Stepping into the new Clio range is a practical estate that offers more room in the boot. Booth volume has been increased to 443 litres. Measuring 4.267m in length, the Renault Clio Estate is both high on style and accommodating. The wheelbase is the same as the hatchback, but at 825mm, the rear overhang is 204mm longer. The Estate version carries with it the serious look, refined handling and luxurious interior that are visible on the Clio hatchback.
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| Renault Clio Estate |
Design
The Clio Estate shares the same dynamic design as the hatchback. However the estate’s profile has distinct styling. The Clio’s athletic design is inspired by modern shooting brakes. The Clio has a long bonnet and pronounced shoulder line that flows smoothly to the rear. Next to the C-pillar is a large glass surface that emphasises the Clio Estate’s practicality. As with the hatchback, the rear door handles are concealed in the C-pillars. All the centre pillars (B and C-pillars) have a glossy surface that blends in with the side glass. This creates a harmonious surface from the front right to the back. The large boot door is topped by a curved wing above the rear window. The spoiler stretches the line of the roof and has an integrated stop light. The Clio Estate is also fitted with roof bars that blend in with the roof’s line. The roof bars feature an aluminium finish. The Clio Estate features a Renault logo, set bold and upright against a gloss black background. The Estate’s headlamps feature a chrome strip with LED daytime running lights. The Clio Estate is available with three distinctive trim features; Trendy, Elegant and Sport. Each as its own added features such as gloss black lacquer on the door mirror housings, rear bumper apron and side protective mouldings. Other added exterior features include five different shades for the trim on the grille, rear hatch and side protective moldings (finished in chrome, black, red, blue or ivory). The Clio Estate rides on 16-inch wheels. They can be painted in black and ivory. Large 17-inch diamond-effect wheels are painted in black, red, blue or ivory
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| Rear design |
Power
Powering the new Clio Estate is a brand new 898cc TCe 90 three-cylinder turbocharged petrol power plant. The engine is equipped with Stop&Start feature. Power output is rated at 67kW (90hp) and torque is pegged at 135Nm. This particular engine uses 4.3 litres of fuel to cover 100 kilometres. Another 1.5-litre four cylinder diesel engine has similar power output. However it has a higher torque output pegged at 220Nm. The engine uses an impressive 3.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The most powerful engine in the estate range is a 1.2 litre fire plant. The 1.2 litre power plant generates 120hp and a peak torque figure of 190Nm torque. This particular engine is married to a six speed dual clutch automatic transmission. All other engines are mated to a six speed manual as standard.
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| Speed dial |
Chassis
The estate rides on MacPherson-type front suspension. The suspension is linked to a right-angled triangular lower wishbone, with twin bushes. This configuration offers sharp handling characteristics and excellent comfort. The suspension’s rigid sub-frame guarantees responsive handling and also improves steering precision. The rear suspension comprises a programmed deflection torsion beam with coil springs. To optimize cornering stability, an anti-roll bar is incorporated the rear suspension.The Clio Estate is packed with a host of safety features. All Estate versions are equipped with hill start assist as standard. They also get cruise control-speed limiter, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS, emergency brake assist and electric power steering.
Interior
Renault’s desire to combine beauty with functionality is evident with the interior’s design. From the dashboard (in the shape of an aircraft wing), to the neat packaging of the multimedia systems and the availability of stowage space throughout the cabin; it seems Renault wanted to achieve the two perspectives with this particular Estate. The use of chrome and gloss-black highlights offer nothing short of style. For greater comfort, the Estate comes equipped with keyless electronic card, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, one touch indicator lights and electric door mirrors and lifts for the windows. All the five occupants enjoy increased headroom and rear legroom.
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| Cockpit |
There are plenty of storage places as well. There is a tray in front of the gear lever which can hold items like a portable music player, mobile phone or portable CD player. The Clio’s large glove box can fit numerous items. There is also a tray situated above the glove box for keys and a mobile phone. Three easy-to-access cup holders and additional stowage for small items are located between the seats at the foot of the centre console. All doors bins have been designed to contain a 1.5-litre bottle. With the rear 60:40 split seats folded the rear boot space is increased from 443-liters to 1,380 liters. Compared to the Clio hatchback, the access boot is lower by 150mm. This allows for items to be slid in rather than be lifted. The boot door is also larger than the one in the hatchback. It is 133mm higher and 89mm wider. This allows for large items to be accommodated in the boot.
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| Rear storage space |
A large 7-inch touch screen is fitted on the center console. It has six-icon menu with access to applications such as navigation, multimedia, hands-free telephone, the vehicle itself, services and applications, plus the system settings. All radios feature Bluetooth® function to make hands-free telephone calls and to listen to music stored on portable devices. All the radios are fitted with USB and jack ports. New Clio Estate also features a reversing camera connected to the multimedia systems.The versions equipped with R-Link also benefit from 3D sound by Arkamys®. Thanks to special digital signal processing software, this system adds depth and texture to listening pleasure thanks to perfect positioning of the sound. Music fills the interior via speakers that feature Renault’s Bass Reflex. The speakers deliver volume and listening enjoyment via a large enclosure. Their bass frequencies are more powerful while distortion and vibrations are reduced. Bass Reflex is available as standard on all Clio Estate Models.
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| Based on the Renault Clio hatchback |
Verdict
The Renault Clio Estate offers more practicality than any other Clio in its class. The extra rear room, legroom and headroom offer plenty of interior enjoyment. The Renault franchise is under CFAO DT Dobie located along Lusaka Road.