Buoyed by the sale of 30,000 Clio by Rip Curls in more than 20 countries in 2007, Renault is looking to build on its successful partnership with the well known surfing and snowboarding brand Rip Curl with the release of Clio by Rip Curl 2008.

Available in three- and five-door form, this limited edition is both dynamic and trendy and promises to appeal thanks to the potential it offers for customization and a list of specific equipment tailored for those who enjoy winter and water sports.

Clio by Rip Curl’s distinctive exterior looks are enhanced by a range of customization packages featuring modern, striking graphics (’Rock’, ‘Girly’, ‘Planete’), while the interior has been revisited by Rip Curl. Special touches include specific upholstery sporting the Rip Curl logo, a chrome center console, exclusive Rip Curl sills and specific rubber floor mats, as well as a sand- and snow-proof compartment stowage box in the boot.

The partnership between the two companies is evidence not only of the passion which Rip Curl and Renault both share for freedom and mobility, but also their commitment to respecting and protecting the planet. Renault contributes financially to the Rip Curl Planet Foundation, which is associated with the WWF, while an exclusive feature of the Clio Rip Curl range is the availability of an E85 bioethanol 1.2 16V engine (depending on country). Indeed, all the engines available combine driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions; every version of Clio by Rip Curl sold in France emits less than 140g of CO2/km in addition to complying with the three criteria required to benefit from the Renault eco² appellation.

Prices for this limited edition model represent a saving of €500 compared with the equivalent Clio III Dynamique.

Dynamic, customizable looks

In 2007, 30,000 Clio by Rip Curls were sold in around 20 countries. Buoyed by this success, Renault is continuing its partnership with the famous surfing and snowboarding brand with the release of Clio by Rip Curl 2008.

Three customization packages are available for both the three- and five-door versions of Clio by Rip Curl:

- The ‘Rock’ graphics corresponds to Rip Curl’s 2008 men’s wear collection,
- The ‘Girly’ graphics correspond to Rip Curl’s 2008 ladies wear collection,
- The ‘Planete’ graphics is based on the Rip Curl Planet Foundation in association with the WWF.

This limited edition Clio features special decorative trimming on the boot, on the rear door panels and on the anti-slip front door sill. The exterior design itself is dynamic and flowing, a sensation underpinned by the expressive gaze of the headlamps and black headlamp ,masks. Depending on country, Clio by Rip Curl is available with additional cornering lights and extra-tinted rear glass as standard. The flanks of this limited edition feature Rip Curl branding on the side protective strips and a new body color, Dyna Red, has been introduced for the model. Five other metallic finishes are available (Iceberg Blue, Nacre Black, Blue Grey, Platine Grey and Eclipse Grey), as well as two non-metallic finishes (Vif Red and Roy Blue).

An interior revisited by Rip Curl

Comfort and alluring decor take center stage inside thanks to Rip Curl’s eye for detail:

- specific upholstery featuring contrasting grey fabric for the sides of the seats and for the front and rear headrests. A white Rip Curl logo at the top of the front seats. A Rip Curl tag sewed onto the front headrest.
- decal on the chrome strip above the glovebox,
- chrome center console fascia,
- specific sills,
- leather steering wheel and gear level knob.

And when it comes to interior space and travelling comfort, Clio continues to stand out as the benchmark in its class.

Interior equipment: 100% sports action, 100% music Clio by Rip Curl is tailored to meet the pastimes and interests of active young drivers:

- 100% action: specific equipment includes a rubber front floor mat incorporating the Rip Curl logo and a compartment stowage box in the boot. Both are easy to clean and fear neither sand nor snow. The stowage box is ideal for carrying surfboarding or winter sports gear.
- 100% music: the Audio Connection Box is located in the glove box and enables all types of iPod/mp3 players to be plugged into the car’s audio system via a USB socket or 3.5mm jack. The easy-to-use steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote controls enable the driver to scroll effortlessly through his or her own mp3 music library on the move.

Respect for the environment

This partnership includes Renault’s participation in the Rip Curl Planet Foundation which is run in association with the WWF. Renault’s commitment alongside Rip Curl concerns:

- the protection of natural habitats associated with winter and water sports (mountain areas, coastal regions),
- environmental education and awareness programs,
- eco design-led research and development work on surfing products (surfboards, wetsuits, clothing).

