The 2003 Renault Clio Range

2001 was a record year for Clio sales in the UK with almost 80,000 cars sold, boosted by the introduction of new Clio half way through the year. Sales of Clio in 2002 are expected to beat that record by a considerable margin, now that the complete range of new Clios is available.

Such success is thanks to the class-leading level of equipment offered by Clio, with no other competitor offering ABS with Brake Assist, driver, passenger and lateral airbags, remote control central locking, electric windows, and three point seat belts for all three rear passengers from the entry-level version. On top of this Clio is the most economical supermini with its revolutionary 1.5dCi engine offering the lowest fuel consumption and unbeaten CO2 emissions in the class, a fact appreciated by Clio customers with the diesel share of sales increasing by 168% in 2002 now that Clio offers both 65 and 80bhp versions of the 1.5dCi engine.

These two diesel engines have been key to the success of the new Clio. With average fuel consumption figures of 65.7mpg and 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km and 110g/km respectively the 65bhp and 80bhp 1.5dCi Clios guarantee and deliver refined, low cost motoring to the supermini class at a level that remains unbeaten by any rival.

Building on new Clio’s strong performance this year, the 2003 Renault Clio range introduces:

• enhanced specification
• a wider range of dCi models
• simplified range structure
• increased personalisation through the offer of a number of option packs on Dynamique

The Clio range continues with the designations Authentique, Expression, Privilège, Initiale, plus Dynamique and Renaultsport with these models fitting into the three collections Freeway, Elegance and Sport.

The Freeway collection encompasses the Authentique and Expression and are designed to offer Clio style and personality at an accessible price whilst still providing high levels of driving pleasure and equipment.

The entry-level Authentique range is now broadened with the addition of the 65bhp 1.5dCi engine enhancing this already fantastic package. No other competitor offers ABS with emergency brake assist, four airbags, power steering, electric front windows, remote-control central locking, double optic headlamps, smart wipers, rev. counter and four speaker hi-fi with finger-tip remote control - equipment worth over £1,100 – in its entry-level version – yet at £8,395 for the three-door and £8,895 for the five-door the Clio Authentique 1.5dCi is still £600 less than its rivals from Ford and Vauxhall and undercuts the Peugeot 206 by £470.

Expression remains at the core of the Clio offer and now features an enhanced engine and transmission choice. As well as adding the 1.4 16V petrol and 1.5dCi 80 common-rail diesel engine to the Expression range, this Clio model also benefits from the addition of a single CD/radio Hi-Fi as standard.

Other additional standard equipment on Expression includes electric heated door mirrors, manual tilt/remove sunroof, height adjustable drivers’ seat, three height adjustable rear headrests, 60/40 split fold rear seat, pollen filter and air recirculation, exterior temperature display and front map reading light and delayed extinguish courtesy light.

Renault is also offering a version of Expression with Air conditioning which will also feature as a separate model in the price list. Other options include Climate Control, Turn by turn satellite navigation, Front fog lamps, 15-inch ‘Equation alloy wheels, Electric sunroof in lieu of manual version, Metallic paint, and Hand’s free telephone kit.

The second collection in the 2003 Clio range remains Elegance, comprised of the Privilège and Initiale models designed to offer large car luxury and equipment in a supermini.

Privilège adds automatic headlamps and wipers as well as manual air-conditioning, electric glass sunroof with sunblind, category one alarm, 88W single CD six speaker Hi-Fi, 15” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, sports front seats, trip computer, aluminium finish instrument surround and door handles, height and lumbar adjustable driver’s seat and velour upholstery as standard equipment on top of that offered on Expression.

Options on Privilège include metallic paint, Climate control in lieu of manual air conditioning, Turn by turn satellite navigation, ESP Traction control, Xenon headlamps with headlamp wash, Cruise control with speed limiter and Hands-free telephone kit.

The luxurious Initiale is available with both 1.6 16V petrol and 1.5dCi 80 common-rail diesel engines. Standard equipment includes climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, xenon headlamps with auto height adjustment and power wash, automatic rain sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps, leather and alcantara upholstery, maple wood inserts on the dash, leather steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, garment carrier and luggage net in the boot and metallic paint.

Options available on Clio Initiale include Multi-CD stacker, Full colour satellite navigation system, ESP Traction control and Hands-free telephone kit

The third Clio Collection is Sport offering sporty Clio versions for every budget and level of performance from Dynamique, through Renaultsport 172 and 172 Cup up to the fire-breathing V6.