17 January 2009
Reinforcing its commitment to offer Saudi residents a wider product range choice, Renault GCC is proud to introduce the all New Renault Symbol which represents the evolution of the successful Clio - popularly known as Clio Classic.

In addition to its status-enhancing modern exterior styling and fresh, refined interior, the New Renault Symbol boasts of higher levels of comfort and safety. It benefits from the same suspension as the Clio II which is acclaimed for the quality of the balance it strikes between comfort, road-holding and the quiet ride it delivers.

"New Renault Symbol marks our fourth launch for 2008 after the Clio F1 team R27, Renault Sport 197 and the recent Renault Safrane launch," said Mohamed Bennani, Managing Director of Renault GCC. "It is an economical yet stylish and spacious sedan with competitive pricing accompanied with an unrivaled service package."

The car features the latest-generation engines that power all Renault's entry level models (Twingo, Clio and Modus), providing best level fuel consumption and performance. Renault's engineers paid especially close attention to New Renault Symbol's aerodynamics (CdA = 0.691) to keep weight to a minimum.

New Renault Symbol is powered by a 1.4 16V petrol engine with four-speed automatic transmission. The maximum power output of this 1,390cc engine is 72kW (98hp) at 6,000rpm to ensure genuine driving pleasure. Peak torque is 127Nm (12.9mkg), 90 per cent of which is available between 2,000 and 5,750rpm.

Priced from USD8,700 onwards, the new Renault Symbol is available at Zahid Tractor showrooms in Saudi Arabia.

New Renault Symbol sets new standards when it comes to traveling comfort. Passengers will also appreciate the quiet drive ensured by the carefully soundproofed cabin, while thermal comfort has been engineered to function in a wide range of extreme climates.

On the active and passive safety fronts, the car boasts advanced safety features rarely seen in its segment. New Renault Symbol can be delivered with ABS, driver and front passenger airbags while rear passengers benefit from three height-adjustable headrests

Last but not least, the new Clio maintains its predecessor's class-topping boot capacity of 506 litres, while its fold-down rear benchseat facilitates for bulky loads. Renault Symbol also benefits from the introduction of new metallic tints including Olive Grey and Blue Grey.

The Clio Classic: a success since 1999:

Clio three-box has been a considerable success since its launch, with sales of more than 500,000 cars to date. It is currently available in 64 countries, including Eastern Europe, Latin America and North Africa, while its flagship markets are Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia and Tunisia.

The launch of New Clio three-box comes after a development period of 24 months. Some 16 million euros were spent on manufacturing-related investment at its various production sites.

In 2005, 75,800 Clio three-boxes were manufactured in Bursa, Turkey, the model's main production site. Almost a third of these cars were exported. The Bursa factory, which employs a staff of 5,000, also produces the four-door Mégane saloon, as well as New Clio since January 2006. Turkey, which accounted for 44.4 per cent of Clio three-box sales in the first half of 2006, continues to stand out as the model's leading market.

In central Europe, 12,850 Clio three-boxes were sold in 2005. Despite the arrival of Logan, Clio three-box claimed a market share of 3.75 per cent in these markets. Renault intends to build on these results to maintain or increase Clio three-box's market share in the different countries where it is sold.

For further information, please visit www.media.renault.com or www.renault.ae

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: NEW RENAULT SYMBOL

Engine

1.4 16V

Transmission

4-speed automatic

Engine

Cubic Capacity (cc)

1390

Bore x Stroke (mm)

79.5 x 70

Number of Cylinders/ Valves

4/16

Compression ratio

9:7

Maximum Power kW EEC (hp DIN) at (rpm)

72 (98) at 6,000

Maximum torque Nm EEC (mkg DIN) at (rpm)

127 at 3,750

Fuel injection type

Sequential multi-point

Suspension

Front

MacPherson Type

Rear

Programmed deflection flexible bean

Performance

Top Speed (kph)

180

0-100 kph (s)

11.5

Fuel Consumption

Urban Cycle

Extra Urban Cycle

Mixed Cycle

10,0

5,8

7

Weight

Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

1,525

Gross train weight (GTW)

2,375


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Ends-

Press contact:
Wael Abdel Samad                                        
Polaris Public Relations                                     
KSA                                                    
Tel: 4640051                                         
Fax: 4640051                                       
w.asamad@polaris-me.com                               

Npheng Yang
Product and Communications Manager
Renault GCC
Tel: +9714- 80 32523
Fax: +9714-8813252
npheng.yang-renexter@renault.com

© Press Release 2009