Renault has officially announced the new three-box Symbol sedan, as previewed by just-auto a week ago.
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The automaker said both petrol- and diesel-powered versions of this new vehicle can claim best in class fuel consumption, returning a low 4.3 litres/100km (CO2 emissions of 116g/km) with the 1.5 dCi 85hp engine, and 5.9 litres/100km (CO2 140g/km) with the 1.2 16V 75hp powerplant.
Running gear is inherited from the Clio II and the car is aimed at family buyers in Russia, Turkey, Romania and Algeria, key markets for this model which are expected to absorb more than 80% of production. The rest will go to central and eastern Europe countries, the Middle East and Africa. Sales start between September and November 2008.
Between 2000 and 2007, the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) grew by 176%, while new growth economies such as the Maghreb countries and Turkey grew 87%, and mature markets (western Europe, North America and Japan) receded by 4.5%. Forecasts expect this trend to be even more marked in years to come.
The car was developed over 26 months and total capital outlay – including production-related investment – was EUR100m.
Although derived from the Clio II, the new Symbol is a model in its own right. Designed jointly by Renault engineering teams at the Technocentre (France), in Turkey and in Romania, it is manufactured at the Oyak-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey. Bursa’s capacity is 360,000 units in three shifts for the five models it produces, the Symbol, three- and five-door Clio III, Clio estate and four-door Mégane saloon.
The decision to manufacture the Symbol in Bursa was taken at a very early stage in the project in order to ensure its production as near as possible to the countries where it would be sold.
The original Symbol – which looked far more like a Clio hatchback with a boot grafted on – has been a success story since 2000, with sales of more than 600,000 units. It was once again Turkey’s best-selling car in 2007.
Up to the end of April 2008, the Symbol topped its segment in Turkey and was second in Romania, Morocco and Algeria.
The Euromed region was closely involved in the project, notably in terms of deciding the specification of the new car and then forecasting sales volumes.
Customer surveys and feedback from the field conducted at a very early stage in the project enabled a detailed analysis of the segment to be made with a view to producing a vehicle that perfectly matched customer demand.
Two major factors stood out as essential, namely exterior looks and low running costs.
Renault said the new Symbol is the first step in the creation of a range of three-box models which will enable the brand to build on thousands of satisfied buyers and also win over new customers.
The car sits on 14- or 15-inch wheels, is 4.26 metres long and 1.43 metres high on a 2.47m wheelbase.
Depending on country and equipment level, the petrol engine range comprises the 1.2 16V 55kW (75hp), the 1.4 55kW (75hp), the 1.4 16V 72kW (98hp) and the 1.6 16V 77kW (105hp).
The 1.5 dCi diesel engine is available in a choice of two power outputs: 48kW (65hp) and 62kW (85hp). Depending on market, these engines comply with Euro1, Euro3 or Euro4 emissions standards. The two most powerful petrol engines can also be mated with a four speed automatic transmission.
