Renault Clio III - Care in design and use of materials

The Renault Clio is very much an object of desire. Available in three- and five-door versions, it combines elegance, vitality and high standards of safety, local representatives Auto Sales Limited of Mosta Road, Lija, said.

Clio's elegant lines captivate the onlooker from the first glance. And the sophisticated design of the cabin enhances driving pleasure. It expresses the quiet assurance of a grand tourer.

At the front, its spirited personality is underlined by the wide air intake on the lower part of the bumper. At the same time, the tapered headlamps give the vehicle an intense look.

The sidelines describe a clean curve, flowing towards the rear to form a 'V' that brings out the elliptical rear lights. Large-diameter wheels set the car squarely on the road and reinforce the impression of stability.

The Clio's refined interior is in complete harmony with its elegant exterior. The cabin is both attractive and roomy. Materials were selected to be pleasant to the touch and the eye. The high-quality finish further underlines the care that went into the design.

The car places the emphasis on driving pleasure. Roadholding is lively, surefooted and predictable in all weather conditions, both in the city and out on the road.

With its long wheelbase and wide track, Clio is exceptionally well balanced, giving the driver an outstanding impression of total control.

The ergonomic, well-designed driving position further adds to driving pleasure. It is remarkably roomy and airy for a compact hatchback, seating five comfortably. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous space. The front seats and rear bench provide comfort and support, while the soundproofing creates a peaceful environment.

Renault is making safety available to everyone by fitting safety features on all the models in its range. The new Clio scored the maximum five stars in EuroNCAP tests. It shares the best child safety rating in its segment - four stars - with the Modus.

The Clio's body shell was designed to protect the cabin in an impact. The car is available with up to eight airbags. Seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners are fitted on all seats. The five-door version includes dual pretensioners, and the three-door version comes with an anti-submarining airbag. Clio is equipped with ABS and emergency brake assist (EBA).

Considerable work went into aerodynamics, and reducing friction and vehicle weight. As a result, fuel consumption is low and CO2 emissions have been reduced.

A full 95 per cent of the vehicle by weight is recyclable. Great emphasis has been placed on recyclable plastics and renewable materials. The Clio takes into account forthcoming restrictions on the use of heavy metals.

The material of the weight balancers of the tires has been changed from lead to zinc alloy. The car has noise emissions of 71 dBA (72 dBA for the diesel version), 3 dBA below current European standards. This corresponds to a 50 per cent reduction in noise intensity.