Renault Clio gets New 2.0-Litre Petrol Engine

Press Release

With punch and torque available from low engine speeds, sprightly performance at higher revs and cushioned acoustics across the full rev band, the new 2.0-litre petrol engine (M4R) delivers outstanding driving pleasure. This new 16-valve 2.0-litre 101.5kW (140hp) petrol powerplant is now available under the bonnet of Clio coupled with a choice of two types of transmission: the new-generation four-speed Proactive automatic transmission (DP0+) and the six-speed manual gearbox (TL4). This smooth yet dynamic powerplant brings out the best in the grand tourer qualities of Clio which, equipped with this engine, stands out as the B-segment benchmark in terms of driving pleasure and acoustic performance. Like the manual gearbox, this engine is developed jointly by Renault and Nissan within the framework of the Alliance.

The essence of pleasure

By offering plenty of torque and power from very low revs and sprightly performance at high engine speeds, the 2.0 16V engine delivers a level of driving pleasure more readily associated with bigger engines. It produces 101.5kW (140hp) at 6,000rpm and torque of 194Nm at 4,000rpm. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the consistent availability of torque across the full rev-band. With 85 per cent of maximum torque available from as low as 2,000rpm, re­acceleration response is immediate even from very low engine speeds. Meanwhile, thanks to its lightened conrods, pistons and valves, it also comes into its own at high revs, offering genuine punch from 4,000rpm all the way up to the maximum limit of 6,400rpm.

Two other strengths of this new engine are its silk-smooth operation and responsive performance across the full useful rev band. The quality of the combustion process also ensures a remarkably consistent feel at all engine speeds. In addition to favouring punch at all

Reductions in friction have been achieved by accelerating the rise in the engine's working temperature thanks to the Spilt Cooling engine cooling system which restricts the flow of water within the cylinder block when cold and all the way up to 95°C. This system favours a rapid rise in the temperature of the oil and cylinder linings with a view to minimizing losses due to friction. The combination of the machining of the engine block with the montage of a dummy cylinder head for optimal cylinder geometry and mirror-finish polishing of moving parts (camshaft bearings, crank pins and crankshaft journals) also contributes to this engine's high efficiency.

The choice of chain-driven timing is a further illustration of the high quality of this engine and is aimed at providing lifetime reliability and durability and consequently lower servicing costs.

Top class acoustic comfort

The high quality acoustic performance of this powerplant is enhanced by the employment of two balancer shafts. The vibrations associated with four-cylinder engines are cancelled out by the rotation of these balancer shafts in the opposite direction, a technique that eradicates the phenomenon of boom at all engine speeds. The cylinder block, sump casing and auxiliary mounting have all been designed not only to ensure outstanding transverse rigidity but also to eliminate the transmission of vibrations. The conception of the timing chain and its auto­tensioning system based on two generously dimensioned shoes also contribute to the new engine's silent ride.

On versions coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox (TL4), the 2.0-litre engine features a twin mass damping flywheel which filters out acyclic movements and eliminates the transmission of vibrations to the gears for additional acoustic comfort.

With either manual or automatic transmission, Clio 2.0 16V delivers
genuine driving pleasure whatever the type of journey

As the segment benchmark in terms of dynamic performance thanks to the balance it strikes between comfort and handling, Clio features a new front suspension development aimed at enabling the new engine's potential to be exploited to the full. Specific stub axles allow the 280mm diameter, 24mm thick vented front brake discs (compared with 260mm and 22mm in the case of other engines) to be housed inside the 6.5-inch rims (5.5- or 6-inch rims for the rest of the range). Clio 2.0 16V comes exclusively with 16-inch wheels and 195/90 tyres.

In parallel to the introduction of this new engine, Clio's electric power steering comes with a new control unit and more advanced software. The calibration of the power assistance settings themselves ensures:

• a more sensitive and natural feel when starting to turn and less force required to move from the straight-ahead position,
• a more linear and more informative increase in effort when turning in, and enhanced stability while actually cornering,
• a firmer indication that the steering wheel has returned to the straight-ahead position.

The combination of the new engine and the associated evolutions brings out the very best in Clio's grand tourer qualities, as well as a level of driving pleasure and acoustic performance worthy of the next segment up. The 2.0 16V engine is quite simply forgotten and emits a pleasant timbre when accelerating. It is also entirely vibration-free.

Clio 2.0 16V with automatic transmission: dynamic and comfortable

Clio is the only vehicle in its segment powered by a 2.0 16V engine to be coupled with automatic transmission. This association enables Clio to combine the dynamic performance of a 2-litre powerplant with the driving comfort ensured by the four-speed Proactive automatic transmission. The latest generation automatic flick-shift transmission (DP0+) also comes with steering wheel-mounted shift controls and features specific gearshift calibration aimed at enabling the strengths of the new 2.0-litre engine to be exploited to the full, both from low revs and also as a function of different driving styles. The gearshifts themselves are silky smooth. Equipped with this transmission, Clio 2.0 16V delivers remarkable dynamic performance, as illustrated by its acceleration from standstill to 100kph in just 9.1 seconds.

Clio 2.0 16V with the six-speed manual gearbox: dynamism and character

Clio 2.0 16V is also available with the six-speed manual gearbox (TL4). Performance has been enhanced thanks to the use of a short first gear and close ratio intermediate gears that favour re-acceleration. Drivers profit from this engine's inbuilt cushioned acoustics on long journeys too thanks to a longer 6^th gear which also contributes to fuel efficiency. Indeed, Clio 2.0 16V offers best-in-class combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.3 litres/100km.

Fruit of the Renault-Nissan Alliance

The 2.0 16V engine was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan within the framework of the Alliance, with development costs shared equally between the two companies. It is the first Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed petrol engine to power a Renault model. This 2.0 16V engine was developed jointly based on a common brief for the production of two variants adapted to the different types of use encountered in Europe and Asia/America. Combined with the TL4 six-speed manual gearbox- also co-developed by Renault and Nissan -the 2.0 16V engine (M4R) forms the first 100 per cent Alliance powertrain.

Extensive choice

Clio 2.0 16V is available in 3- and 5-door versions with the new Dynamique, Privilège and Initiale equipment levels. The Exception limited edition Clio also features the new 2.0-litre engine. All equipment levels are available with both types of transmission, namely the six-speed manual gearbox and the Proactive automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles.

Prices in France range from 16,450 to 21,500 euros while the limited edition Exception version starts at 17,150 euros.

Clio 2.0 16V 140 - technical characteristics

Clio 2.0 16V 140 - price list (French market)