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The sense of strength and safety is reinforced by the carefully proportioned balance between the windows and the large surface area of the doors, the lower part of which incorporates protective panels. Seen from the side, a distinctive character line flows rearward from the rounded front wings before emphasizing the solid rear haunches.

Renault Fluence creates an impression of quality, and particular attention has been paid to the fit and finish of body panels (windscreen pillars and refuelling flap, for example). The rear bumper incorporates discreet parking sensors. At rest, the windscreen wipers are tucked away behind the bonnet’s upper edge, partly for aesthetic reasons, but also to reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

In the cabin, the airy facia design incorporates taut, uncluttered lines that are complemented by the sweep of the dashboard trim strip. Essential driving functions and useful accessories all fall easily to hand. They are concentrated around the steeringwheel and centre console with a view to freeing up as much space as possible and to making the car even more user-friendly. Significant care went into choosing the ideal materials and finish: the integrated upper dashboard cowling has a soft-touch finish, yet it is also resistant to everyday knocks and exposure to direct sunlight. The step-up in range is equally visible in cabin details such as the chrome finish applied to door handles, instrument surrounds and gearlever knob, as well as the availability of either light- or darkhued leather upholstery.

It is very easy to feel at home at the wheel of Renault Fluence, thanks to its sound ergonomics and straightforward interfaces. On board, every driver will be able to find the ideal seating position thanks to a wide range of adjustability options, with all the controls near at hand.

The sense of onboard comfort is embellished by attention to detail in the realm of reduced noise levels and high standards of interior space, including class-topping elbow room (1,480mm at the front, 1,475mm at the rear).

Renault Fluence’s cabin provides more than 23 litres of stowage space, including an illuminated, refrigerated, nine-litre glovebox, a 2.2-litre centre console and a 2.6-litre bin in each front door. The 530dm3 boot capacity is one of the biggest in its class. Access is facilitated by a low sill and a large (1,020mm) aperture, which has been made possible by incorporating one part of the rear light cluster within the boot lid.

The 60/40-split folding rear seat enables the load capacity to be increased to suit the needs of the moment. The absence of any steel partition between the cabin and the boot makes this feature particularly useful when long or bulky items need to be carried.

Renault Fluence’s chassis delivers an efficient, comfortable and enjoyable ride. The aim of Renault’s engineers was to combine steering and handling precision with minimal noise and vibrations. Renault Fluence’s front suspension features MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms, while the rear incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam.

Renault Fluence also benefits from a particularly effective braking system, with large discs that provide both outstanding stopping power and durability. The electric power steering combines precise driver feedback with quick, accurate response to instructions from the wheel. It is easy to use and feels completely natural.

Renault Fluence was designed using the same philosophy that applies throughout the Renault range. The company has capitalized on studies conducted by LAB and also used its extensive engineering expertise to develop efficient safety systems relevant to the real-world driving conditions found in all the countries where Renault Fluence is marketed.

Fluence Z.E. Concept is a statement of Renault’s intention to produce a range of zero-emission vehicles that meet the needs of all types of customer. Fluence Z.E. Concept is a genuine family car which demonstrates that attractive styling, comfort and space can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.

Fluence Z.E. Concept is an all-electric car with a range of 160km. The battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) which takes the form of the exclusive ‘Quickdrop’ rapid battery exchange system.

Fluence Z.E. Concept previews the forth coming electric version of Fluence, and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.

Fluence Z.E. Concept’s warmly welcoming and refined interior is based on a combination of flowing forms, the use of soft, supple materials and a mottled ambience. Passengers are comfortably seated in four enveloping seats robed in light leather upholstery. The feet rest on a light blue translucent gel mat, while the brake and accelerator pedals, too, are covered in gel for a greater sense of comfort. When the doors open, the courtesy lighting recalls the luminous blue signature of Renault’s electric vehicle range.

