A third accolade for New Clio – the 2013 L##Q##argus Trophy
A third award for New Clio
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| Renault Clio |
After claiming the RTL/AutoPlus ‘Best Production Car at the Paris Motor Show’ award, then the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ prize awarded by publications of the Axel Springer media group, New Clio has now won the L##Q##Argus small city car award.
New Clio is the first Renault car to receive a L##Q##Argus Trophy since the creation of the publication##Q##s ##Q##car##Q## awards in 2008.
Prior to New Clio’s success, Renault had been crowned in the utility vehicle class with Master in 2011 and 2004, Trafic in 2002 and Kangoo LCV in 1998.
The jury was composed of vehicle evaluation experts, journalists and market research specialists, and was presided over by the Argus Group##Q##s president, Alexandrine Breton des Loÿs.
All cars that were launched in 2012 were eligible for the awards, and a series of editorial meetings whittled the candidates down to a shortlist of five, with the last vote confirming the winner.
Spotlight on performance/equipment packages and running costs
The chief criteria considered in the bestowing of the Argus Trophies are value for money in terms of equipment packages, running costs (€0.26/km for Clio 1.5 dCi ENERGY Expression 90), residual value (51.2% over three years or 60,000km), fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and user-friendliness.
The secrets of New Clio##Q##s outstanding success
This award by a jury of informed specialists mirrors the favourable reaction that Renault’s new styling identity has received from the public. New Clio is the first model to feature this new identity which is based on the company’s new approach to design.
Amongst its visual characteristics, Renault’s new identity is highlighted by a prominent logo. This exercise in style is apparent in New Clio’s seductive curves and refined lines which talk directly to the senses.
New Clio’s appeal is further accentuated by a range of updated, smaller-capacity engines which have produced fuel consumption savings of as much as 20 percent over their predecessors.
The most CO2-efficient version of the car powered by the new turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol ENERGY TCe 90 consumes just 4.3 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 99g/km .
On the diesel side, the fuel consumption of New Clio with the ENERGY dCi 90 eco² engine under the bonnet sets a new frugality record in its class at just 3.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 83g/km, figures comparable with those of significantly more expensive hybrid cars.
Meanwhile, thanks to its architecture, longer wheelbase and wider tracks, New Clio’s chassis remains the benchmark in its segment.
And, with a five-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating, it is also the benchmark when it comes to passive safety, having secured the small city car segment##Q##s highest score in three of the four criteria taken into consideration.
Another of Clio’s undeniable qualities is its on-board multimedia system which raises the bar even higher in this vehicle segment.
The in-dash MEDIA NAV system, which incorporates a seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen display, is standard equipment for 80 percent of available versions. It can also be specified with a 4x20W audio system complete with Renault##Q##s Bass Reflex System and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth®, USB and jack) in order to enjoy music stored on portable devices.
Source: Renault Media Center
