2022 Renault Clio V
The hot hatch component on South Africa’s roads has just caught fire – the all-new Renault Clio V has finally arrived. Although shown at Geneva in 2019, the V was delayed first by you-know-what and then by the worldwide semiconductor shortage. But the wait was worth it.
The new Clio comes in three trim levels: the recently introduced LIFE, ZEN and INTENS range markers. The car is built on the new CMF-B platform and measures 4 050mm in length, 1988mm wide and 1440mm tall. Although marginally shorter than its predecessor, the V is more spacious inside. The boot is a generous 391-litres, which jumps to 1 069-litres when you drop the 60/40 rear seat.
Although there are numerous engine and gearbox variants overseas, the local Clio will all have the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol turbo with a 5-speed manual box, giving 74kW and 160Nm. This translates into a top speed of R187km/h, 0-100 in 11.8 seconds, and a very frugal 4.4-litres per 100km on the combined freeway/urban cycle.
Clio LIFE – R309 900
Although the most affordable trim level, the LIFE is certainly not an empty box on wheels. As a nod to price, it comes with 16-inch wheels with imitation alloy covers. The sound system has six speakers, dual USB ports and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple/Android connectivity.
You get PureVision LED headlights, body-coloured electric mirrors, a 4.2-inch instrument display, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric front windows, four airbags, hill start assist, ABS with EBD and EBA, and electronic stability control.
Clio ZEN – R324 900
The ZEN has the same size infotainment system, but with satnav added. So the same as the Life, but with auto, beam assist added to the headlights, body-coloured door handles, faux-leather steering wheel, LED fog lamps, chrome air vents surround and height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Clio INTENS – R349 900
The INTENS rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, has gloss black window surrounds and mirror caps, chrome detailing and privacy glass. It also has LED daytime running lights, climate control, all-around electric windows, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, key card access, wireless smartphone charger and a height-adjustable passenger seat.
If that is not enough, for an additional R20K you can add front parking sensors, reverse camera, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a 9.3-inch infotainment system.
The new Clio is a stunner – fresh looks and an overall impressive package. Have a look at the new Renault Clio LIFE, ZEN and INTENS and book a test drive.
