Renault Clio and Captur

Renault UK has confirmed full specifications of new E-TECH versions of the two most popular model line-ups in its range: the all-new Captur Plug-in Hybrid and the all-new Clio Hybrid.

Already offered with a number of powertrain options giving customers more choice than ever before, these electrified versions enhance the Captur and Clio’s appeal further for those looking for strong performance and low running costs.

The All-New Captur Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) benefits from a new petrol-electric powertrain, making it the most efficient and economical in the range as well as the most powerful.

Meanwhile, All-New Clio Hybrid gets a petrol hybrid set up offering a smooth and responsive drive with all the benefits of an economical hybrid drivetrain capable of completing most urban journeys in zeroemissions electric mode.

The new Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid variants benefit from technology shared across the Renault-Nissan alliance (the 1.6-litre engine and two electric motors, plus clutchless gearbox), while technology influenced by the Renault Formula One Team also features. Energy management and braking system knowledge has been shared, allowing both All-New Captur and All-New Clio E-TECH models to recuperate energy lost during braking and deceleration.

Both Captur and Clio offer unique E-TECH design details on the exterior and interior to differentiate from the rest of the line-up, complementing the eye-catching and sophisticated look of both model ranges.

A favourite in the Renault range, the all-new Captur is more athletic and dynamic than ever, and with an even stronger SUV identity. An unmistakable presence on the road, the totally redesigned exterior is more modern, distinctive and expressive, yet remains true to Renault’s core design values.

The introduction of this powertrain means that it is unique in offering an appealing plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the compact crossover segment, delivering excellent performance and class-leading low running costs. It makes plug-in hybrid mobility available to a wider spectrum of buyers than ever before, and with attractive BIK rates of just 10 per cent for company car drivers for 2020/2021, the Captur Plug-in Hybrid is a tempting and affordable option for business users too.

The Captur Plug-in Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine alongside a 9.8kWh battery driving two electric motors, enabling an all-electric driving range of 30 miles (WLTP) and total power output of 160hp. This makes it ideal for short, zero-emissions journeys around town, while the petrol engine is perfect for more extended longer journeys. When making full use of the battery and electric motor, the Captur Plug-in Hybrid is capable of up to 188.3mpg and 33g/km of CO 2 . Top speed in all-electric Pure mode is 84mph, with an acceleration from zero to 62mph in 10.1 seconds.

Renault’s Multi-Sense driving modes provide the ability to tweak the driving experience to personal preferences or depending on the road or journey conditions. Pure – a new mode specific to the Plug-in model – allows for zero-emissions all-electric driving when the battery is sufficiently charged for up to 30 miles.

Alternatively, Sport mode makes full use of both petrol engine and electric motor for faster responses when there’s sufficient charge, ideal for safe overtaking manoeuvres, for example.

There’s also an E-Save function that limits use of the battery and saves energy for it to be utilised later by prioritising use of the petrol engine. The driver can then switch to battery power when more appropriate later, such as in town where full electric driving is preferable and zero-emissions running achievable.

To help owners make the most of their all-new Captur Plug-in Hybrid, a free 7kW wallbox home charger, supplied and fitted by BP Chargemaster is included as standard for retail customers. Using this, the Captur Plug-in

Hybrid can charge from zero to 100 per cent in approximately three hours, ensuring that a complete recharge can comfortably be achieved overnight. Thanks to its sleek, ergonomic design the wallbox is unobtrusive and easy to use. A weather-resistant construction means that it can be mounted indoors or outdoors, while key-controlled access keeps it secure. Both a domestic charging cable and Type 2 charger is provided as standard.

Scheduled heating, ventilation and charging times can be controlled via the standard 9.3-inch Easy Link portrait touchscreen or via the new MY Renault APP

The all-new Clio is more elegant and dynamic and, while it retains the old Clio’s sleek profile which proved to be such a big hit with owners of the previous car, the new car is more distinctive than ever thanks to a series of design enhancements from the more pronounced front bumper right through to the new vibrant Valencia Orange exterior tone.

The award-winning supermini has offered no-compromise versatility for 30 years, but it goes one step further with the Hybrid model. While offering the highest power output in the Clio range, the Hybrid is all about efficiency and usability and is available across Play, Iconic, S Edition and R.S. Line trim lines, as well as a range-topping Launch Edition.

Under the bonnet of the new Clio Hybrid models is a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, driven via an F1-inspired clutchless automatic transmission.

Key benefits of the efficient hybrid powertrain are effortless responses and easy driving, with

the Clio able to travel for 80 per cent of urban journeys on battery power alone. This affords impressive fuel economy returns of 64.2mpg and CO 2 emissions as low as 98g/km, while also being able to travel up to 38mph in all-electric mode.

A focus on economy doesn’t mean performance has been compromised. The Clio Hybrid is the most powerful in the line-up with 140hp. The petrol engine mobilises a maximum torque of 144Nm, while the electric motor generates 205Nm. The HSG (High-Voltage Starter Generator) delivers an addition 50Nm resulting in excellent acceleration – especially at speeds of between 50mph to 75mph where the battery assists with sharper responses than a conventional petrol or diesel engine, enabling a 50mph to 75mph time of just 6.9 seconds.

These characteristics make the Clio Hybrid a perfect companion for those looking for an efficient urban runaround that’s just as at home out of town.

It’s a compelling proposition for company car users too, thanks to a low BIK rate of just 22 per cent for 2020/2021.

The new Launch Edition comes with unique

features to stand out even more. For the exterior, a blue colour pack features blue detail on the front grille, black lower skirt with blue stripe, blue side detail and blue chrome on the 17-inch Viva Stella Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

A new Blanc Quartz metallic paint is exclusively available for the Launch Edition specification, with Urban Grey also available across other models. The exterior is finished off with a shark fin antenna and black door mirrors.

Inside, E-TECH-specific blue details feature to match the distinctive exterior. Sharing the modern and user-friendly Smart Cockpit arrangement with the Captur, the Clio’s revolutionary interior design lends it a truly premium feel, backed up by the latest technology available with full smartphone integration, crisp infotainment and driver displays and a choice of interior colour options. Vision Grey interior design elements bring a sophisticated feel to E-TECH models, with the blue interior colour pack complementing the colour scheme with a blue air vent strip and stitching on the gear lever.

All models fitted with the E-TECH Hybrid powertrain get a 7-inch TFT ‘Smart Cockpit’ digital driver’s display with Hybrid-specific graphics and displays, while retaining the generous standard equipment across all models from Play to R.S. Line, continuing the Clio tradition of offering exceptional value. All models also come with E-TECH badging on the gearstick, while an EV button to select all-electric driving (when sufficient battery charge is available) has taken the place of the stop-start button beneath the touchscreen.

This builds on the high level of standard specification already available across all Clio trim levels. And with the E-TECH Hybrid powertrain available on all model lines, buyers have more choice than ever.