The technology used for the dashboard is sophisticated and intuitive. A TFT (Thin Film Transistor) touchscreen displays multimedia information and essential journey-related information such as the navigation function and the location of the nearest ‘Quickdrop’ station. The display also provides data specific to electric vehicles, such as range optimization information.

The centre console incorporates two floating armrests and forms a fluid, rearward-flowing arc. At the front, the integrated central front armrest includes the stop/start button, the air-conditioning and volume controls, as well as the new touchscreen Samsung Jet phone. This phone comes with a hands-free function, and also enables occupants to listen to music or enjoy a film on the screens which have been built into the front seatbacks. The central rear armrest incorporates the climate control and volume controls, plus another Samsung Jet telephone and two remote controls for the two screens.

Significant care has also gone into the design of the door panels: the door handles echo the rounded form of the centre console and the electric window controls are flush with the surface, while the viewing screen for the rear-view cameras is integrated discreetly yet effectively. Fluence Z.E. Concept is not respectful of the environment simply because it runs on electricity.

Renault has provided a preview glimpse of its new concept car, DeZir, ahead of this year’s Paris Motor Show. DeZir stands out as an illustration of the brand’s commitment to more emotional styling.

DeZir’s sensuous lines and bright red finish express passion. Powered by an electric motor, DeZir is proof that environmental concern and a love for cars are by no means incompatible.

The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Laurens van den Acker and marks the start of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design’s new vision for the future. It also lays the foundations for the styling cues of Renault’s forthcoming vehicles.

This vision also builds on the bonds that are gradually forged between the brand and its customers at watershed moments of their lives, such as when they fall in love, start to explore the world, found a family, begin to work, take time to play and attain wisdom.

This approach coincides with the introduction of a new Renault design language that takes its inspiration from the three keywords which communicate the brand’s vision, namely ‘simple’, ‘sensuous’ and ‘warm’.

In keeping with this strategy, Renault’s concept cars will progressively express this vision, paving the way for a product plan based on a coherent and clear offer. To implement this, Renault Design has revised its methodology, and a single team of designers will now be responsible for each new concept car and for the ensuing production model it previews.

The geometric forms of the glazed areas also contribute to DeZir’s easy-to-read overall design and are reminiscent of a fighter-plane cockpit or certain endurance racing prototypes. The absence of a rear window is overcome by the fitment of two rear-facing cameras which provide the driver with a panoramic view of what is happening behind the car.

The creative thinking behind the design of the front end was aimed at recalling Renault’s styling heritage, while at the same time paving the way for the design trends of the brand’s forthcoming models.

DeZir’s front end features a full-width air-intake which strikes out either side of a large, verticallypositioned Renault logo that proudly displays the car’s brand pedigree. Meanwhile, the chrome finish of the lozenge contrasts with the dark aspect of the grille to express the statement still further. The air scoops situated at the outer extremities of the front air intake are a legacy of Renault’s formal styling language and form an integral part of the air intake’s design, as do the headlights which sit above these scoops.

The Luxe version is aimed at motorists looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, status-enhancing car which places the accent on driving pleasure. New Renault Clio RS Luxe features the ‘Sport’ chassis which, like the car’s acoustic performance, has been upgraded with a view to delivering an even higher standard of comfort. A range of appointments make this new sporting model from the Renault Sport stable truly unique, including a broad selection of body colours, interior trims, upholsteries (including leather) and aluminium alloy wheels. A long list of equipment carried over from New Renault Clio is available, too, including the Carminat TomTom navigation system, a hands-free card and cruise control with speed limiter.

The Cup version stands out through its efficiency and performance and will notably appeal to connoisseurs who are passionate about their driving. Equipped with the ‘Cup’ chassis, it is 36kg lighter than New Renault Clio RS Luxe (‘Sport’ chassis). Indeed, the design of certain components (transmission, seat frames, wheels) and the dropping of certain items of equipment enables the Cup version to boast the best weight-to-power ratio of its class (6kg/hp).

