Renault has strengthened its best-selling Clio line-up with the introduction of a top-of-the-range Signature Nav version.

• New Clio Signature Nav top-of-the-range trim level available, sitting above Dynamique S Nav, in line with the rest of the Renault range
• New Clio Signature Nav gains Hands Free Parking, part-leather upholstery, reverse parking camera with 360-degree parking sensors and Renault R-Link multimedia system as standard
• New Renault Clio Signature Nav available to order now from £17,715 OTR
• New Renault Clio range starts from £11,915 OTR

Renault has strengthened its best-selling Clio line-up with the introduction of a top-of-the-range Signature Nav version. 

Offering drivers greater choice and heightening the appeal of the iconic Clio which was updated in late 2016, the enhancements introduce even higher levels of comfort and convenience to the supermini. 

The New Clio Signature Nav is available to order now from £17,715 on-the-road.

Based on the already extensively-equipped Dynamique S version, the Signature specification adds black part-leather upholstery with heated front seats and height-adjustable passenger seat together with hands-free parking, rear parking camera, 360-degree parking sensors and Renault R-Link Multimedia system with 7-inch touchscreen with TomTom LIVE Satellite Navigation system. 

The Clio Signature is priced from £17,715 OTR – a premium of £1,450 over the Dynamique S Nav but with £2,250 of additional equipment.  

Buyers can specify the Signature with a choice of two diesels or two petrol engines and in either EDC efficient dual clutch automatic or manual transmission.

The Clio Signature’s additional equipment builds upon an extensive specification that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, full LED front and rear headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, leather steering wheel, hands free keycard and electrically heated and folding door mirrors.

The New Clio was introduced in October 2016 and with the launch of this new top-of-the-range version, Clio customers are now able to choose from a total of five trim levels, plus two Renault Sport models.

The New Renault Clio range starts from £11,915 OTR and comes with a four-year warranty and Renault Assistance package as standard.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

New Clio version	Power (hp @ rpm)	Torque (Nm @ rpm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top speed (mph)
Signature Nav TCe 90	90@5,250	135@2,500	12.2	112
Signature Nav TCe 120	120@5,500	205@2,000	9	124
Signature Nav TCe 120 EDC Auto	120@5,500	205@2,000	9.2	124
Signature Nav dCi 90	90@4,000	220@1,750	12	112
Signature Nav dCi 90 EDC Auto	90@4,000	220@1,750	12.9	109
Signature Nav dCi 110	110@4,000	260@1,750	11.2	121

PRICING

New Clio version	CO2 (g/km)	MPG (combined)	BIK	VED Band	Price (OTR)
Signature Nav TCe 90	105	60.1	18%	B	£17,715
Signature Nav TCe 120	118	53.3	20%	C	£18,615
Signature Nav TCe 120 EDC Auto	120	52.3	21%	C	£19,915
Signature Nav dCi 90	85	85.6	18%	A	£19,115
Signature Nav dCi 90 EDC Auto	92	80.7	18%	A	£20,415
Signature Nav dCi 110	90	80.7	18%	A	£19,815

DIESEL CAR AWARDS - Skoda takes "Best Estate Car" Award for the second year running with the Octavia.

• Octavia Estate picks up ‘Best Estate car’ award from Diesel Car magazine for the second year running
• Stylish load-lugger wins praise for breadth of range and spaciousness
• Great-value Octavia Estate beats competition from the premium sector 

The Octavia Estate has won the ‘Best Estate Car’ award from respected magazine Diesel Car in its annual awards. The hard-working Octavia Estate won praise not just for its load-carrying ability, but also passenger space, low emissions and ŠKODA’s high levels of customer satisfaction. 

The latest Octavia Estate has been a favourite of reviewers and customers alike since it was launched in 2013. Built on a state-of-the-art platform, it features a blend of cutting edge technology and the Simply Clever features for which ŠKODA is renowned, along with low running costs and a great driving experience. 

Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car, was full of praise for the ŠKODA Octavia Estate. He said: “Mid-sized estate cars don’t come any roomier than the ŠKODA Octavia, so it’s no wonder that this load lugging version outsells the hatchback edition, and sales volumes continue on an upward curve.

There truly is an Octavia for everyone, including a four-wheel drive drivetrain, DSG twin-clutch automatic transmissions and versions that emit just 85g/km of CO₂, while recording an astonishing official economy figure of 88.3mpg. 

“Family cars don’t come any better packaged than this, with generous space for passengers and cargo alike. It’s a quality machine, too, with stylish looks, both inside and out, and customer satisfaction levels that rival car makers are intensely jealous of.” 

