When the new Renault Clio was revealed late in January 2019, the French firm didn’t say much about engines. But now it has confirmed a range of five powerplants for the fifth-generation version of the hatchback.
The line-up will start with a naturally aspirated 1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine worth 56 kW and 95 N.m, and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Next up is a turbocharged 1,0-litre three-pot (already used in the Nissan Micra), which churns out 74 kW and 160 N.m. This engine, too, is linked to a five-speed manual cog-swapper as standard, although a CVT will also be offered.
Renault has furthermore confirmed a flagship turbocharged 1,3-litre, four-cylinder petrol mill, which produces 96 kW and 240 N.m of torque. This powerplant will apparently be offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Diesel-lovers will be glad to hear an oil-burning 1,5-litre, four-cylinder engine will also be part of the range (though whether this will come to South Africa remains to be seen), offering 64 kW and 220 N.m, sent to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox.
In addition, by 2020, Renault says it will introduce a hybrid powertrain, mating a naturally aspirated 1,6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result, the firm promises, is “highly responsive acceleration” and a regenerative braking effect similar to that of a fully electric vehicle. The automaker claims the hybrid tech will allow “up to 40 percent” fuel savings compared with an internal combustion engine vehicle on an urban driving cycle.
Of course, no official word yet on what sort of engine will power the new Clio RS…
