IN THESE tough economic times just about everyone you talk to will bemoan the fact that their income is stretched to the limit and that they have to downscale their lifestyle. For many, the days of weekend breaks and even the annual holiday are a thing of the past and, of course, that luxury car with all the accoutrements that provide the extra comfort no longer fits into the average family budget.
So it’s all doom and gloom, or is it? There is a solution for those who are prepared to ignore the South African ideology that well- equipped quality cars only come from Germany. Possessing the right badge would appear to indicate your social status to the neighbours. I suggest that you show the Joneses next door that you have put a little “va va voom” in your life by taking a look at the Renault Clio III 1.6 Dynamique.
Let me say from the outset that we are not looking at a road burner: the 1.6l , 16-valve engine produces 83kW at 6000r/min, torque of 151Nm at 4250r/min and returns a claimed 6.6l /100km. Drive is through a five-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. Acceleration is a fairly modest 10,2 seconds to 100km/h and I have to admit that I found the initial pull-away a little sluggish, but once up in the rev band the Clio pulls well. Gear ratios are well spaced and the shift is light and positive, a plus when climbing long gradients as you are going to have to drop a cog or two to clear the top with the vehicle loaded.
But do not think that the Clio is underpowered: it definitely is not, after all this is only a 1.6 yet it is capable of carrying four adults plus luggage in comfort, so the performance is good for a car in this segment. Chassis dynamics are also good and provide amazing stability through the tight bends and under heavy braking, making the ride a nice compromise between handling and comfort.
The power steering is well weighted and has a direct feel.
Overall the styling is pleasing with a typical Gallic flair, the interior has the soft touch look and fit and finish are good both inside and out. A set of 16-inch alloy wheels gives the Clio a sporty and more upmarket appearance.
The staggering amount of bells and whistles supplied as standard are what sets the Clio apart from most in this market — in fact, I am not even going to mention them all. If I listed that lot this report would go into a double page spread and the editor would have heart failure.
There is one particular feature Renault has added that really surprised me — the Carminat TomTom Navigation system as standard equipment. The unit is fully integrated and can be operated directly or via the remote control unit supplied. The dash top mounted 15cm colour screen displays information such as traffic information, speed restrictions and speed camera alerts as well as serving the multimedia system for radio, MP3 play lists and Bluetooth cell phone integration.
The navigation system can be updated and customised on line by means of the supplied 2Go SD card and the whole thing is covered by the Renault warranty, so no going off to a sub-supplier if a problem should occur.
Officially known as the Clio III Phase 2 it is the third generation of the Clio to reach our shores and the best so far, particularly in the bang for buck category. The specification level makes this a car you can really enjoy driving — apart from the dynamics of the car itself plus all the safety features, with airbags everywhere, it makes a lot of sense as a good family car.
Now it is crunch time — what is it going to cost and why do I suggest a look at this particular car if you are considering downscaling? That is the staggering fact about the new Clio: all this kit is available for less than two hundred grand, in fact a lot less — priced at R188000 it must make some of the opposition cringe. That price also includes a maintenance plan as well as the full warranty and Renault’s Confiance plan.
So maybe it is time to look at a different style of vehicle that will provide almost everything that the more expensive car offers, without making a big hole in your bank balance. Perhaps I can sum up by saying that this vehicle is “eco”- friendly — and I do not mean the just the emissions, I mean “eco”- nomically as well. All the bells and whistles at a budget price
WE DISLIKE: Initial acceleration a little sluggish
VERDICT: Probably the best accessorised car in its segment
TECH SPECS
ENGINE
Type: 4-cylinder in-line 16v petrol
Capacity: 1 598cc
Power: 83kW at 6 000r/min
Torque: 151Nm at 4 250r/min
TRANSMISSION
Type: 5-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN
Type: Front wheel drive
BRAKES
Type: Discs all round, front 260mm ventilated, rear 240mm solid
Traction Aids: ABS, EBD and EBA
PERFORMANCE (claimed)
0-100km/h: 10.2 seconds
Top Speed: 190km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6.6l/100km
CO2 Emission: 157g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Multiple airbags, alarm system, front height adjustable seatbelts, Isofix, 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminium door handles, leather covered steering wheel and gearknob, fully integrated TomTom satellite navigation system, cruise control, trip/onboard computer, front fog lights, rain sensor, light sensor, cornering headlamps, climate control, power windows front and rear, remote central locking, audio system, multi-media connection, Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls, split folding rear seat, power steering, electrically heated and folding mirrors, height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat.
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: 3-year/100 000km
Maintenance Plan: 3-year/45 000km Renault Confiance Plan
Price: R188 000
Lease*: R4 134 per month
* At 11,5% over 60 months no deposit