“The Octavia Estate is at the heart of the ŠKODA brand, with a version for everyone, from the frugal Greenline III to the speedy vRS to the rugged Scout. Thousands of new owners are finding out for themselves every year and we’re delighted to be recognised by Diesel Car,” said Chris Horrell, Product Marketing Manager, ŠKODA UK. 

Award-winning PEUGEOT 308 introduces performance GT models, beautiful cars.

• Award-winning PEUGEOT 308 introduces performance GT models
• Diesel powered Hatchback and SW body styles, and petrol Hatchback
• All feature lower ride height, unique design and high specification
• Key 308 features ensure GT is even more engaging and exhilarating to drive

The showroom success enjoyed by the award-winning PEUGEOT 308 looks set to reach even greater heights with the arrival of a new dynamic flagship – the stunning 308 GT.

Available in Hatchback and SW body styles, both models offer assertive new styling, outstanding performance-oriented engines and bespoke chassis modifications to create a lower ride height. The result is an exceptional on-the-road experience that will delight the most enthusiastic drivers. The enhancements clearly embody PEUGEOT’s continued move up-market, highlighted by the 308’s recognition as the 2014 European Car of the Year.

The new PEUGEOT 308 GT retains all the elements which have made the 308 range such a huge commercial hit throughout Europe. This includes the striking exterior design, innovative PEUGEOT i-Cockpit cabin, versatile interior and high perceived quality. Remarkable engine efficiency, with high fuel economy and ultra-low emissions, is also part of the 308 GT package.

Assertive sporty styling

The 308 GT’s unique design quality is immediately obvious. The iconic PEUGEOT Lion emblem has moved from the bonnet’s leading edge to the front grille, with three horizontal blades on either side. For optimum vision in all circumstances, the 308 GT has been fitted with top-of-the-range headlights made up of 62 LEDs.

Exclusive new direction indicators also distinguish the 308 GT from other models. Their dynamic sequential operation, moving from the inside to the outside, emphasizes the technological identity of the car. They are placed above the new air scoops which supply the engine with additional cooling.

The 308 GT presents a great aerodynamic and stylistic purity, most notable where the black lacquered door mirrors merge with the tinted windows. Visibly widened by its side sill finishers, the 308 GT sits on 18-inch ‘Diamant’ wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. Their fluted spokes and engraved motif are also available on 308 GT-Line models.

At the rear, the 308 GT offers a striking and distinctive posture, due in part to the lacquered black diffuser and stylish twin exhaust pipes. The GT signature is integrated into the tailgate, as well as the front grille and front wings.

The range of colours for the 308 GT includes the new and exclusive ‘Magnetic Blue’. Evocative of the blue historically reserved for French competition vehicles, this bold shade suits the car’s fluid and dynamic lines, while emphasising its lowered ride height.

An exclusive new ambiance is also achieved in the car’s cabin, with both the roof lining and upper window pillars finished in anthracite. Red stitching adds a performance air to the upholstery trim and is also found on the dashboard, door panels, gear lever gaiter and floor mats.Aluminiumdetailing on the pedals, coupled with stainless steel sill finishers in the door apertures, add the finishing touch.

Vital in any sports-oriented car is the correct driving position. It’s already ideal in this new model because of the ergonomics of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, as seen in every 308. The driver can adjust the height and reach of the compact steering wheel, which is unique to this car due to its perforated leather trim and GT badge. The instrument panel bears a newchequeredflag motif background and switching on the ignition produces a GT welcome message. To complement this, the large touchscreen displays a new colour scheme dominated by red and black, titled ‘Redline’.

Remarkable dynamic performance

To deliver maximum enjoyment, the 308 GT features enhanced new chassis settings. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear for a more dynamic drive. The revised suspension is mated to a choice of high-performance engines, one petrol and one diesel, that both meet stringent Euro 6 emissions standards.

The four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 205Stop&Startpetrol engine is specified with a six-speed manual gearbox to make the most of its 285Nm of torque, available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm. This high level of performance is combined with well controlled CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption, from just 130g/km and 50.4mpg. Engineers used all of the Brand’s expertise to achieve a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of just 5.85kg/hp (171hp per tonne) on this model.

