New Renault Clio: Lowest Emission Production Car

Set to be available in three- and five-door guise, the new versions offer not just reduced guilt driving, but also the promise of lower fuel consumption, at 76.3 mpg (combined cycle, an increase of 12.1 mpg) and a theoretical range of 923 miles between fill-ups.

Such headline-stealing figures have been achieved principally through a series of improvements to the Clio’s aerodynamics, engine and tyres. Overall, the new versions offer an impressive 17g/km reduction in CO2 emissions (a gain of 15 per cent) compared to the current mode, without any impact on the car’s performance.

The new versions of Clio will sell at the same price as the 115g/km version, a further sign of the Renault eco² signature's aim to make ecological and economical vehicles available to as many motorists as possible.

Renault's engineers focused particularly on fine-tuning the dCi 86 powerplant in order to achieve the greatest possible improvement in CO2 emissions levels, without unduly affecting performance:

- Longer gearing across all the transmission ratios: the torque and the flexibility of the dCi 86 allow this to be achieved without any significant impact on performance

- Reduction of frictional losses in the engine and gearbox with the introduction of low-viscosity lubricants

- Dedicated engine mapping focused on reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

- Using of Michelin 185x60 R15 low energy consumption tyres for reduced rolling resistance.

- Improve aerodynamics with underbody enclouse for rear axle, extention of front bumper lip and front wheel arch flaps.

Clio dCi 86 Renault eco will be unveiled on 13 January at the Brussels Motor Show, Belgium. Order books will open in France on 9 February and later this year in the UK.

Credits: wilswong