Renault Clio Eco-G 120: The range champion arrives in Romania. Goodbye, "long-distance anxiety"?
In an era dominated by discussions about charging infrastructure for electric cars and the fluctuating price of conventional fuels, Renault is making a strategic move on the European market and, implicitly, on the Romanian one. The French have officially launched the Eco-G 120 engine for the popular Clio model, a version that promises to transform the small hatchback into a true marathon runner capable of covering distances that until now we only associated with luxury diesel limousines.
A substantial "upgrade" under the hood
The new engine is not just a simple update of the old Eco-G 100, but a significant technological evolution. At the heart of it is a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that develops 120 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The performance leap is obvious: 20 hp and 30 Nm more than the previous version.
The biggest novelty for comfort fans is the coupling of this engine to an automatic dual-clutch transmission (EDC). This combination allows the new Clio to reach 100 km/h in just 9.8 seconds, offering much superior dynamics to the old LPG versions, which were often perceived as exclusively economical, not agile.
1.450 kilometers on a single "double fill"
The figure that catches all eyes is the total range: 1,450 kilometers. The secret lies in the dual-fuel configuration:
- LPG tank: increased to a useful capacity of 50 liters (compared to 40 liters previously).
- Gasoline tank: holds a capacity of 39 liters.
The declared mixed consumption is 6.5 liters/100 km on LPG and 5.4 liters/100 km on gasoline. Beyond the autonomy, the main argument is the cost per kilometer: liquefied petroleum gas remains approximately 40-50% cheaper than gasoline in Romania, which makes the Clio Eco-G 120 one of the most economical cars on the market for those who make long commutes.
Price and availability in Romania
Although the starting price announced for the French market is 21,900 euros, in Romania, Renault Clio is traditionally positioned very competitively.
According to market sources, orders for the new Clio Eco-G 120 EDC have already started to be taken, and the first deliveries are scheduled for this summer. In Romania, we can expect the price to be slightly adjusted through local campaigns and, especially, through the Rabla program, which can lower the purchase threshold below the 20,000 euro threshold for well-equipped versions. The model will most likely be available on higher equipment levels, such as Techno or Esprit Alpine.
Who else offers "marathon autonomous vehicles" on the local market?
The Clio Eco-G 120 joins an exclusive club of cars that can cross Romania from one end to the other without stopping at the pump. Here are other options for Romanians with similar needs:
- Dacia Sandero and Logan Eco-G 100: The Clio's "cousins" offer a combined range of around 1,200 - 1,300 km. Although they have slightly smaller tanks and 1.0-liter engines, they remain the kings of the price/range ratio.
- Renault Symbioz Eco-G 120: Recently launched, this compact SUV uses the same technical recipe and promises a range of around 1,400 km, being an alternative for families who need more space than the Clio offers.
- Skoda Superb / VW Passat (Diesel): Although diesel engines are losing ground, the 2.0 TDI versions with optional larger tanks can easily reach 1,400 - 1,500 km. However, the purchase price is double that of a Clio.
- Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV: A surprise on the Romanian market, this Chinese hybrid SUV promises a total range of 1,400 km by combining the electric system with a generous gasoline tank.
Verdict
With the Clio Eco-G 120, Renault demonstrates that the internal combustion engine, aided by LPG technology, still has a difficult word to say. It is a car that appeals to pragmatism: it offers the comfort of an automatic transmission, the power needed for safe overtaking and the freedom to ignore gas stations for record distances.