Renault has revised the Clio range with updates throughout the range, additional models and a new flagship. The highly successful Clio Sport 172 has been upgraded to 182 bhp to ensure it remains at the head of the pack in the junior hot hatch segment.
The extra 10 bhp is achieved via a new catalytic converter design and exhaust manifold modifications. The range topper is now capable of a claimed 139 mph with the sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) now reduced to 7.1 seconds. At £14,600, the Clio maintains its sector leading punch per pound value. The exterior of the car has been subtly modified around the front-end to freshen its appearance. The car also features a new design of alloy wheel and exterior paint colours. The most striking changes are based on a new rear bumper with twin tail pipes a la the Clio V6 to align with the new family appearance, which will also be shared with the new 225 bhp Megane Renaultsport due in April 2004.
Whilst making the Clio look more aggressive it is a shame that the car has lost some of its "Q-car" factor that was a bonus in terms of not attracting the wrong sort of attention. Inside the car modifications are limited to a few splashes of chrome on the instrument surrounds, gear lever and steering wheel centre boss and a more powerful stereo head unit linked to a 6 CD changer. New for the 2004 car is the availability of several new option packs that can bring the car to a specification similar to the Cup model currently offered. At £200, the Cup chassis pack looks conspicuously good value. This includes a tyre upgrade, to a stiffer side-walled version of the standard Michelin Exalto, stiffened and lowered suspension and new steering geometry. Anthracite alloy wheels are also part of the package. The other Cup pack is the spoiler kit that includes a deeper front spoiler and larger rear roof spoiler. These modifications look like a must have for the keener driver.
The new model in the range sees Renault's first offering of a diesel warm hatch. This is a rapidly growing market segment as manufacturers latch onto the benefits of torquey engines in small hatches. In the Clio's case the 100 bhp 1.5dCi engine offers urgent in-gear acceleration akin to much more overtly sporting models whilst returning almost 66 mpg on the combined cycle. A CO2 emissions figure of only 113 g/km is also good news for the company car driver. The peak torque figure of 148 lb.ft (200 Nm) is identical to that produced by the RenaultSport 182, but is produced at only 1900 rpm with more than 90% on tap from 1500 rpm. This is thanks to the faster spool-up and flexibility offered by the variable geometry turbo. The 1.5dCi 100 bhp engine is available in a variety of trim levels starting at £11,050 for the Dynamique 3-door up to £14,300 for the plush Initiale spec which includes a wood dash, upgraded stereo and electric rear windows.
Many other detail changes have been made across the range in terms of options and fittings on the various trim levels but prices remain largely the same as the 2003 model line up. The 2004 Clio is available to order now in the UK.
Dave Jenkins - 17 Dec 2003
