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| Renault Samsung's Clio super-mini vehicle. / Courtesy of Renault Samsung |
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Renault Samsung, French giant carmaker Renault's local affiliate in Korea, is seeking another leap this year with its new lineup after selling 257,345 cars last year. It was the automaker's second-largest sales performance in six years. Renault Samsung sold 271,479 cars in Korea in 2010.
A Renault Samsung official said the carmaker will continue its momentum by introducing two new models in Korea this year ― the battery-powered two-seat Twizy electric vehicle (EV) and the Renault Group's most popular Clio super-mini vehicle.
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| Renault Samsung's Twizy electric vehicle. / Courtesy of Renault Samsung |
The Twizy EV
Renault introduced the Twizy EV, an ultra-compact four-wheel EV, targeting the next generation environment-friendly, fuel-efficient city vehicle in Europe in 2012.
With its sizeable truck space of maximum 180 liters and optimized features for car sharing, the Twizy EV has sold a total of 18,000 cars in Europe since its introduction in 2012.
The model has been widely used for short-distance deliveries because of its large trunk space, but the official said it has also been very popular among young motorists in Europe for the model's characteristic design with various colors and patterns.
"I believe the Twizy EV will greatly impact Korea's auto industry," he said.
"The fatality rate of motorcycle accidents is twice as high as automobile accidents. The Twizy EV will replace a great number of motorcycles on the streets as a safe, efficient and eco-friendly alternative means of transportation."
In May 2015, Renault Samsung, the multinational carmaker's local unit in Korea, held a publicity event with Genesis BBQ Group, Korea's largest fried chicken franchise, which said it would use the car for its deliveries, but the plan fell through since the government did not have safety or operational standards for vehicles like the Twizy EV, which is much smaller than conventional compact sedans.
However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced in August 2015 that it would come out with new guidelines and revise the Automobile Management Act accordingly, and the official said the Twizy EV is expected to be sold in Korea early this year.
The Twizy EV's frame and body provide extra protection for passengers with its deformable structure, while the outboard position of the four wheels and the lateral beams located on either side of the chassis provide protection in case of a side impact. Like conventional sedans, it also features a driver's airbag, a four-point safety belt at the front and a three-point belt in the rear.
It has a certified drive range of 100 kilometers when fully charged. It also can travel a maximum of 80 kilometers per hour.
The Twizy EV's integrated charger is compatible not only with roadside battery charging facilities but also the standard 220V 10A household electrical supply.
The Clio super-mini vehicle
The Clio super-mini vehicle was introduced in 1990, and has spearheaded Renault's most important commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch.
The model's excellence in quality was proven by winning the European Car of the Year twice in 1991 and 2006. Except for Clio, only the Volkswagen Golf hatchback has won the award twice.
The fourth-generation Clio was introduced at the Paris International Motor Show in October 2012. The model was first available in the hatchback body style and started to be sold in a wagon body beginning in early 2013.
A notable difference from the previous generation is its wheelbase, which has been significantly extended and is now close to that of a compact car.
The fourth-generation Clio comes with three different engine options ― an 1.2-liter 16 valve straight-4 engine with a maximum power output of 75 horsepower, a turbocharged 0.9-liter 12 valve straight-3 engine with a maximum 90 horsepower and a 1.2 liter turbocharged engine which pumps out 120 horsepower.
Separate from the three gasoline options above, the model's diesel range has two versions of the 1.5 dCi straight-4 engine ― one with a maximum of 75 horsepower and the other with 90 horsepower.
The Renault Samsung official did not specify when the 2017 Clio will be introduced in Korea, but hinted the model would bring about an upheaval in the nation's hatchback market with the absence of the Volkswagen Golf.
Last year, the government suspended sales of 80 Volkswagen models, including the Golf hatchback and Jetta sedan, after finding the German carmaker rigged emissions data.
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