All the engines available for Clio by Rip Curl are environmentally friendly and all versions comply with the three criteria required for the Renault eco² appellation:

- Either their CO2 emissions are less than 140g/km (1.2 16V, TCE 100hp, 1.5 dCi 70hp, 85hp and 105hp) or they are biofuel compatible (1.2 16V Ethanol), depending on country. In France, the diesel engines are eligible for the ‘eco-bonus’, while none of the petrol engines qualifies for the ‘eco-surcharge’.
- All versions are produced in one of three ISO 14001-certified factories: Flins (France), Valladolid (Spain) or Bursa (Turkey). ISO 14001-certification is awarded to industrial sites which make ongoing reductions in water and energy consumption, visual and noise nuisances, and air and wastewater discharges.
- All versions are 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable and at least five per cent of the plastics they contain are sourced from recycling.

Powered by the 1.5 dCi 85hp engine, Clio by Rip Curl emits just 117g of CO2 per km for combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100km. The 1.5 dCi 70hp and 85hp engines both qualify for the €700 ‘eco bonus’ in operation in France.

An E85 bioethanol engine

Clio by Rip Curl marks a new step in addressing environmental concerns with the inauguration of the Clio III range’s first E85 bioethanol engine. Modifications have been made to ensure that this 1.2 16V powerplant, which is derived from an existing block in the range, adapts automatically to this type of fuel. Notable areas of change include the fuel tank, injection system and combustion chambers.

A lasting partnership

Last year’s introduction of the first Clio by Rip Curl limited edition marked the start of a multi-year partnership which heralded a fresh way of working for the two parties, in terms of both their products and communication. The move stood out as a demanding, but particularly rewarding challenge:

- Renault puts its automotive know-how, all-round excellence and industrial power at the disposal of a rising brand and its legions of young fans who love winter and water sports, music and nature.
- Rip Curl brings Renault its slightly off-the-wall creativity and taste for innovation. This leading surf brand is renowned for its technical prowess and has become a benchmark of authenticity in the worlds of water and winter sports.

The ‘Renault Clio by Rip Curl’ signature is a simple statement of the two dynamic brands’ reciprocal commitment and the new limited edition is a chance for drivers to surf a wave of sheer pleasure!

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The Scenic range has been revised with a view to making it more efficient and streamlined, as well as to enhance its appeal on the highly competitive compact MPV market. The new Scenic line-up focuses on six equipment levels: Emotion, Latitude, Carminat, Exception, Conquest and Jade.

These changes combine with evolutions to the model’s interior and exterior styling, as well as upgrades for the different equipment levels and the introduction of option packs.

Styling changes

The new Scenic range features a number of evolutions to the model’s exterior styling. For enhanced appeal, all versions except the Conquest equipment level are now equipped with satin-chrome foglamp surrounds and trims, grille and door handles, plus Gloss Black lower headlamp masks.

Inside, all versions now come with a leather gearlever knob and steeringwheel. The Latitude, Carminat and Jade versions feature light beige for the dashboard and upholstery, while the Emotion, Exception and Conquest equipment levels are delivered with a dark charcoal interior trim.

A simplified range structure and additional equipment

The Scenic range has been streamlined to make it easier to take in. In response to customer demand, the new structure is based on six equipment levels (compared with 10 previously), namely Emotion, Latitude, Carminat, Exception, Conquest and Jade.

The simplified structure has been combined with equipment upgrades, while three option packs – including two that are identical to those currently available for the 2008 Megane range, and which represent a customer saving of up to 28 per cent – have been incorporated in the catalogue:

- Voyage Pack: opening rear screen and baggage separation net (customer saving = 21 per cent);
- Techno Pack: Audio Connection Box and hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls (customer saving = 27 per cent);
- Premium Pack: tyre pressure monitoring system and Xenon headlamps equipped with headlamp washers (customer saving = 28 per cent).

The New 2008 Scenic Range in detail

The Scenic and Authentique finishes have been dropped in favour of the Emotion equipment level which sees a marked upgrade. This includes the addition of foglamps, a dark charcoal leather gearlever knob and steeringwheel, the same dashboard as the former Dynamique equipment level, comfort-adjustable headrests, a lumbar-adjustable driver’s seat and a forward-tipping front passenger seatback. Despite all this additional equipment, the price has been reduced by €300 compared with the former Authentique version.

