Chu (left) and Reza at the preview of the new Renault Clio GT Line.
KUALA LUMPUR: TC Euro Cars, the official distributor for Renault cars in Malaysia, had a preview of the new Renault Clio GT Line, at the Pavillion shopping mall today.
While the official launch of the car is a few months away, it is estimated to be priced at RM118,000.
The Clio GT Line is designed for drivers who want a sporty look with a blend of emotion, superior road handling, performance and exceptional fuel efficiency.
The innovative 1.2L turbo engine is mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission which delivers a maximum power of 118hp at 4900rpm and peak torque of 190Nm that is available from as low as 2,000rpm.
Its Turbo Control Efficiency or TCe 120 engine features a modern powertrain that comes in a small four-cylinder engine displacement with a turbocharger, delivering a performance equivalent to a naturally-aspirated 1.8L engine.
This spirited yet fuel-efficient engine offers fuel efficiency of up to 5.2L/100km with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.
“The New Renault Clio GT Line builds on the Clio model’s hallmark strengths and everyday versatility as well as a long tradition of innovation in its segment. Then there is its handling, which has always been exceptional. With the New Renault Clio GT Line, Malaysians can now own a popular mainstream version of the Clio – Renault’s best-selling model – that is fun to drive with low running costs thanks to its innovative 1.2-litre turbo engine,” said Kuan Kim Luen, chief executive officer of TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
Also present was Reza Mutalib, general manager TC Euro Cars and George Chu, Area Operations Manager, ASEAN Operations, Asia Pacific Region, Renault.
Renault designers have also paid particularly careful attention to achieving balanced proportions with its is a low-slung car height at 1,448 mm and a lower ride height which provides the car with a more solid stance but also beneficial in terms of aerodynamics. The wide front and rear track further enhances stability and road-holding.
The interior features the grey-trimmed dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing and the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the centre console. It comes with a seven-inch touchscreen, with Aux, USB, Bluetooth and navigation, keyless entry and push-start button, cruise control, auto headlights, rain sensors and rear parking sensors.
Additionally, by engaging the car’s ECO mode, it changes the way the powertrain operates and up to 10% of fuel savings can be achieved.
The suspension combines driving precision with reduced noise and vibration levels. The Macpherson-type front suspension is linked to a right-angled triangular lower wishbone with twin bushes. This configuration delivers better road holding, more responsive handling and steering precision while minimising the effect of longitudinal and transverse loads, which is vital for the comfort of occupants.
The rear suspension is comprised of a programmed-deflection torsion beam with coil springs and an anti-roll bar to optimise cornering stability. Effective shock absorption is assisted by bump stops that are now made from polyurethane, which are more progressive than the older design and add further to the comfort.
With reduced weight combined with the optimised calibration of the electrically-assisted power steering (EPS) and a quicker steering rack, the car is even more manoeuvrable, with a 10.6-metre turning circle.
Additionally, the new Clio GT Line comes equipped with the Renault Bass Reflex system.
Safety-wise, it has achieved the EuroNCAP five-star rating, comes with high-efficiency frontal airbags, lateral head and thorax airbags, a pressure sensor to detect impending impacts, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters (pre-tensioners for front seats only) and anti-whiplash head rests.
It also has the three-point ISOFIX child seat anchorage for three seats (front passenger seat and two outer rear seats), electronic stability control (ESC) with Roll Movement Intervention, Hill Start Assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and emergency brake assist.
The Clio GT Line comes in four colours: Flame Red, Diamond Black, Glacier White and Malta Blue. The Flame Red however, will cost you an extra RM5,000.
It comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty and is fully-backed by Renault for enhanced ease of ownership. Service intervals are 10,000km or six months, which ever comes first.