New Renault Clio’s original lines have been revised with the accent on more athletic, telltale curves. The more aggressive front end incorporates an F1-type aerodynamic splitter and a generously-sized, low-positioned air intake, the mission of which is to cool the naturally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine (147.5kW/203hp). The sills, extractors and wider front and rear wings all serve to highlight the sporty calling of New Renault Clio RS which features Renault Sport’s new styling identity cues with the Renault Sport Design Pack’s two-tone colour scheme based on a choice of Gloss Black or Cold Metal Grey for the front bumper mouldings, exterior mirror housings and diffuser. At the rear, the twin exhaust tailpipes have been incorporated into the diffuser. New Renault Clio RS sits squarely on the road thanks to its wide tyres (215/45) mounted on 17-inch aluminium alloy rims, through which it is possible to see the Brembo brake callipers and big brakes that deliver powerful, durable stopping power. Renault Sport badging is visible on the tailgate, on the side protective mouldings’ satin-finish chrome inserts, as well as on the intake manifold. New Renault Clio RS marks the introduction of the brand new exclusive Alien Green metallic paint finish.

Compared with New Renault Clio, New Clio RS’s grip and cornering potential have been upgraded, with the front and rear tracks widened by 48mm and 50mm respectively. The wheelbase has been extended by 10mm to 2,585mm for greater stability, while the front suspension’s independent steering axis layout is unique to the B segment. To minimize weight, this technology employs aluminium components and guarantees precise handling and outstanding traction whatever the conditions. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the responsive front end which is insensitive to torque steer, both through tight corners and along straights. Based on that of New Renault Clio, the rear suspension features a reinforced programmed deflection torsion beam which complements the efficiency of the front end’s independent steering axis system to ensure precise, immediate turn-in response.

The model’s sporting pedigree is confirmed by details such as the aluminium pedal covers and footrest, as well as by the perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow centrepoint marker. The yellow rev-counter includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator to help optimize gear changes.

Thanks to a range of three trims (Argenté Grey, Yellow, Dark Charcoal), customers can select the colour of the seatbelts, dashboard trimming and/or upholstery. The specific Renault Sport seats are exceptionally comfortable and ensure a high level of body-hugging lateral support. Bucket seats designed and developed in association with Recaro are also available for New Renault Clio RS. They are equipped with lateral airbags, plus a rigid, glass-fibre/polyamide-injected shell which provides the sort of all-enveloping experience normally associated with motor sport. The slots for the harness belts and the integrated headrest add a further sporty note, while at the same time serving to hold occupants firmly in place.

As with all the models developed by Renault Sport Technologies, Renault Sport badging is visible inside the cabin on the rev-counter background, sills and front seats.

As is the case for its smaller sibling, Twingo, Clio Gordini R.S. is essentially a Renault Sport model. Its equipment specification features all the best features of the mainstream Clio range.

Clio Gordini R.S., which is due to go on sale in June, are now open. In France, prices for Clio Gordini RS start from €26,400.

Work on Clio R.S. which is widely acclaimed as the most efficient hot hatch in its class. Clio Gordini R.S. packs all the ingredients that have helped forged the success of Renault Sport models over the years:

- specific running gear and Sport chassis: the independent steering axis front suspension arrangement guarantees precise handling and traction in all conditions,- powerful, fade-free braking thanks to Brembo callipers and large discs,- a high-performance normally-aspirated engine: with a power output of more than 100hp/litre, its peak power is 147.5kW (203hp), yet combined cycle fuel consumption stands at a very reasonable 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 195g of CO2/km.

