Renault CLIO RUSH SPECIAL EDITION RANGE
As An Entry Level Special Edition, Does The
Renault Clio Rush Have What It Takes? Steve Ghosley Finds Out
The Renault Clio continues to rack up sales in the UK and has become a firm favourite this side of the channel. The Clio Rush Special Edition we look at here might tempt those looking for chic at a bargain price. Based on the current entry-level Authentique model, the Clio Rush offers additional features plus the option to save £1,200 if purchased through Renaults Selections finance.
The Clio Rush Special Edition comes with the standard Authentique trim, which includes ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), a 2x15W RDS radio cassette with four speakers as well as remote control, electric front windows and electric power-assisted steering. Additionally, buyers can expect to find specific light grey "Astramix" upholstery with light grey dashboard inserts, a height adjustable drivers
seat, a 60:40 split folding rear seat and height-adjustable rear headrests. Unusually for special editions, Renault are offering customers additional optional equipment that includes a 2x15 RDS radio/single CD player at a cost of £100, a manual tilt/slide sunroof at £200, pre-telephone equipment at £100 and metallic paint at £325. There is also a Sport Pack available for £825 that includes alloy wheels with locking bolts, a sports exhaust and crystal effect rear lights. The engine options in the Clio Rush Special Edition are the petrol-powered 60bhp 1.
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2-litre 8-valve and the diesel-powered 65bhp 1.5-litre dCi. The 1.2-litre 8-valve and the 1.
5-litre dCi both stroll to 60mph in 15.0 seconds on their way to a maximum speed of 100mph. Its only in the economy stakes that the two engines differ, with the petrol version returning 47mpg and the diesel delivering an impressive 65mpg. Those on a tight budget will also appreciate the insurance groups of the Clio Rush Special Edition with the 1.
2-litre rating 2E and the 1.5-litre a little higher at 3E.
"Inside, the interior looks very cutting edge with enhanced materials and extra equipment."
The Clio Rush Special Edition is available in both three-door and five-door body styles. The three-door version has an on the road price of £7,995 for the 1.2-litre and £8,995 for the 1.5-litre dCi.
On the road prices for the five-door models are £8,595 for the 1.2-litre and £9,595 for the 1.5-litre. With their Selections finance,
Renault claim that the entry-level price can be further reduced to only £6,795, saving £1,200.
If you only want to pay the basic price, then your car will be non-metallic Royal Blue in colour. The Clio Rush Special Edition comes in six colours with five of them being metallic hues, all of which carry a premium. Electric power-assisted steering with variable assistance and active self-centring is standard on this model and is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by 1.3mpg.
In order to make the car quieter, Renault have, in recent times, fitted the Clio with a revised scuttle, front subframe and engine mountings. Theres also multiplex wiring, linking a whole host of sophisticated electronic options to each other. Time was when a supermini was well equipped if it came with sunblinds and monogrammed floor mats. On the road, rather than offering the usual roly-poly French ride, base model Clios offer a taut, lively feel that better suits the urban environment.
Previous Clios havent been noted for their handling finesse, but this version is different. A wider front track enables this model to use a much more sophisticated suspension system, first featured in the Megane and the result is sharper handling that really shows in the latest models. To emphasise the point, this variant of the Clio gets stiffer suspension, new damper settings and front and rear anti-roll bars. Inside, the interior looks very cutting edge with enhanced materials and extra equipment.
The panels on the rear doors have a soft-feel, while the dashboard instruments mimic the design found in the Megane for a more state-of-the-art appearance. Most salient amongst the interior features is probably the digital screen mounted on the centre console to supply up-to-the-minute information on the Clios various systems. In true Renault style, safety gets its usual top billing. The previous Clio had already achieved a top four star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests and builds on that by further including adaptive intelligent twin front and side airbags with two levels of inflation, depending upon the seating position of the driver and the severity of the impact.
For the rear side seats, pretensioners are now combined with 600kg load limiters. Finally, the latest Clios are equipped with Isofix three-point child safety
seat attachments in the rear side seats and the front passenger seat, which is provided with airbag inhibition, should you wish your child to be placed alongside the driver. Otherwise, the recipe is much as youd find across the rest of the latest Clio line-up. In other words, its a car you could own as an only vehicle, thanks to its extra room inside and its more mature cruising abilities.
Inside, the large glass area gives the cabin a light, airy feel. Outside too, theres an impression of extra width, courtesy of the curvy front wings, large headlamps and that unique upright tailgate with its domed glass. Despite its longevity, the Renault Clio still has what it takes to keep the British motoring public interested. Models like the Clio Rush Special Edition offer customers the chance to buy into the brand at a bargain price yet still giving them the opportunity to customise their choice of vehicle to some degree.
For once, you should not avoid the Rush.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Renault Clio Rush Special Edition
PRICES: £7,995-£9,595 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 2E-3E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 115-143g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.2 16V] Max Speed 100mph / 0-60mph 15.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 8V] (Urban) 34mpg / (Extra-urban) 56mpg / (Combined) 47.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front/side airbags, ABS, brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Height: 3812/1940/1417mm
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