The Expression version is no longer available, but the Latitude equipment level (a former limited edition) has been carried over. Compared with the specification of the limited edition version which the latter replaces, this new, emblematic equipment level also features the same dashboard as the former Privilege version with no impact on its price.

The Carminat limited edition keeps its appellation and is equipped with the former Privilege dashboard plus a beige leather gearlever knob at no extra price.

The Dynamique version has been removed from the catalogue. The Exception limited edition appellation remains, however, and becomes one of the new line-up’s six equipment levels. It features the introduction of a fixed glass sunroof and a 4×15W radio-CD with MP3 playback (instead of the former 4×15W radio-CD). Despite this upgrade in terms of additional equipment, the price of the Exception equipment level has been cut by €50 compared with the former limited edition of the same name.

The Conquest version has been carried over and now includes a height-adjustable front passenger seat and a 4×15W radio-CD with MP3 playback (instead of the 4×15W radio-CD) with no impact on its price.

The Privilege version has been dropped from the catalogue, while the Jade version remains. The latter continues to be extensively equipped and now incorporates the Carminat Bluetooth CD navigation system complete with 4×15W radio-CD with MP3 playback and fingertip remote control for a price increase of only €400.

The revised range structure means that the Latitude, Exception and Jade equipment levels all feature a fixed panoramic sunroof.

Powertrains

In addition its simplified equipment level structure, the New Scenic Range has also seen a reduction in the number of powertrain options. The number of Scenic variants has consequently come down from the 84 versions previously available to 37. The number of five-seat Grand Scenic versions has been reduced from 74 to 27, while the number of seven-seat Grand Scenic versions has been cut from 71 to 27.

Note that 95 per cent of Scenic sales and 95.8 per cent of Grand Scenic sales are not affected by the eco-surcharge enforced in France.

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New Clio Sport Tourer has arrived in the UK, offering competitive pricing, impressive standard equipment, innovative features, greater load space and practicality, combined with the all the style and exterior good looks Clio is renowned for. The Sport Tourer version is a compact estate without compromising on interior space.

Ideal for customers who need the space and practicality of an estate car, but still want a car with sporty and modern looks, Clio Sport Tourer has 50% more boot space than the Clio and is priced just £850 more than the Clio five-door.

Equally suitable for active lifestyles and family outings, with great levels of comfort and safety you would expect from a Renault, Clio Sport Tourer is available in Dynamique trim priced from £12,095 for the 1.2 16V 75 to £14,495 for the dCi 106.

Prices/ engine range

Clio Sport Tourer is offered with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. Four of the five available are Renault eco2 vehicles, meaning they meet a strict criteria of emissions of less than 140 g/km, are 95% recyclable and are manufactured at plants certified to ISO 14001.

The engine range line-up includes the 1.2 TCe 100 petrol engine which provides the torque of the 1.6 VVT 111 engine, the power of the 1.4 16V and the economy and emissions of the 1.2 16V 75. The dCi 86 engine has CO² emissions of just 117 g/km and a combined mpg of 64.2.

Insurance groups are competitive ranging from 2E to 5E.

Dynamique – high level of equipment

Clio Sport Tourer launches in the ever-popular Dynamique trim, ensuring the interior matches the Clio’s exterior sporty looks.

Core features include equipment you’d expect from a practical estate car such as black roof bars, and the completely flat boot floor and load area that lifts up to reveal a hidden storage area offering maximum versatility.

The Dynamique trim comes well-equipped including the following standard features offered in addition to the core equipment: air conditioning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 15” ‘Mahonia’ alloy wheels, cruise control and speed limiter (on the automatic version), split-folding 60:40 rear seat, six airbags, 4 x 15W RDS radio CD with fingertip remote control and double optic ‘See Me Home’ headlights.

The launch of Clio Sport Tourer also includes a Summer Special edition, the Expression, which will be offered in limited numbers and is competitively priced at £11,215 for the 1.2 16V 75 and £12,365 for the dCi 68. Expression’s interior includes a blue center console and dashboard inserts, and the trim is similarly well-equipped with standard features.

Dimensions

Clio Sport Tourer is one of the most compact estate cars on the market at just 4,202mm long with the same wheelbase as the Clio (2,575mm). Its generous loading space, 60:40 split-folding rear seat and large boot space of 439dm³ which is more than 50% bigger than the Clio, ensure Clio Sport Tourer is every inch an estate car.

