Renault Symbol
Encyclopedia
The Renault Symbol, or Thalia in some markets, is a sedan car produced by the French automobile manufacturer Renault
. The first generation was introduced as the saloon version of the second generation Renault Clio
, but was marketed only in those countries where the hatchback didn't sell too well, while not being available in Western Europe. The second generation has a different design than the third generation of the Clio and is built on the platform of the first generation car. Its key markets are Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Maghreb
, and most notably countries like Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia and Tunisia. It is also available in the Gulf states
.
. It is longer by 38 cm to the hatchback and adds a larger boot of 510 litres (18 cu ft).
The main production site of the model had been the Oyak-Renault
plant in Bursa, Turkey, where production started in 1999. Worldwide, it was also built since 2000 in Argentina at the plant in Santa Isabel, Córdoba, in Brazil at the Ayrton Senna complex in Sao José dos Pinhais
, near Curitiba
, and since 2001 in Colombia
by SOFASA
. In 2002, it began assembly in Mexico, rebadged
as Nissan Platina, at the Nissan Mexicana plant in Aguascalientes
. For a short time, between the end of 2002 and 2004, it was also assembled in Russia by Avtoframos
.
At the beginning it was available with only two engine options in Europe: a 1.4 liter 8-valve (75 hp; 56kW) and a 1.4 liter 16-valve (98 hp; 73 kW), both of them with multi-point fuel injection. In Argentina it was manufactured with a 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol (100 hp; 74kW) engine and a 1.9 liter diesel
(65 hp; non-turbo), in Colombia with the 1.4 liter 8-valve, and in Brazil either with the 1.6 liter 16-valve or with a 1.0 16-valve petrol (70 hp; 52 kW). Initial trim designations were RN (RNA) and RT (RTE), but later they received names of their own: Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Alizé, Privilège etc.
It was facelifted in March 2002, gaining the new front end of the hatchback Clio, black moldings on the bumpers, slightly revised interior (electric window buttons moved from the central console onto the doors, the steering wheel got a new design) and improved safety levels. New engines were also added: a 1.2 liter engine (75 hp; 54 kW), a 1.5 liter dCi
(75 hp; 56 kW) and the 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol (107 hp; 80 kW) in Europe, which was only available with the Dynamique trim level. Throughout the following years, two other versions of the 1.5 dCi engine were included in the range: one of 70 hp (51.5 kW) and one of 80 hp (58.9 kW). An automatic transmission
version was added, but for with the 1.4 16-valve versions.
The new front end was adopted in South America from 2003. In Brazil two engines were adapted to run with flexible-fuel: the 1.0 liter 16-valve (76 hp on petrol, 77 hp on alcohol) and the 1.6 liter 16-valve (110 hp on petrol, 115 hp on alcohol); while in Argentina a CNG
version was introduced towards the end of the year.
The Nissan Platina was available only with the 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol engine (110 hp; 82 kW). It had four trim levels, baptized Grado Q, Grado K, Grado K plus and Grado A, the same as the top cards in a playing deck
. From the 2008 model year, they changed to Custom, Emotion, Premium and Premium A. It was sold with either with a manual gearbox or with an automatic one with overdrive
system.
In the first half of 2005, minor changes were done to the Renault models. These included clear tail lights and side repeaters, a slightly modified grille and some of the display units passing form analogue to digital.
In the beginning of 2006, an improved version of the sedan was offered in Argentina and Brazil, and from fall in Europe. At the exterior, it now had body colored bumpers, without moldings and regardless of the trim level. The shape of the grille was revised and the boot got a new handle with the Renault logo integrated, similar to the one used on Laguna
, as well as the new styling of the Renault word. Four new colors were made available and two distinctive new rim designs. For the European model and the Platina, the interior was upgraded to the one used in the facelifted Clio II, with very minor parts commonality with Megane II
, as well as new standard and optional equipment, such as automatic air conditioning
and a CD player.
This model was offered in three equipment levels: Authentique, Expression and Dynamique.
Expression included driver airbag, air conditioning, trip computer, electric mirrors, electric front windows, CD-player and height adjustable steering wheel. Dynamique added passenger airbag, ABS, rear electric windows, body colored door handles and alloy rims, although the ABS and passenger airbag were optionals that could be added to the lower levels too. Automatic air conditioning was available as an extra feature.
It scored 12 points out of 16 in a frontal crash test conducted by the Russian magazine Autoreview in 2002, which was considered equivalent to the result scored by the hatchback version in the Euro NCAP testing. Over 600,000 units were sold worldwide since the release of this model.
and went on sale between September and November. The second generation car is longer than the previous by 7 cm (2.8 in) and has a boot capacity of 506 litres (17.9 cu ft).
The new Symbol was designed jointly by Renault's engineering teams in France, Turkey and Romania, for countries in the Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey, North Africa and as well the Gulf States. The place of manufacture is the Oyak-Renault
plant in Bursa, Turkey
, and from 2009 it is also built in Santa Isabel
, Argentina
for the South American market. Development of the project, codenamed L35, took 26 months.
