Traffic haters, there is a new budget solution for you. Renault has announced it is now selling Clio 1.6 Dynamique with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It really is high time that Renault caters for this market and that buyers, especially in busy, oft-congested metros like Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal realise how much they need these cars.
“Our research indicated that there is a definite niche for a contemporary, well-equipped subcompact hatchback with an automatic gearbox,” says Xavier Gobille, managing director of Renault SA. “Our target audiences for this car include older users who are downsizing from larger cars, but don’t want the inconvenience of using a clutch, as well as urban commuters who have to cope with stop-start traffic and congested roads, where manual gearboxes can be a nuisance.”
Young as I am I also truly appreciate the convenience and ease-of-use provided by automatic transmissions in peak hour traffic. Very timely indeed I say.
The car still features the same expressive headlights, a contoured front bumper and bold rear end. The interior of course has the fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system that Renault is now known for. Excellent value at this segment of the market. The sat nav is characterised by a 15cm colour screen and a remote control unit. Integrated with it are MP3 playability, speed restrictions, Bluetooth and cell phone connectivity. A CD player, automatic climate control, a combined rain and light sensor, electric rear windows and cruise control are included.
Under the bonnet lies a 1.6-litre affair with 83kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 151Nm developed at 4250rpm. Renault says it will help the Clio go from 0 – 100km/h in 12.2 seconds and get a top speed of 186km/h. Claimed average fuel economy is 7.5 litres per 100km, giving the car a range of over 700km and C02 emissions are 179g/km.
“We indicated that this automatic model was under consideration when we launched the refreshed Clio line-up in August 2009,” Gobille said, “and that model has now come to fruition. We hope to expand our Clio offering even further with a young, sporty Clio ‘S’ version as well as an exciting limited special-edition Renault Sport version later this year.”
The Reanult Clio 4-speed Automatic is priced at R209 900.
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