Renault launches its least polluting car

The Clio emits just 98 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

RENAULT is lauching its least polluting production car ever – a diesel-powered Clio emitting just 98 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.
Previewed earlier this year at the Brussels motor show, the new 1.5-litre dCi 86 Renault eco² versions of the three-door Extreme and five-door Expression, are now available to order in the UK, priced from £12,690.
Not only do they offer lower emissions, but with a remarkable 76.3 mpg achievable on the combined cycle, the fuel-sipping new Clio promises a theoretical range of 923 miles, enough to get you the 456 miles from London to Lyon and back again, with fuel to spare.
As demonstrated by its eco² programme, Renault believes it is essential to ensure that the most effective technologies are available to as many motorists as possible at an affordable price.
As a result, unlike all of its current rivals, which can charge up to £1,000 extra, or more, for their more environmentally-friendly versions than an equivalently specified model in the same range, the new low-emission Clio will sell for exactly the same price as today’s dCi 86 engine emitting 115 grams CO2 per kilometre. Firmly in the Clio’s sights will be three of Britain’s best-selling superminis, the Ford Fiesta Econetic, Peugeot 207 Economique and Vauxhall Corsa ecoFlex, costing between £500 and £1,050 more than their higher emitting equivalents.
The new models will not just be kinder to the planet, they will also appeal to cost-conscious buyers thanks to zero Vehicle Excise Duty, and for fleet customers, a particularly attractive 100% capital write-down allowance and low benefit-in-kind rating of only 13%.
A series of engineering improvements to Clio’s bodywork and 1.5 dCi 86 engine have resulted in an impressive 17 gram CO2 reduction compared to the current model, and a 19% improvement in fuel economy, or 12.1 mpg, to 76.3 on the combined cycle.
The new fuel-sipping versions are available as a three-door Extreme eco² and five-door Expression eco². As a result, the two models don’t skimp on equipment to keep either the car’s weight, or price, down. The specification on each model includes 4x20W RDS radio CD with fingertip remote control, front fog lights and electric front windows.
Like the current Extreme and Expression versions, several options are available, including 15” alloy wheels and fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation.