FOR Ireland, 1990 was one of our most memorable years.
It was the year that Jack Charlton took us to Italia
’90 and Ireland took on the rest the world. It was even dubbed our Summer of Love.
It was also a big year for Renault. It was the year it launched the Clio, which became one of the best loved and best selling cars.
Over 12 million Clios were sold and for Renault it was a love story that had only just begun.
Twenty two years later and now in its fourth generation, the new Clio is a stunner, a car that will cause quite a stir when it hits Irish roads in January 2013.
The Clio boasts an all new sensual look and Renault has capitalised on the model’s hallmark strengths and everyday versatility to deliver a car that seeks to win over customers thanks to its attractiveness and key selling points.
The Clio champions Renault’s new design identity which places the emphasis on simplicity, warmth and sensuality. Designed by the same team as Renault’s concept car DeZir, the Clio’s sleek exterior look is certainly a head turner.
Following its eagerly-anticipated world debut at the Paris Motor Show, Renault Ireland has confirmed pricing and specification for one of Ireland’s best loved cars.
Combined with attractive pricing, new technology, a wide array of new options and state-of-the-art engines, the French brand is aiming for the top of the hotly contested supermini class.
Breaking with tradition, new Clio will be available solely in five-door guise, but with a coupé-like silhouette incorporating hidden rear door handles and a sportier profile. To back up its contemporary look, Ireland’s Expression model will also be priced to tackle its rivals head on, including an eye-catching entry price of
?¬14,990 or
?¬149 per month from Renault Finance.
Kicking off the Clio line-up is a new Expression trim level, available with the 1.2 16V 75 bhp engine. Far from being a stripped-out base version though, and in keeping with Renault’s reputation for providing well-equipped models versus the competition, it benefits from a 4x20W radio with Bluetooth and USB connection, Bass Reflex system (enhanced speaker sound quality), driver/passenger/ front side airbags, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, daytime running lights, ESC, Hill Start Assist, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, plus cruise control and speed limiter. Road tax for the 1.2 engine is just
?¬225 per annum.
In terms of safety, Renault committed to achieving very high standards of active and passive safety when designing New Clio.