F7R): 1998 cm³, 150 hp at 6100 rpm, 175 Nm at 4500 rpm.
• Diesel engines:
• 1.9D (F8Q): 1870 cm³, 65 hp at 4500 rpm, 118 Nm at 2250 rpm.

Updates:

• Phase 2 (1994–1996): Improved safety (reinforced body, airbags), new radiator grille, larger mirrors.
• Phase 3 (1996–1999): Updated front end design, new headlights, third brake light, improved corrosion protection.

The Renault Clio I gained popularity thanks to its comfort, practicality, and reliability. Its sports versions, such as the Williams, became iconic. The model was also actively used by government agencies in France.

Second generation (X65, 1998-2012)

The Renault Clio II is a city car produced from 1998 to 2012 (until 2016 in South America). This second generation of the Clio became one of the best-selling cars in France, competing with Peugeot 206.

Engines:

• Gasoline:
• 1.0 8V (D7D): 54–58 hp, 999 cm³, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 18.2 s.
• 1.2 16V (D4F): 75 hp, 1149 cm³, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 13 s.
• 1.4 16V (K4J): 98 hp, 1390 cm³, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 10.5 s.
• 1.6 16V (K4M): 110 hp, 1598 cm³, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 9.6 s.
• 2.0 RS (F4R): 172–182 hp, 1998 cm³, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 6.9–7.1 s.
• Diesel:
• 1.5 DCi (K9K): 55–100 hp, 1461 cm³, consumption 4.2–4.4 l/100 km.
• 1.9 dTi (F9Q): 80 hp, 1870 cm³, 0–100 km/h in 12.8 s.

Gearbox: 5-speed manual or automatic.

Front suspension: McPherson. Rear suspension: H-beam.

Dimensions and body:

• Length: 3.82 m (5-door), 3.77 m (3-door).
• Width: 1.64 m.
• Height: 1.42 m.
• Wheelbase: 2.47 m.
• Trunk volume: 288 l (5-door), 260 l (3-door).
• Body styles: 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan (Clio Symbol).

History and updates:

• Phase 1 (1998–2001): Basic version with improved suspension and fuel-efficient engines. Standard options: ABS, airbags, air conditioning.
• Phase 2 (2001): Updated design: triangular headlights, new radiator grille. New interior with improved materials. Electronic systems: speed controller, automatic headlights.
• Phase 3 (2003): Minor changes to the exterior (new bumper, digital instrument panel). Improved sound insulation. New 1.5 DCi 100 hp engine.

Clio Campus (2006–2016)

A simplified version for the budget market. Produced in Slovenia and Brazil, it was one of the first cars with standard safety systems (ABS, airbags). The sporty version of the Clio V6 with a mid-engine (172–182 hp). Reliable 1.9 dTi and 1.5 DCi diesel engines.

Production ended in 2016, but the Clio II remains popular due to its reliability and fuel efficiency.

Third generation (X85, 2005-2014)

The Renault Clio III is a compact city car produced by the French automaker Renault from September 2005 to December 2014. It is the third generation of the Clio model, replacing the Clio I (1990) and Clio II (1998). In 2006, the car won the European Car of the Year award.

Development of the Clio III (code name X85) it was conducted in Technocentre Renault. Initially, production began at the plant in Flain (France), later it was added factories in Valladolid (Spain), Bursa (Turkey) and Novo Mesto (Slovenia). Station wagon version (Clio Estate) was produced exclusively in Bursa.

Presentation:

• March 2005 – debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
• June 2005 - Press presentation.
• 2006 – victory in the nomination "Car of the Year".

Phase 1 (2005–2009):

• Sales start in France: September 16, 2005.
• In 2006–2007, 8,000 units of the sports version of the Clio III RS were produced.
• In 2008, the Clio Estate was introduced (also known as Grand Tour or Sport Tourer).
• Dimensions: Length increased by 27.6 cm, width by 7.7 cm, height by 9.6 cm compared to Clio I. Weight increased by 38% (up to 1090 kg).

Phase 2 (2009–2012):

• Restyling: updated front and rear design, new interior.
• A version has appeared "TomTom Edition" with GPS navigation.
• The RS version's power has been increased from 200 to 203 hp.
• Added GT version with 1.6 16V engine (111 and 128 hp).

Clio Collection (2012–2014)

• Limited edition alongside Clio IV.
• 3- and 5-door versions are available with petrol or diesel engines producing 75 hp.

Engines:

• Gasoline:
• 1.2 16V (D4F): 75 hp, 105 Nm, 5-speed manual, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 13.4 s.
• 1.4 16V (K4J): 101 hp, 145 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission, acceleration in 11.0 s.
• 1.6 16V (K4M): 110–128 hp, 155 Nm, 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.
• 2.0 16V (F4R): 197–203 hp (RS version), 215 Nm, 6-speed manual transmission, acceleration in 6.9 s.
• Diesel:
• 1.5 DCi (K9K): 65–105 hp, torque 160–240 Nm. The 105 hp version accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.1 s.

Body and chassis:

• Dimensions: 3- and 5-door versions, station wagon (Estate).
• Platform: "B" (shared with Nissan Micra and Renault Modus).
• Suspension: front - MacPherson, rear - torsion beam.
• tank capacity: 55 liters.

Safety:

• Euro NCAP: 5 stars (maximum score for frontal and side crash tests).
• Equipment: ABS, ESP, front and side airbags.