To achieve these results, the engine combines:

• a twin-scroll turbocharger, for performance and instant response from a very low engine speed
• direct fuel injection assuring optimum combustion efficiency
• variable valve lift on inlet, coupled with variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust (VTi technology, Variable valve and Timing injection)
• Stop&Start to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, as well as improving general comfort in urban driving

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel engine also offers a high level of performance. It delivers its maximum power of 180hp at 3,750rpm and its maximum torque of 400Nm at 2,000rpm. Highlighting PEUGEOT’s attention to engineering detail, reducing the thickness of wall casings and the use of engine ancillaries only when required has led to a 7kg weight saving. 

With a power-to-weight ratio of just 7.3 kg/hp (136hp per tonne), this engine needs only 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 50-70mph in 5th gear. With a capacity of 1,997cc, it presents remarkable CO₂ emissions of just 103g/km, with official fuel consumption of 70.6mpg.

To achieve these results, the engine combines:

• a 3^rd generation common-rail fuel system operating at up to 2,000 bars
• a new combustion chamber optimising the mixture of air and fuel, delivered by seven-hole injectors
• a compression ratio raised to 16.7:1 to improve the overall efficiency of the engine
• engine oil of very low viscosity, type 0W15

This diesel engine is coupled to an EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission) six-speed automatic gearbox, designed and developed in collaboration with Aisin AW. Its efficiency is almost the same as for a manual gearbox due to reduced internal friction and the use of torque converters applied whenever needed to avoid transmission slip. This impressively results in CO₂ emissions and fuel economy comparable to those achieved with the best manual gearboxes.

The 308 GT’s suspension set-up (pseudo MacPherson at the front, deformable beam at the rear) has been given specific settings to suit the engines and the spirit of the car. The focus is on a performance-oriented and dynamic drive with excellent body control, while still maintaining a high level of comfort.

To achieve this, engineers worked on all of the settings to provide precise control on the extremes of road conditions, providing secure driving and avoiding unwanted over or under-steer. For example, the passive dampers, with new ratings for effort/speed, regulate instantly to adapt to the type of driving. 

For reduced noise, they have a hydraulic bump stop. Depending on the version, the front and rear suspension is stiffened by 10% to 20% for an extremely responsive reaction, with no lag. The variable electric power steering allows instinctive positioning of the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres with their high level of grip.

Performance of this level demands an effective braking system, easy to modulate and with excellent thermal resistance. This is provided by a Bosch 9CE central unit distributing the braking effort between the four discs. At the front, the 330mm diameter and 30mm thick discs are gripped by floating calipers with 60mm pistons. At the rear, the discs are 268mm diameter on 308 GT and 290mm on 308 GT SW. Both engine types have switchable ESP as standard.

A heightened driving experience

At one with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, the 308 GT driver is at the heart of the driving experience due to the 308 range’s standard-fit compact steering wheel and head-up instrumentation. Pleasure is further enhanced by the Driver Sport Pack, standard on every 308 GT. This includes:

• amplified and more sporty engine noise
• instruments illuminated with red display
• instrument panel that displays the power and torque delivered, turbo pressure, longitudinal and transverse acceleration
• firmer and more responsive  power steering
• more responsive accelerator pedal mapping
• more responsive operation of the EAT6 gearbox, with steering wheel-mounted control paddles

The driver can choose to turn off the Driver Sport Pack setting for a more comfort-orientated drive, using a button on thecentreconsole.

To make the most of its character, the new GT offers various driving aids. Using radar built into the front of the vehicle, the Driver Assistance Pack includes three systems:

• Dynamic Cruise Control: automatically maintains and adjusts the speed of the vehicle to match the speed of the vehicle ahead. This ‘Dynamic’ function can be switched off by the driver.
• Emergency Collision Alert System: a visual and audible indication to encourage the driver to brake to avoid a collision.
• Emergency Collision Braking System: early application of the brakes to avoid a collision or reduce its consequences.

With the Blind Spot Monitoring System, LEDs in the door mirrors illuminate to warn the driver that there is a vehicle in the blind spot. Park Assist is an active parking aid allowing automatic parallel or bay parking.

The PEUGEOT 308 GT range comprises:

308 GT - Hatchback	Combined Econ	CO2	Ins Gp	Max Speed	0-62mph
1.6L THP 205 S&S	50.4mpg	130g/km	19	146mph	7.5secs
2.0L BlueHDi EAT6 180 S&S	70.6mpg	103g/km	16	136mph	8.4secs
308 GT - SW
2.0L BlueHDi EAT6 180 S&S	68.8mpg	107g/km	17	135mph	8.6secs

All 308 GT cars have a 6-speed transmission. The ‘EAT6’ is an abbreviation for ‘Efficient Automatic Transmission’ 6-speed.

The PEUGEOT 308 GT is now available to order with deliveries commencing from March 2015.