The 60:40 split-fold rear seats free up additional loading space of up to 1,277 dm3 (up to ceiling; 239dm³ more than the Clio). With the smaller section folded down, Clio Sport Tourer can accommodate four adults plus luggage offering a load length of up to 1,450mm.

Boot access is exemplary, owing to the shape of the rear bumper and the very low sill height (581mm). Its removable floor ensures its boot is versatile and adaptable. With convenience and practicality firmly in mind, Clio Sport Tourer has a handy compartment for the rear parcel shelf when it is removed, under the removable boot floor. Removing this floor panel can increase the capacity by a further 72dm³.

New Clio Sport Tourer – available to order now

Clio Sport Tourer is available to order now, priced from £12,095 for the Dynamique 1.2 16V 75 to £14, 495 for the Dynamique dCi 106.

Customers can find out more information by visiting their nearest Renault dealer, or by logging on to www.renault.co.uk.

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Thanks to its competitive pricing (15,601 Euro in France) which includes ‘Renault Sport Experience’ driving tuition, Twingo Renault Sport opens up the Renault Sport thrill to a wider range of customers, while putting them in complete control.

From the car’s launch, Renault Sport Technologies will offer every customer a service that is unique in the hot hatch segment: Renault Sport Experience driving tuition. This driver training course reinforces Renault’s credentials as a socially responsible company and is available in several European countries. It teaches new buyers how to handle their new hot hatch, so they can get maximum enjoyment from Renault Sport’s cars in total safety.

The Twingo Renault Sport range is simple and attractive: sporty looks, a 133hp 1.6 liter 16V engine and a choice of two chassis (Sport or Cup). The car can be customized to every driver’s taste: exterior and interior Renault Sport detailing is available, along with a multimedia connection point.

The start of sales will be later communicated.

With its sharp looks, punchy engine and capable chassis, there’s no doubting Twingo Renault Sport’s fun-to-drive, sporty character. Competitive pricing (€15,601 in France) means that the car will be the entry point to the Renault Sport range for a new group of customers. Our predictions indicate that nearly half of potential buyers are under 30 years of age. To support these customers buying their first hot hatch, Renault Sport is offering every client in several European markets a service that is completely unique in this segment: the Renault Sport Experience. Highly-trained instructors will train Twingo Renault Sport drivers in safe driving techniques (position of hands on the steering wheel, driving lines, braking, management of the ABS and ESP, etc.).

Renault Sport Experience driver training has two main priorities:
-Experiencing the Renault Sport thrill
The Renault Sport Experience scheme aims to tap into the shared passion of new buyers, by helping them to experience the Renault Sport thrill. This course will train customers to:
- enjoy driving a hot hatch on a closed circuit,
- make the most of the car’s handling,
- use the electronic driving aids for improved safety.
- Total control
Renault has been the benchmark in automotive safety for more than fifty years, and is now acting to improve the on-road behaviour of its customers. Renault Sport Experience forms part of this initiative. To ensure Twingo Renault Sport customers drive responsibly and calmly, this training course will teach them about:
- Driving enjoyment from aspects other than speed,
- Safety of the driver, passengers and other road users,
Driving satisfaction gained from driving well and behaving well.
Endorsed by Romain Grosjean

The Renault Sport Experience is endorsed by Romain Grosjean. Having served his apprenticeship in the Renault Driver Development program (RDD), he is now a test driver for the ING Renault F1 Team. At 22 years of age, he has already won titles in Formula Renault 1600, Formula Renault 2000 and the F3 Euroseries, as well as recently winning the GP2 Asia Series. Grosjean is ranked among the favorites for this year’s European GP2 championship, and embodies the values Renault is seeking to promote with its driver training program: excellent driving standards with a responsible attitude.

He proves that it’s possible to be young and passionate about sports driving while remaining socially responsible, both on track and on the road. He has helped design the contents of the theoretical and practical components of the course, and is the signatory of the completion certificates awarded to each driver.

Twingo Renault Sport, an appealing, straightforward range

This compact hot hatch completes the Renault Sport range, alongside Clio and Megane Renault Sport. It is attractively priced, at just €15,600 in France, which includes ‘Renault Sport Experience’ driving tuition (for a supplement of €1 in France), Twingo Renault Sport emits 165g of CO2/km. In the context of the French pollution bonus/penalty scheme, the car is among the best performing in its segment, incurring a penalty of just €200.