It is available in three equipment levels: Authentique, Expression and Privilège. Features included by Authentique are driver airbag
, rev-counter
or body-colored front and rear bumpers. Expression adds hydraulic power steering, trip computer
, electric front windows, height adjustable steering wheel and front seats, folding rear bench seat, rear headrests and body-colored mirrors and electric central locking with remote control. Privilège adds electric mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel, foglamps, rear electric windows and radio-CD player
with MP3 playback.
In terms of safety, the new Symbol offers driver airbag, passenger airbag, two lateral airbags (depending on version), anti-lock braking system
(ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution
(EBD), anti-intrusion strengthening in front and rear doors, height-adjustable front seatbelts, power steering and rear parking sensors
.
The Turkish Police uses Renault Symbol cars.
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
. The first generation was introduced as the saloon version of the second generation Renault Clio
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a supermini car produced by the French automobile manufacturer Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation...
, but was marketed only in those countries where the hatchback didn't sell too well, while not being available in Western Europe. The second generation has a different design than the third generation of the Clio and is built on the platform of the first generation car. Its key markets are Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Maghreb
Maghreb
The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa, west of Egypt. It includes five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara...
, and most notably countries like Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia and Tunisia. It is also available in the Gulf states
Arab states of the Persian Gulf
"Arab states of the Persian Gulf" or "Arab Persian Gulf states" or "Persian Gulf Arab states" or "Arabic Persian Gulf states" or "Arab States of The Gulf", are terms that refer to the six Arab states of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, bordering the Persian Gulf....
.
First generation (1999–2008)
The first generation was launched in late 1999 as the saloon version of the Clio II. It was released with different names depending of the market: Clio Symbol, Thalia, Clio Sedan, Clio 4 Puertas, Symbol, or Clio Classic. Originally, the car was intended for sale in developing countries, but due to demand, it was later made available in countries where saloons were traditionally preferred over hatchbacks, most notably in Eastern Europe. In some Latin American markets, like Chile and Mexico, it was offered as Nissan Platina, with slight changes at the front of the car to make it resemble the Nissan AltimaNissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size automobile manufactured by Nissan, and is arguably a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1957. It has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The Altima is available...
. It is longer by 38 cm to the hatchback and adds a larger boot of 510 litres (18 cu ft).
The main production site of the model had been the Oyak-Renault
Oyak-Renault
Oyak Renault Otomobil Fabrikaları A.Ş. is a Turkish automotive manufacturer located in Bursa. It is co-owned by Oyak and Renault. Oyak owns 49% and Renault owns 51% of the company....
plant in Bursa, Turkey, where production started in 1999. Worldwide, it was also built since 2000 in Argentina at the plant in Santa Isabel, Córdoba, in Brazil at the Ayrton Senna complex in Sao José dos Pinhais
São José dos Pinhais
São José dos Pinhais is a city in Paraná, Brazil. It is located at around . It is a part of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. St. Joseph of the Pines is a municipality in the state of Paraná, located in the Greater Curitiba. It is located at 25 ° 32'05 "south latitude and 49 º 12'23" west...
, near Curitiba
Curitiba
Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to...
, and since 2001 in Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
by SOFASA
Sofasa
Sofasa is an automobile company in Colombia that assembles imported Renault, Toyota and Delta Daihatsu vehicles. The company then exports to the Andean Community of Nations and supplies the national market of automobiles in Colombia....
. In 2002, it began assembly in Mexico, rebadged
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
as Nissan Platina, at the Nissan Mexicana plant in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
The city of Aguascalientes is the capital of the state of Aguascalientes in western central Mexico. It stands on the banks of the Río Aguascalientes, 1880 meters above sea level, at...
. For a short time, between the end of 2002 and 2004, it was also assembled in Russia by Avtoframos
Avtoframos
Avtoframos is a Russian automotive company, a joint venture with Renault and the government of Moscow, headquartered in Moscow...
.
At the beginning it was available with only two engine options in Europe: a 1.4 liter 8-valve (75 hp; 56kW) and a 1.4 liter 16-valve (98 hp; 73 kW), both of them with multi-point fuel injection. In Argentina it was manufactured with a 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol (100 hp; 74kW) engine and a 1.9 liter diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
(65 hp; non-turbo), in Colombia with the 1.4 liter 8-valve, and in Brazil either with the 1.6 liter 16-valve or with a 1.0 16-valve petrol (70 hp; 52 kW). Initial trim designations were RN (RNA) and RT (RTE), but later they received names of their own: Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Alizé, Privilège etc.
It was facelifted in March 2002, gaining the new front end of the hatchback Clio, black moldings on the bumpers, slightly revised interior (electric window buttons moved from the central console onto the doors, the steering wheel got a new design) and improved safety levels. New engines were also added: a 1.2 liter engine (75 hp; 54 kW), a 1.5 liter dCi
DCI
-Technology:* D-chiro-inositol, an isomer of inositol* Data, Context, and Interaction, an architectural pattern in computer software development* Direct Count & Intersect, an algorithm for discovering frequent sets in large databases...
(75 hp; 56 kW) and the 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol (107 hp; 80 kW) in Europe, which was only available with the Dynamique trim level. Throughout the following years, two other versions of the 1.5 dCi engine were included in the range: one of 70 hp (51.5 kW) and one of 80 hp (58.9 kW). An automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
version was added, but for with the 1.4 16-valve versions.
