Renault Clio scoops another top trophy

Renault’s New Clio continues to set the pace at the top of the Supermini class since its launch at the end of last year after winning the ‘Supermini’ category at the 2006 Auto Express New Car Honours, full details of which are in this week’s issue.

The coveted award joins previous accolades such as 2006 European Car of the Year, What Car? magazine’s Best Supermini, Test Drive magazine’s Gold Supermini winner, CAR magazine’s Top Ten Cars of the Year and Autocar magazine’s No.1 Supermini in their 2006 reader poll. Phew….!

The pace of new entrants into the Supermini sector, easily one of the biggest market sectors in the UK, has been astonishing, with Clio being joined by the Fiat Grande Punto, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, revised VW Polo and now the new Peugeot 207 in the last 12 months. However the brand new Peugeot 207, like the others, has got a bloodied nose on its first outing in Auto Express losing to the Clio in both the Group test and at the awards ceremony.

The judging panel included Auto Express Editor-in-Chief David Johns who gave particular praise for New Clio’s refinement, quality and five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP making New Clio the eighth Renault to achieve the maximum score – more than any other manufacturer.

Hailing the supermini sector as "the toughest battleground in the British car market", David Johns comments that this year’s contenders were better equipped, more refined and comfortable than ever whilst remaining chic and desirable, but "none more so than the Renault Clio" he concluded.

New Clio’s choice of engines including the 2.0 litre New Clio Renaultsport 197, wide range of trim levels and its availability in three and five door format also impressed the judges who confirmed New Clio has "a car to suit every budget within this extensive range".

David Johns added; "Impressing us with its shapely styling and robust build quality, the new third generation Clio is a massive step forward from its predecessor. With £650 million invested in its development, the French firm concentrated on improving the Clio in crucial areas. This detailed strategy has resulted in a car that’s more comfortable, refined and luxurious than any other supermini.

"Light and agile, it’s a joy to drive in tight situations, yet handles motorways with ease. Meanwhile occupants are able to relax in a cabin that’s far bigger, brighter and better designed than before". In summary, "The Renault Clio is the easiest supermini to live with and most enjoyable to own, and is a deserving winner here".

Philippe Talou-Derible, Managing Director, Renault UK, who collected the award, said; "New Clio has taken the glory in one of the most competitive and hotly contested sectors once again demonstrating it has completely set a new benchmark in this class and is the supermini to beat with unbeatable quality, stylish looks, excellent safety, practical and large interior space, comfort and extensive choice in its range".

The Clio Renaultsport 197 hot hatch version is due in showrooms with perfect timing in the next two weeks prior to its public launch day of 18th July, the opening day of the British Motorshows.