Using professional footballers to front an advertising campaign is not a new idea and Renault is the latest to use the tactic as controversial former French footballer Eric Cantona will promote a new vehicle.
Renault has in the past used former Arsenal striker and current Barcelona star Thierry Henry to advertise the Renault Clio and now the manufacturer has looked for a Frenchman again.
This time it has approached ex-Manchester United striker Eric Cantona to front its new Laguna offering, with a teaser clip showing the striker in rehearsals currently doing the rounds.
Cantona is no stranger to appearing in advertisements as he has been used by sports brand Nike previously.
Henry promoted the Clio between 2002 and 2006 and became recognised for his use of the phrase "va va voom".
Cantona scored the winning goal for Manchester United as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1996 FA Cup final, as well as winning four Premier League titles in five years during his time at Old Trafford.
Used Renault Clio drivers may already be fully aware of the performance attributes of the Renaultsport version of the range and the latest edition is to be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Renault is to launch the Clio Renaultsport 200, which will be available to buyers in two versions, benefitting motorists who want something a little different from their driving experience.
The first is the Clio Renaultsport 200, targeting those looking for a comfortable, well-equipped sporting hatchback.
Meanwhile, those more focused on a car delivering performance can opt for the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup.
This vehicle delivers a more sporty ride through being 36kg lighter, while offering the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.
Also, it benefits from a durable braking performance, a new specification of its 2.0-litre engine and an independent steering axis front suspension, helping to boost handling and traction in all road conditions.
In a past review of the Reanultsport Clio Trophy by Jeremy Clarkson in the Times, he stated that he "loved" the "big, comfortable and hugely supportive seats" and the vehicle’s speed.
With Renault providing debuts to seven new vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show, Renault Clio drivers could check out the latest offering in the range.
At the show Renault is to unveil the latest Hatch and Sport Tourer versions of the Clio fleet, which offer buyers the complete package.
The excellent build quality of the Clio helps it to be one of the most reliable vehicles in its class, while the vehicle also ranks highly in terms of styling, comfort, versatility, equipment and safety credentials.
In terms of safety, the Clio features a range of driver aids alongside an efficient suspension, which helps to provide drivers with a comfortable and reassuring ride.
Among the safety features are ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, ESP and traction control.
Meanwhile, the 2005 edition of the Clio received a five-star rating in crash testing carried out by Euro NCAP and the 2009 offering is built on the same platform.
A review of the Clio by Jason Dawe in the Times last year highlighted that rear visibility in the vehicle was good, while "all models are light and easy to drive around town".
Renault Clio drivers looking for a supermini that also offers large amounts of space may find solace in the Sport Tourer version of the range.
A review of the Renault Clio Sport Tourer 1.5 dCi Dynamique by Fleet News reveals that the vehicle provides more than enough space on the inside.
Four adults can be accommodated comfortably, while the supermini estate offers 50 per cent more luggage space than a more common Clio hatchback.
The review adds that when the seats are up there is 439 litres of space, while this increases to 1,277 when they are dropped.
Also, according to the review, if it was not for a "steeply raked" rear window, then even more boot space would be on offer.
The overall verdict of the review is that the vehicle is a "valuable addition" to the Clio range, as the extra space on offer makes the car more practical for buyers.
Channel Four recently commented in a review of the vehicle that another of its benefits was that it had low running costs.
Used Renault Clio owners looking for an updated vehicle offering low running costs may wish to consider upgrading to the Renault Clio Sport Tourer.
A review of the vehicle by Channel Four reveals that the vehicle’s low running costs are one of its superior features.
The review states that "Renault parts and servicing costs are competitive with the mainstream", while buyers should also benefit from relatively cheap car insurance.
Furthermore, drivers will be given lots of bang for their bucks in terms of fuel consumption with the 1.5-litre dCi 86 providing motorists with 64.2 miles to the gallon.
And owners of the dCi 106 will not be missing out by much as they will have the capabilities of achieving 61.4 miles per gallon.
However, somewhat surprisingly, the review concludes that those motorists who only rack up a small number of annual miles may benefit from a petrol model – the 1.2-litre 16v – because of the current cost of diesel.
When reviewing the same vehicle, What Car? argued that the vehicle is a "great small estate" that is "fun to drive and comfortable".
