RENAULT

Clio: a success story

Since it was launched in 1990, the Renault Clio has enjoyed continued success, with almost 16 million units sold worldwide. It is simply the best-selling French car of all time. On the eve of the fifth generation restyling, let's recap Clio's legacy in numbers and pictures, as well as fan testimonies. Because everyone has a Clio memory to tell.

An iconic vehicle from the Renault model line, the Clio is the best-selling French car of all time. Since 1990, the year the first generation was launched, almost 16 million Clio units have been sold in no less than 120 countries.

16 million: an impressive number. To give you an idea, if they were lined up, these 16 million Clio units would circle the Earth 1.6 times. Amazing, isn't it? And if they were stacked, their height would total a dizzying 75,000 times the height of the Eiffel Tower!

And what would explain such success? Simply because, since it hit the market to replace the Renault 5, the Clio has revolutionized the multifunctional urban compact segment. It introduced improvements in the segment in all aspects (chassis, quality, equipment level, etc.), with a diversity of versions meaning that there would always be a Clio to satisfy all lifestyles, in addition to prices that remained in very affordable levels. As the slogan said: "it's not even that expensive, my son".

Each generation contributed enhancements to the previous generation's DNA. Thanks to these developments, more than 30 years after it was launched, the model remains one of the most iconic cars in the segment, in all markets where it is sold. It is worth remembering that the Clio was also recognized twice by the Car of the Year award in Europe. Even today, more than 1,400 Clio units are produced daily at Renault plants in Turkey (Bursa) and Slovenia (Novo Mesto). In the case of the Bursa plant, one Clio is produced every minute.

Everyone has a Clio story to tell... On the streets of Boulogne-Billancourt, birthplace of the Renault brand, we talked to a few random people, as well as salespeople and customers of a dealership in the city. It was to be expected: everyone had an opinion, memory or story to tell about their 'trolley' which has everything of a 'car'.

Each one with their story about Clio:

“For me, the Renault Clio is reminiscent of France and reliability. My dad had a Clio 2 and 25 years later I learned to drive in a Clio 5. I only have good memories with that car”. pierre

“The Clio is an amazing car, really. It was my first car - and my son's too. It was with this car that he learned to drive and today he has his own Clio. I'm also looking at the last generation, which turned out pretty cool!” nelly

“I have nothing but praise for Clio! It's not expensive and it's easy to drive. It's perfect for my personal use!” dominique

“I lived very intense moments with my Clio 3. Today, after 16 years living with it, I'm going to exchange it for a Clio 5. I love its size, which is neither too small nor too big”. Veronique

“I've had the Clio 2, Clio 3 and Clio 4. I've covered hundreds of thousands of kilometers with the Clio”. Georges

“The Clio was my first car after I became a mother. My in-laws gave me one as a gift when my son was born in 1999. I had never had such a comfortable car”. Sophie

“My father rode a Clio, my sister already had a Clio, my wife also had a Clio. This car has crossed generations”. François-Xavier

The very first Clio... In 1990, the Clio was launched to replace the Renault 5. With a top-of-the-line positioning, it revolutionized the urban compact segment. In France, the Clio quickly reached the top of sales, being recognized as Car of the Year in Europe in 1991.

Clio 16S...In March 1991, just one year after launch, the Clio won a sports version (16S) that took the place left by the Renault 5 GT Turbo. With the 1.8 liter F engine and 140 hp, impeccable grip and devilish looks, it wasn't difficult for it to quickly become a huge success.

Clio Baccara...Like the 'Supercinq' that preceded it, the Clio also gained a sophisticated version in 1991. The Baccara finish version received a leather interior and wood details, associated with standard luxury items and a diesel engine. 92 hp. From 1997, this version would be called Initiale.

Clio S...In 1992, sportiness became accessible to any budget. With the Clio S, Renault offered a dynamic and affordable version of its consumer-favorite urban compact. The same 1.4 Energy engine was equipped with a transmission with staggered gears for faster couplings, making the engine speed rise quickly, with typical sports noise.

Clio Williams...The iconic Clio Williams appeared in 1993(image above). The name was a reference to the Williams-Renault Formula 1 team, making the model immediately enter the history of sports cars. The 'Bleu Sport Nacré/Pearly Sport Blue' body color, Speedline wheel rims, 150 hp engine and firmer suspension made it the compact sports car of choice at the time.

Outstanding limited series...Chipie, Be Bop, MTV, Oasis, Night and Day, Aida, etc. Clio's trajectory was punctuated by numerous special series, many of which are still remembered today. Here we present the Clio Be Bop, whose differential was to offer the car radio as a standard item.

Clio Électrique...A pioneer in electric cars, in 1995 Renault already offered a Clio Électrique with a range of between 80 and 100 km. Like the model equipped with a combustion engine, the electric version had 4 real seats, elegant interior trim and modern equipment. It was possible to recharge the battery in 8 hours, using a simple outlet.

Clio Maxi...Participating in rally competitions, the Clio performed miracles on the cobbled streets of the French championships in the Group A version. Kit Car.

Clio II...Launched in 1998, the second generation of Clio grew and became more rounded, favoring internal space. The complete range made it possible to satisfy any lifestyle. Those in love with sports models were not disappointed with the Clio RS and Clio V6 versions.

Clio Symbol...In some markets that support three-volume models - including Brazil -, the Clio was available in a version with a third volume dedicated to the rear trunk. The first Clio Symbol appeared in 1999, quickly abandoning the Clio name to be known only by the name Symbol (or Thalia, depending on the market). This version was restyled in 2008 and 2012, and was replaced by the Taliant in 2021.

Clio V6...With wider wheel arches reminiscent of the R5 Turbo, the Clio V6(image above) prepared by Renault Sport had an engine positioned behind the driver and delivered 230 hp. Launched in 2000, today this version is considered a collector's item.

Clio III...In 2005, the third generation Clio was taken to a new level, with a complete list of standard items and 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. With it, the Clio name was once again recognized as Car of the Year.

Clio Grand Tour Concept...In 2007, the very stylish Clio Grand Tour concept car foreshadowed the future Clio III Estate (wagon), which would be launched in 2008. This version would also be available on the Clio IV.

Clio IV...Inspired by the DeZir concept car, the fourth generation Clio was marketed in 2012(image above). It was the first car to adopt the new visual identity of the Renault range, allowing customizations and once again making the Estate version available for use in family.

Clio Mio...In 2012, the Clio Mio was a version of the Clio especially intended for the South American market, based on the Clio II. In four years of career, no less than 550 thousand units were produced.

Clio V E-TECH...Revealed at the beginning of 2019, the Clio V now has an electrified engine, thanks to the E-TECH hybrid engine, which is beyond efficient. The model launched a brand new interior filled with technological items, including advanced driver assistance devices with a level 2 autonomous driving system.

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