Renault Clio III combines compactness, efficiency and a high level of safety. The model has undergone several stages of modernization, including the addition of new engines and bodies, which has made it one of the most popular in its class.

Fourth generation (X98, 2012-2020)

Renault Clio IV (code name X98) the Clio IV is a compact car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from October 11, 2012, to August 31, 2020. It is the fourth generation of the model, following the Clio I (1990), Clio II (1998), and Clio III (2005). The Clio IV was the best-selling car in France from 2013 to 2018, surpassing its main competitor, the Peugeot 208.

Clio IV was introduced on July 3, 2012. In 2016, the model underwent a facelift (Phase 2), which included new LED headlights with branded "C-shaped" illumination, improved interior materials and additional options, such as Full LED headlights for 800 € for the Zen version. In 2019, after the launch of Clio V, Clio IV continued to be released under the name "Clio Génération" with simplified configuration until August 2020.

Design and body:

• Body: 5-door hatchback (basic version), as well as the 5-door Clio Estate (since 2013). The 3-door version was not produced.
• Dimensions: Length increased compared to Clio III, but weight reduced by 100 kg thanks to lightweight materials.
• Design: Developed under the direction of Laurens van den Acker, inspired by the DeZir concept car (2010), the model features customizable exterior and interior.

Engines (gasoline):

• 0.9 TCe (H4BT): 3-cylinder, turbo, 75 or 90 hp, fuel consumption 4.3–5.0 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions from 99 g/km.
• 1.2 TCe (H5FT): 120 hp, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 9 sec., consumption 5.2 l/100 km.
• 1.6 TCe (M5MT): 200–220 hp, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.6–6.7 sec., fuel consumption 5.9–6.3 l/100 km.

Engines (diesel):

• 1.5 DCi (K9K): 75–110 hp, fuel consumption 3.1–3.8 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions from 83 g/km (version "83g").

Transmission:

• 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.
• 6-speed robotic EDC gearbox (for some versions).

Chassis:

• Front suspension: McPherson.
• Rear suspension: torsion beam.
• Fuel tank capacity: 45 l.
• Maximum speed: up to 235 km/h (1.6 TCe 220 hp).

Configurations and features:

• Clio Generation (2019–2020): The base package included air conditioning, 16-inch wheels, cruise control, and the R&Go multimedia system. Options included MediaNav Evolution 7" navigation, City package (rain and parking sensors).
• Phase 2 (2016): LED headlights, improved interior materials, new options for Zen and Intens versions.

Clio IV was produced in factories in Türkiye (Bursa, main plant), France (Fleine and Dieppe - for the RS version), Slovenia (until 2019), Algeria (Oran).

Renault Clio IV combines economy, modern design and a variety of engines. The model remained popular even after the release of the Clio V, thanks to its reliability and affordability. Its performance characteristics and flexible trim levels make it an attractive choice in the compact car class.

Fifth generation (BJA, 2019-present)

The Renault Clio V is a city car from the French manufacturer Renault, unveiled on April 2, 2019. It is the fifth generation of the model, replacing the Clio IV (2012). Over 15 million Clios have been sold throughout its history. For the first time, production was completely moved outside of France, to Turkey and Slovenia. In 2023, the Clio V became the best-selling car in France.

Presentation and updates:

• On January 28, 2019, Renault showed the interior and dashboard.
• The body design was presented on January 29, 2019.
• In April 2023, an updated version (Phase 2) was released with a new front end and the retention of the engines from Phase 1, including a hybrid option.

Technical specifications:

• Platform: CMF-B "high spec" from the Renault-Nissan alliance.
• Dimensions: 12 mm shorter in length, 11 mm lower in height, and 7 mm wider than the Clio IV. Trunk volume: 391 liters.
• Aerodynamics: SCx coefficient - 0.64 m² (one of the best in the class).

Engines:

• Gasoline:
• 1.0 SCe (3-cyl., 65/75 hp, 999 cm³).
• 1.0 TCe (3-cyl., 90/100 hp, turbo, 999 cm³).
• 1.3 TCe (4-cyl., 130/140 hp, turbo, 1333 cm³, discontinued in 2023).
• Diesel: 1.5 Blue DCi (4-cyl., 85/115 hp, 1461 cm³).
• Hybrid (E-Tech): 1.6 (4- cyl. Atkinson) + electric motor (140 hp, 1598 cm³, 1.2 kWh battery, electric range 3–4 km).

Transmission:

• Mechanical (5/6 steps).
• Automatic (CVT, EDC7).
• Hybrid: robotic gearbox with 15 gear combinations.

Design:

• The appearance is close to the Clio IV, but with new elements:
• Full LED optics, LED daytime running lights in the shape of "C".
• Chrome elements on the Intens/Techno version.
• The side windows behind the rear doors have been removed, and there is a thin side trim with the inscription "CLIO".
• Interior: digital panel (7–10 inches), Easy Link multimedia system (7–9.3 inches), touch buttons and analog climate controls.

Performance:

• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: from 17.1 s (1.0 SCe 65 hp) up to 8.8 s (1.6 E-Tech Hybrid).
• Max. speed: 160–205 km/h.
• Fuel consumption: 4.2–6.7 l/100 km (petrol), 3.2–4.3 l/100 km (diesel), 4.2–5.4 l/100 km (hybrid).
• CO₂ emissions: 94–131 g/km.

Renault Clio V combines modern design, advanced technology and a variety of engines, including a hybrid. The model remains a sales leader thanks to its compactness, fuel efficiency and updated interior.