In addition to Renault's B segment range of 100% electric and combustion engines, hybrid engines in the New Clio E-TECH and New Captur E-TECH Plug-in serve a variety of uses. Their availability on versatile “mid-range” vehicles means the electric-car experience is now more accessible than ever before. Many other hybrid vehicles follow.
The best of the Clio range is now hybrid
The New Clio embodies Groupe Renault’s vision of future mobility which is autonomous, electric, and connected. For example, it has one of the most modern and comprehensive driving assistance systems on the market, including the Highway and Traffic Jam Companion – a first step towards self-driving vehicles. Fitted with 9.3” screen and combined with the launch of the Renault EASY CONNECT connected offering, it also benefits from extensive multimedia extras.
Also, for the first time, the Clio range now comes with a ‘full hybrid’ E-TECH engine. In addition to motor engines, it is the perfect embodiment of synergies that lie at the heart of the strategy between Groupe Renault – pioneer and European leader in electric mobility – and its Alliance partners. Thanks to split-second responsiveness when starting and accelerating, it offers an experience and driving pleasure beyond compare with other hybrid city cars on the market.
Combine efficiency with driving pleasure
The hybrid engine on the New Clio E-TECH 140 hp offers maximum efficiency and unparalleled dynamic responsiveness when being driven; a success story marked by a jump from 80 to 120 kph in just 6.9s. Regenerative braking – like that of an electric vehicle – combined with the high battery charging capacity and efficiency of the E-TECH system help optimise energy. In fact, 80% of the time spent on city roads is in all-electric mode, for a consumption saving of up to 40% compared with an internal combustion engine in the urban cycle. In all-electric mode, the New Clio can travel up to 70-75 kph.
All hybrid devices represent an additional weight of no more than 10 kilos compared to a dCi 115 engine. In mixed cycle, New Clio E-TECH is with CO2 emissions less than 100g/km (WLTP values)2. As such, it remains true to its 30-year long track record of being a versatile car.
Unique features for New Clio E-TECH
The exterior has a recognisable rear bumper and E-TECH badge located on the centre post as well as on the door of the boot. A ‘Hybrid Blue’ pack is also available to customise both the exterior and interior.
Inside the car, the ‘Smart Cockpit’ features a 7” TFT instrument cluster and the new Renault EASY LINK infotainment screen in either 7” (horizontal) or 9.3” (vertical). The new digital dashboard features a range of images and animations specific to hybrid; for example, they may indicate battery levels while charging or when the electric motor is in use.
In addition, the unique gear stick comes with an ‘E-Tech’ badge. Lastly, the Stop-and-Start button located under the media screen has been replaced by a model-specific ‘EV’ button that puts the car directly into electric mode – this requires the battery to be sufficiently charged.
2 less than 90g (NEDC BT values) (subject to final confirmation)
The New Captur, electric on demand
A best-seller in its segment, both in France and Europe, the Captur has been a front-runner for the Renault range. Sold across all continents and in key markets such as China – where it is now industrialised for the local market – the New Captur builds on its previous success with a new technological edge. With its new E-TECH Plug-in hybrid engine, it also embodies the three pillars of the Groupe Renault’s vision for future mobility: autonomous, connected and electric.
This engine will eventually be available from the intermediate finishing level of the New Captur range, after being launched on the higher finishing levels. Through a popular and iconic model and based on its expertise in electric mobility, Renault is democratizing plug-in hybrid technology to offer a unique driving experience accessible to all.
Maximum versatility
The E-TECH Plug-in160 hp engine and its increased battery capacity (9.8 kWh and 400V) mean that the New Captur can run at 100% electric for 50 kilometres with a top speed of 135 kph in mixed use (WLTP) and 65 kilometres in urban use (WLTP City). The New Captur is of unprecedented versatility: it can run without using any fuel throughout the week for regular trips, then travel further afield on weekends or long holidays without having to worry about battery life. In order to maximize the range in electric mode, it is necessary to connect the vehicle regularly to recharge the battery. The new E-TECH Plug-in sensor otherwise functions as a "simple" (or standard) full hybrid E-TECH model, with all the advantages of this motorization.
