Clio Campus enrols

IN an effort to inject some enthusiasm into its ageing Clio range, Renault Australia has streamlined the existing line-up to just one model – the Clio Campus.

As the model runs out in the lead up to the arrival of the Clio III range early next year, likely to kick off with the Clio RS, the high-performance Clio Sport 182 and Sport 182 Cup have quietly withdrawn and 1.6-litre variants have also disappeared.

Available in either five-speed manual of four-speed automatic, the Campus adds new trim, wheels and foglights.

The Campus is powered by a 72kW 1.4-litre engine that achieves 6.7L/100km in manual guise.

The Campus is priced from $18,990 for the five-speed manual. The four-speed "Pro-active" automatic is $2500.



The Campus is based on the previous Authentique model, with standard kit including air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, electric mirrors and a six-speaker single in-dash CD player with steering column mounted audio controls.

As well the Campus adds 15-inch alloys, foglights, new trim and a trip computer on the automatic.

The car also has a strong passive and active safety package that consists of ABS with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist, as well as dual front and side airbags.

"Clio Campus is a well-equipped, safe and economical car which ticks all the boxes for customers in the light vehicle segment," according to Renault Australia managing director, Rudi Koenig.

So far this year Renault has sold just 142 Clios, with sales off 43 per cent compared to last year.

The company has repositioned other Renault models and expects the arrival of the Clio III to inject renewed vigour into the brand and the segment.