Clio Gordini R.S.’s equipment specification puts it at the very top of its class:
- diamond-effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with black inserts,
- additional cornering lights,
- driver and front passenger front airbags + lateral driver and front passenger thorax airbags
+ front and rear head curtain airbags + anti-submarining airbags incorporated in front seat cushions,
- electrically operated, heated and folding exterior mirrors,
- Carminat TomTom® navigation, incorporating IQ Routes™*,
- cruise control with speed limiter,
- hands-free card,
- automatic climate control,
- automatic headlamp activation and rain sensor,
- fully disconnectable ESP, with traction control and understeer control,
- 4x20W radio with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, single CD player with MP3 playback and separate display,
- Plug&Music connectivity (USB, 3.5mm jack) for iPod® or MP3 player, plus audio streaming,
- extra-tinted rear glass,
- Gordini-badged carpet mats.

Clio has proudly lived up to its celebrated slogan: Elle a Tout d’une Grande (The Small Car with Big Car Attributes). To date, it has won over more than 10 million customers worldwide thanks to a unique package of comfort, versatility and safety performance that is more readily associated with models from the next segment up. In addition to being the only model ever to secure two Car of the Year awards, Clio has set new standards for the compact car segment over the years. It has always been at the leading edge on the safety front, too, and was the first B-segment model to secure a four-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, and then to achieve five-star status. Last but no least, its exacting build quality has seen it emerge as one of the most dependable cars in its segment.

A hallmark of the ’20th’ limited edition version of Clio Renault Sport will be its exclusive white and black two-tone colour scheme. Meanwhile, the plushly-appointed cabin comes with visible dashboard stitching and an anthracite grey painted finish for the centre console and air vents, plus ’20th’-badged door sills. These limited edition versions are extensively equipped, too. Depending on market, Clio ’20th’ is available with Carminat TomTom navigation, manual or automatic climate control, extra-tinted rear glass, cruise control with speed limiter, and a 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, with Bluetooth and Plug & Music connectivity.

Clio ’20th’ and Clio Renault Sport ’20th’ both go on sale in March in Europe. In France, order books open on February 9, with prices starting at €14,350 for Clio ’20th’. Clio R.S. ’20th’ will cost €24,700.

It has won over more than 10 million customers in more than 100 countries1 thanks to a styling, comfort, versatility, safety and equipment package worthy of cars from the next segment up. Indeed, it is the only model to date to have claimed the Car of the Year award on two separate occasions: in 1991 initially – shortly after the launch of Clio I – and then a second time in 2006, with Clio III. As a pioneer in the field of safety, too, it broke new ground by becoming the first car in its class to earn a four-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating, in 2000. Then, in 2005, it went on to become the first to achieve five-star status. Last but not least, its exacting build quality has made it one of the most dependable cars in its segment.

To mark Clio’s 20-year long career as an international best seller, Renault has decided to introduce exclusive ’20th’ limited edition versions of three- and five-door Clio, Clio Estate and Clio Renault Sport.

The ’20th’ limited edition versions of Renault Clio are immediately recognizable by specific ’20th’ badging on their B pillars, as well as the gloss black finish of their front bumper mouldings, exterior mirrors and side protective moulding end-pieces which contrast with the body colour exterior door handles.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard features visible stitching, plus anthracite grey air vents and centre console, in addition to ’20th’ badging on the front door sills. Based on the Dynamique equipment level, the ’20th’ limited edition versions of Renault Clio (depending on country) are also equipped with manual or automatic climate control, cruise control with speed limiter and an 80W Radiosat-CD with MP3 playback, plus Bluetooth® and Plug & Music connectivity. The latter permits phone calls to be made or taken in total safety, while portable music devices can be connected via the jack or USB socket. The Bluetooth audio-streaming function enables MP3-format music stored on mobile phones to be played.

Version, these limited edition versions to comply with the three criteria necessary to qualify for the Renault eco² signature. In France, the versions powered by the dCi 70 and dCi 85 engines qualify for the state’s €500 eco-bonus subsidy.

The ’20th’ limited edition versions of three- and five-door Clio and Clio Estate are due to go on sale in March in Europe (except Portugal). In France, order books will open on February 9, and prices will start from €14,350, representing a saving to the customer of four per cent.