Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) 1.5 Energy dCi (90 Hp) start&stop

Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) 1.5 Energy dCi (90 Hp) start&stop

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) 1.5 Energy dCi (90 Hp) start&stop represents a significant offering in the European compact segment, specifically targeting families and individuals seeking enhanced practicality and fuel efficiency within a stylish package. Launched in 2013 and produced until 2016, this generation of the Clio Grandtour, known as an “estate” in European markets and a “station wagon” in American English, built upon the success of the popular Clio hatchback. While the Clio nameplate has a long and storied history in Europe, this particular Grandtour variant was never officially sold in the United States. Its primary role was to provide a more spacious and versatile alternative to the standard Clio hatchback, competing in a fiercely contested segment dominated by other European manufacturers. The “Phase I” designation indicates it is the initial release of the fourth-generation Grandtour, before any mid-cycle refreshes. The 1.5 Energy dCi engine, renowned for its efficiency, coupled with a start&stop system, underscored Renault’s commitment to delivering economical and environmentally conscious vehicles.

Engine & Performance of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour

At the heart of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) 1.5 Energy dCi (90 Hp) start&stop lies a robust and highly efficient 1.5-liter (1461 cm³ or 89.16 cu. in.) K9K 628 inline-four diesel engine. This powertrain, a staple in Renault’s compact and subcompact offerings for many years, is celebrated for its impressive balance of power, torque, and outstanding fuel economy. The engine is configured with two valves per cylinder and employs a sophisticated Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system, ensuring precise fuel delivery and optimal combustion.

Further enhancing its performance and efficiency, the engine is equipped with a turbocharger and an intercooler. The turbocharger significantly boosts air intake, allowing for greater power output from a relatively small displacement, while the intercooler cools the compressed air, increasing its density and further improving combustion efficiency. This setup enables the engine to produce a respectable 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm. More critically for a diesel engine, it delivers a substantial 220 Newton-meters (approximately 162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at a low 1750 rpm. This ample low-end torque is crucial for effortless acceleration, particularly when the vehicle is loaded with passengers or cargo, and contributes to a relaxed driving experience in urban environments and on highways.

Power is delivered to the front wheels via a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, a common choice for its direct engagement and efficiency in this segment. The vehicle’s performance figures reflect its practical orientation rather than outright sportiness. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 11 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds) and reaches a maximum speed of 110.6 mph (178 km/h). These numbers demonstrate adequate performance for daily commuting and long-distance travel within European speed limits.

A key feature of this powertrain is the integrated Start&Stop system. This technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill, such as at traffic lights or in congested traffic, and instantly restarts it when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. This system plays a vital role in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in urban driving conditions. The fuel economy figures are impressive: 4 liters per 100 km (58.8 US mpg) in urban driving, 3.2 liters per 100 km (73.5 US mpg) on extra-urban routes, and a combined average of 3.4 liters per 100 km (69.2 US mpg). With CO2 emissions of just 90 g/km, the Clio IV Grandtour 1.5 Energy dCi was positioned as an environmentally friendly choice within its class.

Design & Features: The Practicality of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) adopted the striking design language introduced with the fourth-generation Clio hatchback, penned under the direction of Laurens van den Acker. This design philosophy brought a more emotional and dynamic aesthetic to Renault’s lineup, moving away from the more conservative styling of previous generations. The Grandtour variant, specifically a 5-door station wagon (or estate), extended this design ethos to offer enhanced utility without sacrificing visual appeal.

Measuring 167.99 inches (4267 mm) in length, 68.19 inches (1732 mm) in width, and 56.89 inches (1445 mm) in height, the Clio Grandtour struck a balance between compact maneuverability and spaciousness. Its wheelbase of 101.93 inches (2589 mm) contributed to a stable ride and adequate interior room for five occupants across its five seats. The exterior design featured prominent Renault badging, swept-back headlights, and a sculpted body that gave it a more athletic stance than many of its competitors. The transition from the hatchback’s rear to the Grandtour’s extended cargo area was seamlessly integrated, creating a cohesive and attractive profile.

