Les archives de Renault
Clio I: In the midst of life
It’s 1990 when the Clio of the first generation is unveiled. And although the car is mechanically based on the Supercinq, Renault does take a new road through its design and name.
At the time of the launch, Renault still used numbers to indicate its models, but then all of a sudden, when the new compact Renault was introduced, a name was chosen: Clio. Almost all of the numbers between 3 and 25 had then been used. What’s more: this change in the system, in use since 1961, gave Renault the possibility to position the new car as a totally fresh new idea also.
ENERGY
When introduced in 1990, the new Renault Clio came in two body styles: as a three-door and as a five-door hatchback. Compared to its predecessor, the Supercinq, the Clio was available in just one length with one wheelbase. The mechanical changes between the R5 of the first generation and the Supercinq enhanced quite a lot more than the ones between the Supercinq and the first Clio. The car used the existing suspension elements of its predecessor, but still there was big news under its bonnet.
The Renault Clio receives a new 1.2- and 1.4-litre engine, which belonged to what Renault called the Energy family. As an entry-level model, a 1.1-liter unit from the old trusted Cléon series was available in some markets. Power outputs range from 49hp, via 60- to a maximum of 80hp.
EQUIPEMENT LEVELS
And there were more possibilities, engine-wise. The 1,721 cc F-series engine also became available to the new model, now offering 92hp. Apart from that the demand for compact diesel engines was growing in European countries and that was why Renault presented a diesel from the very start, too. This was the 1,870cc unit, known from the 19 and 21. In the Clio the diesel engine was good for a 65hp output.
In addition, Renault came up with three equipment levels: RL, RN and RT. These three came with three-door and five-door bodies, except for the RT 1.9D, which was only for sale as a five-door.
The interior was available in two variants with relatively flat seats for the RL- and RN versions, while the RT received more pre-shaped seats. The latter also came with extra ventilation grilles above the centre console and a steering wheel in a different shape.