This hot hatch sets the standard in terms of comfort and versatility. In France, the car is fitted with independent, sliding rear seats as standard (on the sports chassis with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels).

To satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiasts, Twingo Renault Sport is also available with a Cup chassis. This chassis is available with 17-inch Dark Anthracite alloys wheels and, in France, a rear bench seat (which can be removed or folded), all of which generates a weight saving of 20kg.

Twingo Renault Sport also premieres a new Renault Sport body color which recalls that of Twingo Concept: Altica Grey. Three other metallic paint finishes are available (Pearlescent Black, Extreme Blue, Platine Grey), plus one non-metallic finish (Vif Red).

A hot hatch for everybody’s taste

From launch, Twingo Renault Sport will be available with a wide range of options to suit every customer’s taste. Renault Sport graphics can be applied to the front quarter panels, the rear bumper and can even to the key housing. Inspired by the chequered flag design, these dynamic graphics evoke the world of motor sport. The newcomer also features latest-generation communications technology: hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls and an audio connection box which permits drivers to connect an MP3 player or iPod® in total safety.

Equipment (in France):
Twingo GT:
- Body color side protective mouldings,
- GT-badged sill,
- Satin grey rear spoiler,
- Chrome exhaust tailpipes,
- TCE 100hp engine,
- Rain and light sensors,
- Ashtray and cigar lighter,
- Boot light,
- 15-inch Noxiane alloy wheels,
- Driver’s side one-touch electric window,
- 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, remote display, fingertip remote control and RCA socket in the glovebox,
- Extra-tinted rear windows,
- Leather steering wheel and gear knob.
Twingo Renault Sport = Twingo GT, plus
- Specific exterior styling:
- Specific front bumper with foglamp surrounds,
- Specific side skirts,
- Wider front and rear wings,
- Two-tone rear bumper with chrome exhaust tailpipes,
- 16- or 17-inch (on Cup chassis) alloy wheels,
- Dark Gunmetal Grey exterior mirrors, 17-inch aluminium wheels, foglamp surrounds and spoiler.
- Specific interior design:
- Dark Charcoal interior trim,
- Aluminium pedals,
- Leather steeringwheel incorporating thumb rests,
- Renault Sport rev-counter with gearshift indicator light,
- Front seats with additional lateral support, double stitching and Renault Sport badging,
- Blood Orange seatbelts,
- Renault Sport-badged sills.
- Renault Sport 1.6 16V 133hp engine,
- Sport chassis (Cup chassis optional),
- Fully disconnectable ESP (without emergency braking assist).

Options (in France):
- Front and rear curtain airbags €250
- Climate control €300
- Cup Pack: €450
Cup chassis + 17-inch Dark Anthracite alloy wheels + removable, folding rear bench seat
- Metallic paint €340
- Cruise control with speed limiter €230
- Panoramic sunroof €700
Accessories (in France):
Exterior customization
- ‘Grey Shadows’ graphics pack: €150 Three shades of grey, on either side of the car, plus rear bumper
- ‘Renault Sport Chequers’ graphics pack: €45 Renault Sport Chequers graphics available in: White, Anthracite Grey, Cool Grey and Black, on the two rear pillars
- ‘Chess’ graphics pack: €107 Renault Sport graphics inspired by Twingo Concept
Interior detailing
- ‘Power Pads’ pedal covers €60 in brushed aluminium, inspired by Twingo Concept
- Renault Sport-badged gearshift kit €150
Chrome satin finish zamac gear lever knob, leather and alcantara bellows with
Blood Orange stitching and matching base
- Practical Renault Sport-badged hand brake: €60
Chrome satin finish zamac
o Set of four Renault Sport Chequers rubber floor mats: €120
With brushed aluminium Renault Sport plaque on the driver mat
Two versions: white chequers on black, or black chequers on white
- Set of four Renault Sport Chequers fabric floor mats: €79
With brushed aluminium Renault Sport plaque on the driver mat
Two versions: white chequers on black, or black chequers on white
Connectivity and multimedia
- Hands-free Bluetooth® telephone controls €300 *
- Audio Connection Box €199 *
- Carminat Nomade €529 *
Dayton PM 2050 navigation system (Siemens VDO) with 3.5-inch colour screen and European maps, with power support
- Carminat Nomade + Bluetooth €599 *
Dayton PM 2050 navigation system (Siemens VDO) with 4.3-inch colour screen and European maps, plus integrated power support
* including fitment

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