The New Captur E-TECH Plug-in is fitted with a new MULTI-SENSE mode: ‘PURE’ mode. It is available on the screen settings or with a dedicated button. This mode forces the transition – if the battery has enough stock – to the electric driving mode. It also has a special feature, available in MULTI-SENSE ‘SPORT’ mode. Under very specific conditions, if the battery has enough energy, and by fully depressing the accelerator pedal, the three engines can work together thanks to the series-parallel architecture. The vehicle can then tap into the powertrain’s full potential; especially useful when overtaking, for example.
Another feature called ‘E-Save’, available in MULTI-SENSE, limits the use of the electric motor and draws power from the combustion motor, thereby saving battery power (at least 40%) allows driving electric whenever the driver wants for example, to drive into city centres.
Thanks to its unique battery capacity, its ability to continually regenerate energy, and its two electric motors, the New Captur makes the most of the E-TECH hybrid system’s key assets: the systematic start-up in electric mode and reduced energy use. In mixed cycle, the New Captur E-TECH Plug-In is expected to consume 1.5L/100km and emit 32 grams of CO2/km with WLTP figures3 (32 grams with WLTP figures).
The New Captur E-TECH Plug-in comes with unique stylings
The New Captur E-TECH Plug-in draws on stylistic details that are specific to the hybrid range. ‘E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid’ logos are affixed to the door of the boot and centre post. The petrol tank is on the left-hand side of the vehicle; the charging socket, located on the right, which has a light that gives colour-coded information as to the state of the charging process: blue (charging), green (charged), orange (waiting), red (no charge).
3 less than 35g (NEDC BT values) (subject to final confirmation)
Inside, the seating remains unchanged with the rear seat still able to slide 16cm. A space under the hinged false floor allows to store charging cables without encroaching on the boot volume. E-TECH markers are also located on the ‘Smart Cockpit’ and come with unique personalization elements and an ‘E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid’ badge on the gear stick. The Stop-and-Start button has been replaced by an ‘EV’ button to switch directly to ‘PURE’ mode while driving. The electric gear stick ‘e-shifter’ (no mechanical cables) comes with a ‘Brake’ function to get the most out of regenerative braking.
The New Captur E-TECH Plug-In now features two large screens: a 10.2” digital dashboard and a 9.3” Renault EASY LINK system multimedia display, from the third level of features. The two screens make it easier to understand and monitor the running of the active driving mode. The TFT instrument cluster comes with the option of displaying battery life, recharge time, flow exchanges, energy recovery and current charge level of the electric motor battery.
Similarly, different colours make it easy to know when the car is in different modes: green when driving on the electric motor and blue when regenerating power. All energy use information is also available via the multimedia screen.
CMF-B: A Next-Generation Modular Platform
The New Captur E-TECH Plug-in and the New Clio E-TECH draw on the Alliance’s new-generation modular platform: CMF-B. Development started in 2014 at the Guyancourt Technocentre, and it now features 85% of new parts compared to the platform used for the previous generation of Captur.
The new CMF-B modular platform provides both vehicles with many advantages. Its architecture is much lighter than the previous platform, especially for the body, axles, and bonnet. The base plated is lightly keeled, improving the car’s aerodynamic performance by approximately 0.02 Cx. These two features ensure better fuel use and improved CO2 emissions. Acoustic comfort is also greatly improved, thanks to sound proofing technology on the engine housing unit ensuring acoustic gains of 1.5 to 2dB between 0 and 130 km/h.
To offer the best in terms of safety, the CMF-B modular platform has an all-new body structure, spars, and apron, made possible thanks to the use of high elasticity steel and structural glue that strengthens inter-sheet bonding; thus ensuring the highest level of on-board safety for passengers. Safety is further enhanced by innovative equipment on the new CMF-B platform architecture: adaptive driver airbags, high-volume curtain airbags, seat belt pretensioners with stress limiters, new iSize compliant ISOFIX fasteners. The New Captur and the New Clio got 5 stars at Euro NCAP crash-test this year.
The new electrical and electronic architecture of the CMF-B modular platform means the New Clio and New Captur offer the most comprehensive and advanced modern equipment and driving assistance systems in their segment: the 360-degree camera and emergency automatic braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, as well as Highway and Traffic Assistant (level 2 autonomy), which is a first for vehicles in the category. Lastly, the new platform was designed to convert vehicles into electric cars and thus made the addition of hybrid E-TECH and plug-in hybrid a reality.
Clio E-TECH
Captur E-TECH