By: Jason Woosey
Renault is hoping to give its pretty Clio hatch a boost on the sales charts with two additions to the range: the Blaze 66kW Turbo, which focuses on value, and the Expression 88kW Turbo with EDC and the promise of effortless performance.
The limited edition Blaze is a more affordable way to have a Clio with Renault’s 898cc, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, rated at 66kW (or 70kW on overboost) and 135Nm (150). At R179 900, this duty-free gem costs just R7000 more than the normally aspirated 55kW 1.2 Authentique which you don’t really want because it’s rather underpowered.
This edition can be told apart by its own, Blaze-specific, 15-inch wheel covers and interior colour details, which it boasts along with a leather steering wheel and gear lever. Standard luxuries include air conditioning, cruise control, front electric windows and a four-speaker audio system, but you’ll have to part with another R6000 if you want Renault’s MediaNav touch-screen with built-in nav.
FANCY A BIGGER ENGINE?
At the other end of the range is the new Turbo Expression EDC, powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol, good for 88kW and 190Nm, and mated to a six-speed EDC dual-clutch autobox. Renault claims a 9.4 second 0-100km/h time for this car and a 199km/h top speed.
It is a somewhat pricier option, at R234 900, but in addition to the more powerful engine and auto shifter you do get standard MediaNav, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels and front foglights.
Both new Clios are sold with a three-year/45 000km service plan and five-year/150 000km warranty.
CLIO PRICES
55kW Authentique - R172 900
66kW Turbo Blaze - R179 900
66kW Turbo Expression - R202 900
66kW Turbo Dynamique - R221 900