Beneath the brand new physique (67mm longer and 39mm wider than earlier than), the Clio sits on the identical CMF-B platform as earlier than, so it’s nonetheless associated to the Nissan Juke, numerous different Renaults and their Mitsubishi clones.
The one notable evolution in chassis phrases is the choice of 18in wheels, that are new for the Clio and, due to the larger physique, could be fitted with out sacrificing sidewall top in contrast with the 17s. They’re customary on top-line Esprit Alpine trim.
In any other case it’s the same old passive dampers and coil springs, with entrance MacPherson struts main a torsion-beam rear. Renault says it has tuned all variations of the Clio, with their differing weights, to deal with identically, so don’t suppose paying extra for an Alpine-badged spinoff will get you added juiciness within the dealing with.
The drivelines are equally acquainted. The Clio comes with a revised model of the present three-cylinder TCe engine, making 114bhp (up 25bhp). Or you may have a spruced-up model of the present E-Tech full-hybrid powertrain, with output rising 15bhp to 158bhp.
The latter is chargeable for the uplift in displacement. The place the combustion aspect of the E-Tech powertrain at present takes the type of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-pot, right here it swells to 1.8 litres. It’s the identical powertrain discovered within the Dacia Bigster, albeit with some digital and exhaust tuning for a contact extra energy. It offers the Clio respectable poke and leads to an 8.3sec 0-62mph time – a second faster than earlier than.
There’s additionally a dual-fuel model with an official vary of round 900 miles (so London to Budapest continuous in what quantities to a little-ish commuter hatch), but it surely received’t be offered within the UK, presumably because of the restricted availability of LPG right here.
The hybrid powertain justifies some unpacking. It is housed up entrance aside from the 36kg, briefcase-sized battery pack beneath the boot ground. It is made by Horse Powertrain, a three way partnership between Renault and Geely, at Bursa in Turkey and Valladolid in Spain.
The 1.8-litre engine is Euro 7-compliant, weighs simply 100kg and makes 109bhp. It additionally has a formidable thermal effectivity of 40.5%. In contrast with the present 1.6-litre engine, gasoline injection can be direct (moderately than oblique) and works at 350bar. This has been essential in decreasing emissions and consumption by about 7%.
This engine feeds a clutchless four-speed canine gearbox (shifts are typically however not infallibly easy), itself mated to a two-speed transaxle onto which the 49bhp drive motor is mounted. There is no such thing as a synchronisation; as an alternative the second motor, a 20bhp starter-generator atop the gearbox, handles the graceful switch of ratios.
Taken as one, the system is advanced and may typically appear to have a thoughts of its personal, however there’s no questioning its efficiency or effectivity.
