Last month Renault Ireland launched a scrappage scheme for the Irish market. Motorists can cash in on a €1,500 bounty which is redeemable on the purchase of any new Renault car and/or light commercial vehicle, when you scrap your car with any of their dealerships. It says that the scheme is for motor vehicles of all makes and models that are over eight years old. The offer comes in addition to a trade-in allowance.
Renault says that it has successfully implemented similar schemes in other European countries with both consumers and the local car industry benefitting from the scheme. Renault Ireland says that while the Irish Government stalls on introducing a much needed scrappage scheme, Renault and its Network have seized the initiative to meet the needs of Irish motorists.
Commenting on the announcement, Eric Basset, managing director, Renault Ireland, said, “The Irish car industry is struggling in the current economic climate due to diminished consumer purchase power and the lack of available credit. We have successfully run similar schemes in other European countries and Renault and its Network are delighted to be spearheading a scrappage scheme for Irish motorists.”
He told us that they have full details of their scrappage scheme on www.irishscrappage.ie
New Renault Clio
The introduction of the latest Clio opens a new chapter in a long-running global success story that began almost 20 years ago with the launch of the first Renault Clio. Since then, almost 10 million have been sold worldwide. Renault says that this is a testament to its ability to constantly refine the supermini concept and successfully develop engineering and design innovation that meets the changing needs and priorities of its customers.
For 2009, both the three- and five-door hatchbacks gained fresh styling, and revised equipment and powertrain specifications.
The new Clio displays a new exterior design that takes its cues directly from new Mégane, giving the car a powerful presence and strong, contemporary visual identity. Inside, the emphasis has been on improving comfort and the all-round finish quality. Everyone on board has generous head, shoulder and knee-room, there is ample luggage and cabin storage space and the introduction of new upholstery designs and trims raises the interior ambience.
A more extensive range structure helps the new Clio respond to the needs of an even wider range of customers, both in terms of price and equipment specification. A wide range of options and option packs are also offered for further personalisation according to individual taste.
These include the new Carminat TomTom navigation system that Renault successfully debuted in 2009 as a new option. Available across the entire range, it is the first affordable integrated system in the supermini segment, offering the advantages of high functionality, robust performance and durability at a price that competes with the portable navigation system market.
The choice of powertrains has been revised, too, with an even larger proportion achieving the environmental standards in manufacturing, performance and recyclability denoted by Renault’s eco2 signature. The line-up includes the established 1.2 16V Ethanol and 1.2 16V Quickshift and the highly efficient 1.5 dCi 86 diesel.
Renault says that the new Clio features the same acclaimed qualities that enabled its predecessor to secure benchmark status in its class. Its comfort, handling, powertrain range, safety credentials and adoption of equipment features worthy of larger cars from the next segment up, make for a versatile package that can sustain Clio’s success. Its extremely rigorous build quality makes it one of the most reliable cars in its class.
The entry level 1.2 litre Royal Eco 3-door Clio (139 C02 g/km ) has a recommended retail price of just €13,990, with five-door version with a RRP of €14,690.
