Test drive by Renault Clio 5 doors 2001 - 2006 hatchback

Family friend

Renault Clio Symbol, presented in our country at the last Moscow Motorshow, is already well known in Turkey. We went there to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the family sedan.
 
For almost a year, Clio Symbol has been released by the Turkish branch of the Renault concern, in the city of Bursa. Along the way, the test wanted to see the conditions under what the cars arriving towards us are made, to make sure or get to be in Turkish quality.
 
By the way, in the strategic plans of the French, the organization of the production of Clio Symbol in Moscow. The first stage of the embodiment of this plan - in -depth assembly of cars from Turkish semi -finished products - should begin in November.
 
We will not say that the appearance of the compact sedan caused us delight. Perhaps the Clio II hatchback, who flooded the half-Europe (Symbol is made on its base), looks more attractive. However, Symbol is endowed with the charm of a kind of good -natured being, which is more important for a practical family sedan more important than sophistication.
 
The design of the car is largely functional. It helps to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the body and ergonomics of the salon. The front wings are made of polymer, and headlights are made of light and durable polycarbonate, which provides effective protection against weak strokes and weight loss.
 
Inside, Symbol shows friendliness for each of his five guests. Such cozy nests, like in this car, are rare. True, the salon space of the machine, as in that joke, is shared honestly, and not equally. Therefore, sitting in the second row, you have to put up with relative proximity to the knees of the back of the front chair (although, compared with the first generation Clio, this distance increased by 17 mm) and the ceiling overhanging above the crown. However, tell me which of the compact cars does not suffer to one degree or another with this ailment!
 
Despite simplicity, the Clio Symbol salon has a bright personality.
 
For Renault Clio Symbol, three configuration options are provided. The initial Rn 1.4 is moderately modest. It includes a driver's eirbeg, five seat belts, a power steering, an anti -theft electronic engine lock and a steel bottom of the bottom.
 
The intermediate version of RTE 1.4, in addition, is equipped with air conditioning, a tachometer, a central lock, front electric windows and a radio with a duplicate remote control on the steering column.
 
Elite Symbol 1.4 16V is even more solved: heated rear -view mirrors with electric drive, height -adjustable steering column and driver's seat, alloy wheels, etc.
 
Unlike the purely European Clio hatchback, Symbol was developed taking into account the specifics of our and some other markets. The volume of modest trunk -looking trunk is as much as 510 liters.
 
On the Renault Clio Symbol, two engines of the K. series are installed both with a volume of 1.4 liters, both are injured. One of them (75 hp) has eight valves, and the other (95 hp), completely new, with two upper camshafts, is sixteen. At the same time, a more powerful machine consumes fuel slightly less.
 
Clio Symbol with an eight -clad that provides 114 Nm of the maximum torque is surprisingly easy to climb. The tolerance, which he shows for free treatment of adhesion and gas pedals, will cause respect among the sophisticated drivers and sympathy among beginners. Uniform, without splays in temperament, acceleration of the machine gives the impression of slowness. But this is not so. A speed set up to 100 km/h is laid in a rather decent value - 12.5 s. The maximum speed is 170 km/h.
 
A more powerful Symbol 1.4 16V generally copies the behavior of a relative, but absorbs the space a little more intensively. 11.2 s takes up to hundreds. The maximum speed is 16 km/h.
 
The elasticity of both motors is complemented by stretched gear of a five -stage hand box. Switching occur easily and gently.
 
In terms of coverage, many Turkish roads are comparable to ours, so we are quite consciously declared - the suspension of Clio Symbol is reliable. Swallowing irregularities, it allows you to go quickly, without looking at her feet.
 
Symbol is based on McPherson in front. The rear suspension goes beyond the traditional concepts of Renault. Here, a N-shaped transverse beam is used, connecting longitudinal levers. The new suspension extinguishes vibrations much more effectively due to vertically located shock absorbers and screw springs with variable elasticity.
 
Cherishly overcome significant potholes allows increased (20 mm in front and 10 mm from behind) road clearance - valuable refinement for Russian operating conditions. At the same time, the machine is devoid of unpleasant folly in corners. No wonder two stabilizers were used in the suspension.
 
The car is not bad: there is enough reactivity on the steering wheel, and the effort is in moderation. Only now zero is slightly smeared - at speed, the car has to be instantly instructed on the true path. But to maneuver on Clio Symbol in the crowd is easier than the lung.
 
Symbol brakes turned out to be very cute. Even in a simple configuration - without the help of ABS - they neutralize progressive movement with reasonable efficiency. And most importantly, they provide maximum information on the pedals.
 
Creating Symbol, the designers declared a real war to vibrations and noise. The offensive was carried out in all directions - from the engine (gas distribution, combustion of fuel, etc.) and suspension (rubber -metal hinges with porous insert and springs) to the gearbox with the teeth of gears. The car is very quiet - both at idle and at speed.
 
A close acquaintance with Clio Symbol was pleasant. The car convinced that it was quite suitable for the role of a family friend. And not only Turkish, which is ill for most of the year, but also the Russian one with its eternal confrontation of a wet, cold climate.
 
This is understandable, because the car passed long -term tests in Russia -for 70 thousand km, it was exposed to low (up to -30) temperatures, aggression of the sand -salt road mixture and other misfortunes.
 
Renault Clio Symbol from $ 8500 in the database to $ 11500 per option with a 16-valve engine. Intermediate equipment was estimated at $ 9900. Not so expensive for a modern and high -quality car. As for the thoroughness of manufacture, then, having traced the factory chain from and to, we were convinced: Renault - it is in Turkey Renault.
 
The plant in Bursa is no different from any European enterprise. The same advanced technology, robotization, multi -stage control. It is curious that the side with Clio Symbol in Turkey is made by Renault Megane Break for export to all countries of the world.
 
Will the Russian consumer have a new Symbol? Wait and see. And in Turkey, this car is exciting demand.
 
Technical characteristics RN 1.4 // RTE 1.4 16V
 
Equipped mass, kg - 940 // 950
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm - 4150/1639/1415
Base, mm - 2471
Maximum speed, km/h - 170 // 186
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s - 12.5 // 11.2
Control consumption of fuel, l/100 km (mixed cycle) - 7.1 // 7
Engine:
-type-4-cylinder., Row., 8-valve // \u200b\u200b4-cylinder., Row., 16-valve
- working volume, cm3 - 1390
- Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 75/5500 // 98/6000
- torque, NM at min -1 - 114/4250 // 127/3750
- power system - multi -point injection
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed, front -wheel drive
Tire size - 175/70R13 // 175/65R14
Wheel suspension:
- Front - such as Mcpherson, with stabil. Cross. mouth.
- Rear - springs., with piercing. N-shaped beam and stable. Cross. mouth.
Brakes: with ABS
- front - disk // disk, ventil.
- rear - drum
Price, $ - 8500 // 11500
 
Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [10/2000]