A new two-litre, 16-valve engine just introduced for the B-segment Clio ‘supermini’ is the first Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed petrol engine to power a Renault model.
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It was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan within the framework of the Alliance, with development costs shared equally between the two companies. The engine was developed jointly based on a common brief for the production of two variants adapted to the different types of use encountered in Europe and Asia/America.
Renault noted that, when combined with the TL4 six-speed manual gearbox expected to the most popular choice in European markets, and also co-developed by Renault and Nissan, the new ‘M4R’ engine forms the first “100% Alliance powertrain”.
The new engine is also available with a new-generation four-speed ‘Proactive’ automatic transmission. It produces 101.5kW (140hp) at 6,000rpm and torque of 194Nm at 4,000rpm.
Eighty-five percent of maximum torque is available from as low as 2,000rpm.
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By GlobalDataAccording to the French automaker, continually variable inlet valve timing minimises fuel consumption by optimising the filling of the combustion chambers while reductions in friction have been achieved by accelerating the rise in the engine’s working temperature thanks to the spilt cooling engine cooling system which restricts the flow of water within the cylinder block from cold to 95°C.
This system favours a rapid rise in the temperature of the oil and cylinder linings with a view to minimising losses due to friction.
The combination of the machining of the engine block with the montage of a dummy cylinder head for optimal cylinder geometry and mirror-finish polishing of moving parts (camshaft bearings, crank pins and crankshaft journals) also contributes to this engine’s high efficiency.
Chain-driven timing is intended to provide lifetime reliability and durability and consequent lower servicing costs as there is no need to change a worn-out belt at regular intervals.
The engine also has two balancer shafts to minimise vibrations and engine boom at all speeds. The cylinder block, sump casing and auxiliary mounting have been designed to ensure outstanding transverse rigidity and also to eliminate the transmission of vibrations.
On versions combined with the six-speed manual gearbox, the engine also has a twin mass damping flywheel which filters out acyclic movements and eliminates the transmission of vibrations to the gears.
To accommodate the larger engine, two-litre Clio models gain uprated front suspension and model-specific stub axles which allow the 280mm diameter, 24mm thick vented front brake discs (compared with 260mm and 22mm in the case of other engines) to be housed inside the 6.5-inch rims (5.5- or 6-inch rims for the rest of the range). The Clio 2.0 16V comes only with 16-inch wheels and 195/90 tyres.
The two-litre models also have modified electric power steering with new control unit and more advanced software for a more sensitive and natural feel when starting to turn and less force required to move from the straight-ahead position, a more linear and more informative increase in effort when turning in, and enhanced stability while actually cornering, as well as a firmer indication that the steering wheel has returned to the straight-ahead position.
Renault claims the Clio is the only vehicle in its segment offering both a two-litre 16V petrol engine and automatic transmission.
The latest version of this ‘automatic flick-shift transmission’ also comes with steering wheel-mounted shift controls and features specific gearshift calibration.
The automatic models accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and the six-speed manual version offers best-in-class European combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.3 litres/100km.
The two-litre Clio 2.0 16V is available in three- and five-door versions with Dynamique, Privilège and Initiale equipment levels as well as Exception limited edition trim in France.
Domestic market prices from EUR16,450 to EUR21,500.
