Le Chic...Renault “XV de France” Clio and Megane Editions

For the third year in a row, Renault will have “XV de France” editions of the Clio and Megane models in its lineup, marking the automaker’s involvement in rugby as a sponsor of the French national team. The difference is that this year, the “limited editions” have become full-fledged “versions”, fully integrated into the brand’s catalogue and available for purchase all year-round. The Megane is available in estate, hatch and coupe body styles, while the Clio can be ordered as a 3-door, 5-door and estate.

“The 2011 ‘XV de France’ versions are very different from the limited editions of previous years”, explains Megane product manager Raphaelle Jarry. “As well as being true to the rugby spirit, they introduce a new angle”.

Based on the Dynamique (Megane) and Dynamique TomTom (Clio) trim levels, the “XV de France” versions boast a unique Marron Glace paintjob (except the Clio estate), accompanied by special upholstery in the interior. Distinctive alloys are also on the menu, while the French Rugby Federation emblems applied to the front wings and inside the cabin represent the finishing touch.

The “XV de France” Clio’s standard equipment list includes navigation, 80W CD/MP3/Bluetooth sound system with speech recognition and streaming capabilities, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch wheels.

The “XV de France” Megane comes with satnav, plus front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable fold-back mirrors and bigger, 17-inch alloys.

Engine choices include two diesel (95/105HP) and two gasoline (100/110HP) units for the Clio and one gasoline (130HP) powerplant and four diesels (110/130/150HP) for the Megane.

A total of 15,500 “XV de France” vehicles will be built, including 5,500 Meganes and 10,000 Clios.

By Csaba Daradics

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Paris Show: Renault ZOE Preview Teases 2012 Production EV and Hints at Next Clio

One or two sizes up from the quirky little Twizy is where Renault's ZOE Preview sits. Following in the vein of last year's ZOE Z.E. coupe, the ZOE Preview is a more realistic look at the production version that will be available in 2012 wearing Renault's newest face. Not only that, but it may just be previewing (ZING!) the next Clio as well.

Similar in size to the Clio, this little electric econobox gets some high-end passenger comfort tech that may or may not show up in the production model (Renault claims 90% of what you see here is what you'll get). To get occupants comfortable, the ZOE has a humidity-regulating climate control system with an integrated toxicity sensor and scent diffuser.

Oh, there's more, don't worry. It also provides "light therapy", which is being co-developed with Philips (apparently a "world-renowned light therapy specialist").

The concept seen here is 4.1 meters long and rides on 19-inch wheels. For production, dimensions are going to be similar, but those wheels? Probably not showing up. Power comes from an 80-horsepower / 60 kW electric motor that makes 222 Nm / 164 lb-ft of torque.

A charge will take from 6 to 8 hours and can be done (primarily) two different ways: either with a Wall Box that you connect to your home's outlet, or by optional EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Renault recommends going with the wall box for the sake of convenience. Also possible, should an infrastructure appear sometime soon, is what the company calls a "Fast Charge"; this gives the car a 37-mile emergency run after only ten minutes of charging.

Israelis and Danes may also have the opportunity for Quickdrop batteries, meaning there will be stations that will change out your used-up battery in a matter of minutes.

By Phil Alex

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Renault Clio Gordini 200 Priced at £19,650, Limited to 500 Examples in Britain

The new Clio Gordini RS 200 Gordini is available to order now in the UK with pricing set at £19,650, or £1,940 more than the standard RS 200. Production will be limited to 500 examples for Britain with first deliveries expected in July.

Instead of thoroughly re-engineering the Gordini-badged model, the French company has simply tweaked the Renaultsport Clio's appearance. Aside from the twin white racing stripes on the bonnet, roof and tailgate, the Gordini treatment includes glossy black bumper parts, white mirrors and unique 17-inch alloy wheels with a polished face and black inner rim.

Buyers can choose from two exterior colors, Pearl Black with white Gordini stripes or Glacier white with anthracite Gordini stripes and anthracite for the door mirrors and front blade.

Inside the Clio RS gets dark grey leather seats with blue details and Gordini-embossed logos, while blue detailing is also found the gearlever gaiter and Gordini-badged gearknob. The steering wheel is finished in blue and dark grey leather with two white stripes.

The white rev counter, black gloss finish to the centre console, fascia inserts and air vent surrounds and a plate that shows the build number complete the cosmetic upgrades.

The Gordini Clio RS' standard features include climate control, radio-CD with Bluetooth hands free system with fingertip remote control and multifunctional TunePoint with USB connection, and double optic headlamps with additional cornering lights.

As we pointed out before, there are no mechanical changes with power coming from the same rev-happy 2.0-liter four-pot with 200 ponies.

Renault Clio Gordini RS 200HP Storms into Geneva Show

Following last year's presentation of the Twingo Gordini 133, Renault shook the covers off it latest Gordini-badged-painted product at the 2010 Geneva Salon, this time based on the RenaultSport Clio.

To the disappointment of Gordini fans, the treatment is essentially a styling package. On the outside, the Clio Gordini RS features a Malta Blue bodywork embellished by two hallmark white stripes, black 17-inch alloys, gloss black highlights on the front bumper and rear diffuser plus mirror housings and F1-style front bib finished in white.

Inside, the Gordini spirit translates to sport seats and steering wheel trimmed in black and blue leather, gearlever with blue gaiter and metallic, a Gordini-branded gear knob, rev-counter dial with white background, decorative stitching for the upper dashboard, specific floor mats and numbered plaque on the gear-lever console.

There are no changes under the bonnet, meaning the the Gordini-badged model is powered by the same rev-hungry 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 200 horsepower and 215Nm of torque as the standard Clio RS.

The Clio Gordini RS will hit European showrooms in June 2010.