Top Gear presenter and Mirror Motoring columnist Richard Hammond has run his critical eye over the new Renault Clio, commenting on the car’s new styling compared to its used Renault Clio predecessor.
Writing in the Mirror newspaper, Hammond said the car looked like it had been given a "facelift", with its front and rear re-styled to bring it in line with the appearances of the new-look Megane and Laguna models.
He also notes that the new Renault Clio will have built-in satnav for the first time.
The new Clio GT, which is also being unveiled at the Geneva motor show, is also put under the spotlight, and Hammond believes it will be ideal for those looking for something in between the regular Clio and the Clio Renaultsport.
While there has yet to be an announcement on prices, it is thought the GT will be available for around £14,000.
Hammond and fellow Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson were recently forced to make an emergency landing in Australia after a seagull got caught in the blades of the helicopter they were travelling in.
Used Renault Clio fans may be looking for a vehicle upgrade as a new model from the fleet is to be launched.
The new vehicle is based around similar qualities that helped the older Renault Clio scoop the 2006 Car of the Year award.
These include a large amount of space in the cabin, while being high on safety and comfort, as well as being reliable and well built.
Also, the vehicle features updates that used Renault Megane drivers may be familiar with.
The Renault Megane and Clio are bought together through the use of similar dynamic cues that support the strong design of the front of the vehicle.
Among these are new headlamps that run down to join the front air intake and a change to the design of the broad front grille in the new front bumper.
Sportier used car fans may take a liking to the interior thanks to the inclusion of "drilled aluminium pedal covers" and enhanced side support for the seating.
A review of a used Renault Clio last year by Jason Dawe in the Times stated that the vehicle’s 288-litre boot "offers plenty of room for luggage and children’s paraphernalia".
A Renault eco vehicle has had a starring role in a Garden for Eden project – a scheme organised by acclaimed environmental site, the Eden Project.
Gardeners in the west country were invited to enter a televised competition to design and construct a front eco-friendly garden within The Eden Project.
The rules of entry stated that the garden needed to fit the needs of a busy family as well as have room for a small car to illustrate the practicality and flexibility of the design.
Renault has long-been proud of its status as one of Europe’s three most CO2 efficient manufacturers, with its strategy makers having always prioritised environmental concerns – something that used Renault dealers have happily taken advantage of when selling the cars over the years.
The Clio Dynamique dCi 86, a Renault supermini eco vehicle which emits just 117 g/km of CO2 and provides a highly-respectable combined MPG of 64.2, was chosen as the car to star in the project.
Written by Bobby Minter
TV presenter Mike Brewer has praised the qualities of the Renault Clio which has just won the Best Supermini category in the Auto Express Best Used Cars 2008 awards.
Brewer, a former used car dealer who has presented Channel Four’s Driven as well as Deals on Wheels, said: "The Renault is fine looking with a great image and fun-handling.
"While the Honda Jazz is a good all-rounder, the Clio is more desirable – particularly with younger drivers.”
His fellow judges on the Auto Express panel agreed, meaning that the Clio saw off competition from the likes of Ford Fiesta and Fiat Grande Punto thanks to its wide range of engine choices, low running costs, stylish, appealing good looks and fuel economy.
Auto Express commented: “If you want style and a great driving experience without compromising on either economy or safety, then the Clio is for you."
The Clio has only been on sale for three years and, like other Renault products, has an impressive residual value.
Written by Trevor Coffee
Renault has announced some changes to the Clio range, giving consumers more standard equipment.
The three-door Clio now has four new trims – Extreme, Rip Curl, Dynamique and Dynamique S while the five-door range is available in the same trims as well as Initiale and Expression.
Customers opting for the Extreme three-door can enjoy giant fog lights and extra-tinted windows as standard while the Expression five-door benefits from cruise control, speed limiter and automatic headlights and wipers.
Rip Curl gives drivers a funky and stylish option with a 1.2 16V 75 engine.
Those looking for a revised interior could be interested in the Dynamique S which has a stylish grey centre console, as well as dashboard inserts and white instrument dials.
On the outside, 16 inch alloy wheels add to the exciting design.
The newly enhanced range of models is available now.
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