Gilles Vidal, whom we met at the event held in Istanbul for the renewed Renault Clio, gave information about the future of the model.
Renault, which is indisputably one of the most successful models of Renault with its global sales of 16 million in the period from 1990 to the present, will continue to be on the road with the facelift version of its fifth generation this year. We had the chance to meet physically for the first time today as part of the summary event held in Istanbul with the new product range, which was first announced last April. The brand’s admirals did not neglect to attend this event for the make-up Clio, whose official sales were announced to begin in September. In this context; Global CEO Fabrice Cambolive, Vice President of Product Performance Bruno Vanel and Renault Vice President of Design Gilles Vidal came to Istanbul and evaluated the renewed Clio. Within the scope of the event, we had a pleasant conversation with Gilles Vidal, Vice President of Design, one of these important names that we had the chance to meet, about the future of the brand. Vidal, who gave clear answers to our questions, emphasized that the decision to continue in Clio was also taken.
Gilles Vidal gave important information about the future of Renault
After your successes at Peugeot, you took a whole new discipline and moved to Renault. In the short period of time spent here, we feel that the perspectives on each model from the top to the bottom have changed. Let’s start our questions first with Clio. What does the make-up version mean to you?
Yes, as you mentioned, we are combining a familiar job with another discipline. The Clio is one of the iconic models for Renault. We couldn’t pass without considering this during the renovation process. The new faceplate, which is most heavily felt within the make-up operation, is used for the first time in a Renault car with its lighting group design. Together with the front bumpers, these dynamics reflect our motorsports department. While this is also an accessible model, it clearly demonstrates the value we place on the Clio and our desire to elevate it. In addition to the design, we will be faced with a technologically different car.
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You stated that the front face used in the Clio is a first in the Renault family. Does this mean that the new design approach used will reflect on other models such as the Rafale that will be introduced in the upcoming period?
Some of the points we use in Clio are definitely a first. However, this does not mean that we will transfer directly to our new models. We want this first in Clio to be located in a unique spot. Although there are certain inspirations, our new models will also have characters on their own details.
You also mentioned how the Clio is a car that identifies with Renault. In the new period, we see that many important models say goodbye to the roads in parallel with their electric product ranges. There is a Renault that is preparing to launch the retro R5 on the roads recently. How will the addition of this car to the product line affect the future of the Clio? Saying goodbye to Clio?
In fact, we look at the R5 project you mentioned at this stage as a completely different lane. As you know, it will be an electric-only model. We want to protect the internal combustion engine in our product range as efficiently as it goes. In line with this philosophy, we will continue to see Clio’s name and himself in our family. Clio will differentiate itself in the upcoming period as it can be preferred with hybrid and gasoline engine options. In other words, we can say that we will continue to see this name in the new period.
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While our topic is about the return of R5, we can’t help but talk about it. Renault has taken an unexpected path with its move to bring its classic cars to life by keeping its retro design character exactly. As a matter of fact, it will be followed by a classic member that offers SUV qualities with the R4. What level are you at in these projects?
The R5 and R4 will be the models that set us apart in the automotive world. We are aware that we have taken a radical step and our expectations are quite high. We are working on bringing the R5 you see in concept form into mass production, almost intact, and we have mentioned this before. This model will reach the end user with minor changes. At the moment, I can say that we have almost completed the samples that will reach the end user. This year, we will be sharing the version ready for mass production with you and the whole world.
So, do you have any preparations for more classic car models that will continue this philosophy?
I think it’s too early to talk about that. Undoubtedly demand will also be a factor, but I think the R5 and R4 examples are more than reasonable and sufficient at the moment. In fact, even these two models can be considered too much for many people. For this reason, we can say that such a thing will not happen in the near term for now.
Supply and production messages from Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive
Another important name we had the chance to chat with within the scope of the organization was CEO Fabrice Cambolive. Emphasizing that Turkey is a very important market for them, Cambolive said; “The world’s best-selling French car has always been a successful model. As one of the results of our successful cooperation with OYAK, Turkey is the second largest market for Clio. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the management of OYAK. The new Clio exudes a modern character, with a new and impressive façade and a sportier Esprit Alpine equipment option. The leading model of its segment, Clio, produced in Bursa OYAK Renault factories, will gain even more appreciation from Turkish users with its renewed design and hardware features.He emphasized that the expectations on the make-up version are also high.
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Emphasizing that the availability and supply problems have improved relatively gradually, Renault management stated that they are targeting a production of 300 thousand units for Clio this year. Explaining that the Clio will have only 90 hp gasoline turbo engine and SCe 65 hp atmospheric engine options at the first stage, the brand left the door open for the hybrid version, on which the 1.6-liter gasoline engine is the basis. The first route for this version, where we can talk about the possibilities in 2024, will again be Europe.