{"id":6126,"date":"2020-12-22T10:42:45","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T10:42:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6126"},"modified":"2025-01-16T10:43:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T10:43:26","slug":"thirty-years-of-renault-clio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stoneacre.co.uk\/blog\/thirty-years-of-renault-clio","title":{"rendered":"Renault Clio – Thirty Years of Iconic Motoring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the world\u2019s most popular supermini\u2019s the Renault Clio turns 30 this year. To mark the occasion we are taking a look back at thirty years of the iconic Renault Clio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirty Years of the Renault Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The winner of multiple awards, the Renault Clio has been popular since it first came to the UK and is one of only a few models to win the European Car of the Year Award twice, in 1991 and 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name \u2018Clio\u2019 derives from the Greek language and means \u2018made or to make famous\u2019, an apt title given the Renault Clio’s exceptional and continued popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From its beginning, the Renault Clio has been recognised for its first-class design and thrilling performance. It is also one of the safest superminis on the market. Over the years, it had undergone numerous facelifts, yet it retains the iconic Clio style. It has all the style, technology and power to make it a popular model with wide-appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let’s jump straight in and take a look back through thirty years of the Renault Clio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"first-generation<\/figure>
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A Brief History of the Renault Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1990 \u2013 Renault launches the Clio to replace the Renault 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1991 \u2013 Renault Clio makes it to the UK market and wins European Car of the Year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1994 \u2013 The Renault Clio accounts for 49 per cent of Renault sales in the UK<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1998 \u2013 Renault debut the second-generation Clio with a brand new look<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2002 \u2013 86,337 Clio cars sold in the UK, the best year in its history<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2005 \u2013 Renault introduces a third-generation model <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2006 \u2013 Named European Car of the Year for the second time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2012 \u2013 Renault produces a new fourth-generation model <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2019 \u2013 Fifth-generation model features petrol hybrid powertrain<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Legend is Born<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 1990, the Renault Clio was designed to replace the Renault 5. As a result, the design of the Clio built on that of the Renault 5, being only slightly longer and wider, for better ride comfort and handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

55,000 Clio models were sold in its first year on the\nmarket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Renault Clio first came to the UK in 1991; an instant hit, 21,124 Clio models sold in the first year. It remains one of the bestselling models in the UK to this day and is still one of the best vehicles in its class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Generation Renault Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eight years after the Renault Clio\u2019s introduction, it was time for an overhaul. So in 1998, the MK2 Clio was released with refreshed styling. While larger than the MK1 model, significant weight savings ensured that the MK2 Clio offered improved refinement. You also get a range of safety equipment, including front side airbags and ABS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, with more rounded styling, it had a playful aspect that made it popular with a wide variety of buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Third Generation Renault Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2005 saw a third-generation Renault Clio model introduced. As was becoming the norm, the model was larger than its predecessor. On top of that, it was equipped with \u2018big car\u2019 features like tyre pressure monitoring, soft-touch materials and a key card instead of a key. Plus it got a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP thanks to an impressive suite of safety measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Thirty<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Find a used Renault Clio<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Generation Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2012, the fourth generation Renault Clio was released. It aped the styling of previous Clios and took inspiration from the 2010 DeZir concept car. The option of both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol and diesel engines ensured there was something for everyone. While a host of customisation options meant it had wide appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fourth<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Discover a great deal on a nearly new Renault Clio<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

All-New Renault Clio<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The all-new Clio is the most advanced model to date with extensive technology and driver assistance features. It even comes with the option of E-TECH hybrid technology, which promises excellent emission and impressive fuel economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take a look at the all-new Renault Clio E-TECH<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Style-wise the all-new Renault Clio is evolutionary, not revolutionary. A larger front grille and C-shaped daytime running lights help bring it in line with the rest of the Renault range. Meanwhile, being a little shorter, sitting slightly lower and a smidge wider, it has a dynamic stance. Yet on the inside, it offers more space for everyone to relax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Renault<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Explore the All-New Renault Clio<\/polygon><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Racing Pedigree<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With thirty years of the Renault Clio, it is no surprise it also has an outstanding racing pedigree. Over the years there has been a range of potent sports models offering more power, greater precision and better handling for an all-round first-class driving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renault Clio Williams<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1993 the first sports model, the Renault Clio Williams, was launched, with a two-litre engine and 150hp, for 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds. But the Clio Williams did not just offer outright pace if also came with thrilling handling which made it one of the best hot hatches. It also came with ABS, electric mirrors, a sunroof and stereo system for easy driving convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally Renault planned to make just 500 Clio Williams models. However, 5,000 sold, resulting in further models being released in the following years. By 1995 when production of the Clio Williams ended, over 12,000 models had sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Renault<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Renault Sport \u2013 The R.S. Clio<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The R.S. Clio are arguably some of the most sought after hot\nhatches to this day, despite production stopping in 2015. We take a look at the\nhistory of the R.S. Clio<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000 – Renault release the 1 Renault Sport Clio 172, as well as a special edition Exclusive model later the same year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2001 – Phase 2 model makes its debut with new features and a refreshed face<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2002 – Pared-back R.S. Clio 172 Cup arrives with weight savings reducing 0-62mph time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2004 – Renault releases the new R.S. Clio 182 with an extra 10bhp, the 182 CUP model follows later in the year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2005 \u2013 Renault launches the Clio Trophy and Evo Magazine name it People\u2019s Performance Car of the Year <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2006 \u2013 Renault Sport 197 comes a year after the release of the third-generation Clio in 2006<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2007 – Things get exciting thanks to the release of the F1 Team R27 edition R.S. Clio, later the same year Renault releases the 197 Cup model<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2009 – 197 receives an update becoming known as the 200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2013 – R.S. Clio embraces turbo power making the new 200 capable of 0-62mph in 6.7sec<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2015 – Renault introduces 220 Trophy the final R.S. Clio <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renault Clio V6<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It would be remiss to discuss the Renault Clio\u2019s performance heritage without mentioning perhaps one of the most bonkers cars ever built, the Clio V6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most remarkable models ever made it demonstrates\nwhat happens when the engineers are let loose. Ripping out the back seats\nprovided enough space to put in a potent three-litre V6 engine. The phase one\nmodel had a whopping 227bhp. But the phase two model produced from 2003-2005\nhad even more power with 252bhp and a 0-60mph time of just 5.6 seconds; almost\nsupercar levels of performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iconic Advertising<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Renault Clio owes at least some of its success to its\nincredible TV advertising campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first and still notable ad is known as Papa and Nicole,\nand it ran from 1991 to 1998. It was followed by the stylish \u2018Va Va Voom\u2019\nadvert starring French footballer Thierry Henry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To continue this legacy, Renault has created a special 30th edition advertisement. Echoing its thirty years in the making, it follows a French and English girl and travels with them through three decades of Renault Clio motoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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