New Renault Clio Lands in Turkey: Is This The End For Competitors?!

Europe's sweetheart, the Renault Clio, has just received a rather dramatic makeover and touched down in Turkey. Officially launching with two trim levels, the Evolution Plus and the more sporty-sounding Esprit Alpine, the new Clio is already turning heads, and wallets, with a price range of TL 1,799,000 to TL 1,895,000. For current Clio owners looking to upgrade, Renault is offering a trade-in incentive of up to TL 50,000. Not bad, eh?

New Renault Clio Lands in Turkey: Is This The End ...

Initially, buyers will have a choice of three engine options, but the real excitement is brewing for later this year when the hybrid and LPG variants are expected to join the lineup. This is a smart move considering the rising fuel costs and growing eco-consciousness of Turkish drivers.

Let's not forget the Clio's impressive pedigree. Launched way back in 1990, this little hatchback has become a global phenomenon. Five generations and over 17 million units sold later, the Clio has earned its stripes. Throw in a couple of "European Car of the Year" awards (1991 and 2006, if you're counting) and the fact that it's been a staple of Oyak Renault's production line, and you've got a recipe for success. The Clio has always had a loyal following in Turkey, and Renault is clearly hoping this new generation will bring even more fans into the fold.

Now, about that design... It's... bold. The front end is dominated by a massive grille and those sleek, almost predatory-looking headlights. Honestly, there's a definite Kia Ceed vibe going on there. It’s certainly more aggressive and sporty than previous iterations, at least from the front. This new face will undoubtedly polarize opinions, but I think it injects a fresh dose of dynamism into the Clio's image.

However, the rear is where things get really interesting – and perhaps a little controversial. The tailgate has this almost perpendicular angle, housing one part of the split taillights. I’m getting a bit of a Peugeot thing happening back there. I predict the rear-end design will be the biggest talking point amongst potential buyers. It’s… different, let’s just say that.

Size-wise, the new Clio is slightly bigger, measuring 4,116 mm long, 1,768 mm wide, and 1,451 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,591 mm, which should translate to a more comfortable ride. But the real treat is inside. The "OpenR Link" infotainment system, similar to the one found in the upcoming Renault 5, is a game-changer. Imagine having access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store right on your dashboard! Over 100 downloadable apps? Yes, please!

The initial engine lineup is quite appealing. The Full Hybrid E-Tech boasts 160 horsepower, promising fuel savings of up to 40% and a consumption of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers. That’s a win for both your wallet and the environment! Performance is respectable too, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. The second option is a 1.2 TCe engine producing 115 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds with a fuel consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Both engines come standard with a smooth 6-speed EDC transmission.

Renault also claims the new Clio features aerodynamically optimized...