Inside, the Clio Grandtour offered a cabin designed for practicality and comfort. While specific interior features like infotainment systems would vary by trim level, the general layout focused on ergonomics and user-friendliness. The primary draw of the Grandtour body style was its cargo capacity. With the rear seats in place, it boasted a generous 15.64 cubic feet (443 liters) of trunk space, significantly more than the hatchback. Folding down the rear seats expanded this volume to an impressive 48.73 cubic feet (1380 liters), making it highly versatile for carrying luggage, groceries, or larger items. This made it an ideal choice for small families or individuals with active lifestyles requiring extra hauling capability.

From a safety and driving dynamics perspective, the Clio IV Grandtour was equipped with essential modern features. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, providing critical assistance during emergency braking maneuvers. The steering system utilized a rack and pinion setup with electric power steering, offering light and precise control, particularly beneficial for urban driving and parking. The front-wheel-drive architecture, combined with a kerb weight of 2500.04 lbs (1134 kg), contributed to predictable handling and stable road manners. The vehicle rode on either 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 tires, depending on the wheel size, providing a good balance of comfort and grip. A relatively tight minimum turning circle of 34.78 feet (10.6 meters) further enhanced its maneuverability in confined spaces. The fuel tank capacity of 11.89 US gallons (45 liters), combined with its excellent fuel economy, ensured a long driving range between fill-ups.

Technical Specifications

Legacy & Market Impact of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase I) 1.5 Energy dCi (90 Hp) start&stop carved out a significant niche for itself in the highly competitive European B-segment (subcompact) market. Its legacy is primarily defined by its blend of practical utility, stylish design, and exceptional fuel economy, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of consumers. As a model not offered in the North American market, its impact was localized but profound within its target regions.

In Europe, the compact station wagon segment, while perhaps not as dominant as SUVs today, still held considerable importance for families and businesses that valued space and versatility over a higher ride height. The Clio Grandtour directly competed with established rivals such as the Skoda Fabia Combi, SEAT Ibiza ST, and the Volkswagen Polo Variant, as well as the Peugeot 208 SW. Against these competitors, the Clio Grandtour stood out with its more expressive design, which was generally perceived as more dynamic and less utilitarian than some of its German and Czech counterparts. Its strong emphasis on fuel efficiency, particularly with the dCi diesel engine and start&stop technology, gave it a distinct advantage in markets where diesel power was still highly favored for its low running costs and long-distance cruising capability.

The 1.5 Energy dCi engine, in particular, solidified Renault’s reputation for producing reliable and economical diesel powertrains. This engine variant was a workhorse across many Renault and Nissan models, proving its robustness and efficiency over millions of miles. For the Clio Grandtour, it meant a vehicle that was not only affordable to purchase but also inexpensive to run, with low fuel bills and reduced road tax in many European countries due to its low CO2 emissions. This economic appeal was a major factor in its market success.

Beyond its mechanical merits, the Clio IV Grandtour contributed to Renault’s broader strategy of injecting more emotional appeal into its mass-market vehicles. Its design, departing from the more conservative lines of its predecessors, helped to revitalize the Clio brand image and made the station wagon body style feel less like a purely functional extension and more like an integrated, desirable package. This approach resonated with younger families who wanted practicality but weren’t willing to compromise on style.

The Clio IV Grandtour’s historical significance lies in its demonstration that a compact car could offer genuine versatility and efficiency without being dull. It showcased Renault’s ability to innovate in powertrain technology (with the Energy dCi and Start&Stop) and design, keeping the brand competitive in a segment increasingly under pressure from crossovers. While the popularity of traditional station wagons in the compact class has waned somewhat in favor of SUVs, the Clio Grandtour of this era remains a testament to a period when manufacturers meticulously optimized traditional body styles for maximum utility and efficiency. Its blend of a decent driving experience, ample cargo space, and remarkable fuel economy solidified its place as a practical and well-regarded option for European consumers during its production run, and it continues to be a popular used car choice in its primary markets.