Renault has amped up its Clio range for 2012 with a range of updates - mostly electronic, it must be said - focused on practicality rather than glamour but, as with anything French, there has to be an element of chic.
It's all built around Renault's new slogan, “Live the connected life”, with the emphasis on making the car part of a fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyle.
Renault SA MD Xavier Gobille explained: “The Clio is a cornerstone of the Renault brand worldwide, and for 2012 we have taken that further with a revised range that's in tune with the youthful, trend-setting urban generation who consider technology and connectivity an integral part of life.”
Connectivity is a lifestyle, he says, and has become entrenched in every aspect of our modern lives, from the way we communicate to the manner in which we access music, obtain information, plan our daily routine and approach our driving.
NEW ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL
So even the new entry-level Clio Yahoo! and Yahoo! Plus models come with a Parrot Bluetooth system as standard, giving full hands-free cellphone functionality for hassle-free communication and driving safety. The Parrot system is accessed via a simple controller unit - which is also covered by the Clio's standard five-year warranty.
The Yahoo! also has an MP3-compatible radio/CD player with an RCA auxiliary audio jack for connecting personal media players, as well as Renault's alternative to the almost universal steering-wheel satellite controls, an extra stalk for fingertip control of audio functions with the driver taking their hands off the wheel.
Standard kit includes air-conditioning, cruise control, a multi-function computer, remote central locking, power front windows and mirrors, a split folding rear seat, as well as rake adjustment for the steering wheel and the driver's seat.
The interior door handles and vents are white, and the front seats are embroidered with a big press-here-to-start computer-style arrow logo.
On the outside, the Yahoo! gets body-colour bumpers, two-tone mirrors and 15” steel rims with plastic covers.
YAHOO! PLUS
The Yahoo! Plus adds multi-spoke 15” alloys, front fog lights and a sporty roof spoiler, with a bit of added interior chic in the form of leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever.
AVANTAGE
The range-topping Avantage, which replaces the previous Dynamique model, has a new Carminat Tom Tom integrated satnav system as standard, pre-programmed with SA maps and complete with Live services such as real-time HD traffic info, Google Search and weather updates - all of which can be accessed by means of a remote control (which comes with the car), and viewed on the 150mm centre-mounted colour display.
Standard kit includes automatic climate control, rain and light sensors, a six-speaker, l 80W RadioSat Classic audio system, an MP3-compatible CD player and a multimedia connection box in front of the gear lever with both iPod and USB audio ports.
External chic includes 16” alloy rims and aluminium door handles.
NUTS AND BOLTS
All three models are motivated by Renault's proven 1598cc, 16-valve petrol engine, rated for 83kW at 6000rpm and 151Nm at 4250 revs. Renault quotes a 0-100km/h sprtint time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h, at a cost of only 6.7 litres per 100km and 157g/km of CO2.
A five-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range; a four-speed auto is available for the Avantage.
PRICES
Yahoo! - R159 900
Yahoo! Plus - R169 900
Avantage - R189 900
Avantage A/T - R199 900
All Clios are covered by a five-year or 150 000km warranty and a four-year or 60 000km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000km.