Clio gets Extreme measures

Renault has launched a pair of special-edition Clio superminis ahead of the all-new model arriving in 2005

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Renault has launched a pair of special-edition Clio superminis ahead of the all-new model arriving in 2005.

The Extreme 4 is based on a Dynamique-trimmed car and is designed to reflect the sporty look of the Clio 182, with body-coloured bumpers, blue-grey upholstery and brushed aluminium instrument surrounds in the cabin.

At £8795 for a three-door 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol, the Extreme 4 costs £505 less than a Dynamique but has no CD player as standard. This now costs an additional £100.

The Extreme 4 is available only as a three-door hatchback and buyers can choose from three petrol and three diesel engines.

The Rush special edition Clio is based on the entry level Authentique but costs up to £220 more at £7995 for the 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol or £8995 for the 65bhp 1.5-litre diesel version. Five-door hatchbacks are on offer for the usual £600 premium.

Additional features include a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and three rear head restraints. A new light-grey interior colour is also used.

Whatcar.com editor James Harding said: ‘Don’t listen to dealers who tell you they can’t knock any money off a special edition. We reckon you should be able to get at least £1200 off the price of these Clios, maybe more.

‘Also be aware that the arrival of the new model next year will put a dent in your car’s residual value, so haggle hard.’

Renault will launch an all-new three- and five-door Clio supermini next summer. It is included in the What Car? Star Cars supplement, which comes free with the February issue of the magazine, on sale from December 29, and lists more than 120 new cars arriving next year.