Renault Clio inaugurates a new 2.0-litre petrol engine
With punch and torque available from low engine speeds, sprightly performance at higher revs and cushioned acoustics across the full rev band, the new 2.0-litre petrol engine (M4R) delivers outstanding driving pleasure. This new 16-valve 2.0-litre 101.5kW (140hp) petrol powerplant is now available under the bonnet of Clio coupled with a choice of two types of transmission: the new-generation four-speed Proactive automatic transmission (DP0+) and the six-speed manual gearbox (TL4). This smooth yet dynamic powerplant brings out the best in the grand tourer qualities of Clio which, equipped with this engine, stands out as the B-segment benchmark in terms of driving pleasure and acoustic performance. Like the manual gearbox, this engine is developed jointly by Renault and Nissan within the framework of the Alliance.
The essence of pleasure
By offering plenty of torque and power from very low revs and sprightly performance at high engine speeds, the 2.0 16V engine delivers a level of driving pleasure more readily associated with bigger engines. It produces 101.5kW (140hp) at 6,000rpm and torque of 194Nm at 4,000rpm. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the consistent availability of torque across the full rev-band. With 85 per cent of maximum torque available from as low as 2,000rpm, reacceleration response is immediate even from very low engine speeds. Meanwhile, thanks to its lightened conrods, pistons and valves, it also comes into its own at high revs, offering genuine punch from 4,000rpm all the way up to the maximum limit of 6,400rpm.
Two other strengths of this new engine are its silk-smooth operation and responsive performance across the full useful rev band. The quality of the combustion process also ensures a remarkably consistent feel at all engine speeds. In addition to favouring punch at all revs, the continually variable inlet valve timing minimizes fuel consumption by optimizing the filling of the combustion chambers.
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 when cold and all the way up to 95 degreesC. This system favours a rapid rise in the temperature of the oil and cylinder linings with a view to minimizing 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. The choice of chain-driven timing is a further illustration of the high quality of this engine and is aimed at providing lifetime reliability and durability and consequently lower servicing costs.
Top class acoustic comfort
The high quality acoustic performance of this powerplant is enhanced by the employment of two balancer shafts. The vibrations associated with four-cylinder engines are cancelled out by the rotation of these balancer shafts in the opposite direction, a technique that eradicates the phenomenon of boom at all engine speeds. The cylinder block, sump casing and auxiliary mounting have all been designed not only to ensure outstanding transverse rigidity but also to eliminate the transmission of vibrations. The conception of the timing chain and its autotensioning system based on two generously dimensioned shoes also contribute to the new engine's silent ride.
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