The new front end was adopted in South America from 2003. In Brazil two engines were adapted to run with flexible-fuel: the 1.0 liter 16-valve (76 hp on petrol, 77 hp on alcohol) and the 1.6 liter 16-valve (110 hp on petrol, 115 hp on alcohol); while in Argentina a CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
version was introduced towards the end of the year.
The Nissan Platina was available only with the 1.6 liter 16-valve petrol engine (110 hp; 82 kW). It had four trim levels, baptized Grado Q, Grado K, Grado K plus and Grado A, the same as the top cards in a playing deck
Playing card
A playing card is a piece of specially prepared heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blend, or thin plastic, marked with distinguishing motifs and used as one of a set for playing card games...
. From the 2008 model year, they changed to Custom, Emotion, Premium and Premium A. It was sold with either with a manual gearbox or with an automatic one with overdrive
Overdrive (mechanics)
Overdrive is a term used to describe a mechanism that allows an automobile to cruise at sustained speed with reduced engine RPM, leading to better fuel economy, lower noise and lower wear...
system.
In the first half of 2005, minor changes were done to the Renault models. These included clear tail lights and side repeaters, a slightly modified grille and some of the display units passing form analogue to digital.
In the beginning of 2006, an improved version of the sedan was offered in Argentina and Brazil, and from fall in Europe. At the exterior, it now had body colored bumpers, without moldings and regardless of the trim level. The shape of the grille was revised and the boot got a new handle with the Renault logo integrated, similar to the one used on Laguna
Renault Laguna
The Renault Laguna is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. The first Laguna was launched in 1993, the second generation was launched in 2000, and the third generation was made available for sale in October 2007....
, as well as the new styling of the Renault word. Four new colors were made available and two distinctive new rim designs. For the European model and the Platina, the interior was upgraded to the one used in the facelifted Clio II, with very minor parts commonality with Megane II
Renault Mégane
The Renault Mégane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, saloon, coupé, convertible and estate bodystyles...
, as well as new standard and optional equipment, such as automatic air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
and a CD player.
This model was offered in three equipment levels: Authentique, Expression and Dynamique.
Expression included driver airbag, air conditioning, trip computer, electric mirrors, electric front windows, CD-player and height adjustable steering wheel. Dynamique added passenger airbag, ABS, rear electric windows, body colored door handles and alloy rims, although the ABS and passenger airbag were optionals that could be added to the lower levels too. Automatic air conditioning was available as an extra feature.
It scored 12 points out of 16 in a frontal crash test conducted by the Russian magazine Autoreview in 2002, which was considered equivalent to the result scored by the hatchback version in the Euro NCAP testing. Over 600,000 units were sold worldwide since the release of this model.
Second generation (2008–present)
The second generation uses the running gear of the previous generation car and has a different design than the third generation Clio, although an estate version has been developed from the hatchback in 2007. The Clio name was dropped in favor to just Symbol, or Thalia in those markets where this name was used on the previous generation. It was revealed for the first time in August 2008 at the Moscow International Motor ShowMoscow International Motor Show
The Moscow International Motor Show or MIMS is the annual autoshow in Moscow, Russia.- History :The first motor show occurred in Moscow in 1992 at "Krasnay Presnya" ExpoCenter.From 2008, the motor show is situated at Crocus Expo.-2010:...
and went on sale between September and November. The second generation car is longer than the previous by 7 cm (2.8 in) and has a boot capacity of 506 litres (17.9 cu ft).
The new Symbol was designed jointly by Renault's engineering teams in France, Turkey and Romania, for countries in the Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey, North Africa and as well the Gulf States. The place of manufacture is the Oyak-Renault
Oyak-Renault
Oyak Renault Otomobil Fabrikaları A.Ş. is a Turkish automotive manufacturer located in Bursa. It is co-owned by Oyak and Renault. Oyak owns 49% and Renault owns 51% of the company....
plant in Bursa, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, and from 2009 it is also built in Santa Isabel
Santa Isabel
Santa Isabel is the Spanish and Portuguese name of one of two Roman Catholic saints, Saint Isabel of France and Saint Isabel of Aragon. Various places have been named for either of such persons. These include: Argentina:...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
for the South American market. Development of the project, codenamed L35, took 26 months.
It is available in three equipment levels: Authentique, Expression and Privilège. Features included by Authentique are driver airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
, rev-counter
Tachometer
A tachometer is an instrument measuring the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other machine. The device usually displays the revolutions per minute on a calibrated analogue dial, but digital displays are increasingly common...
or body-colored front and rear bumpers. Expression adds hydraulic power steering, trip computer
Trip computer
A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information...
, electric front windows, height adjustable steering wheel and front seats, folding rear bench seat, rear headrests and body-colored mirrors and electric central locking with remote control. Privilège adds electric mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel, foglamps, rear electric windows and radio-CD player
Compact disc player
A Compact Disc player , or CD player, is an electronic device that plays audio Compact Discs. CD players are often a part of home stereo systems, car audio systems, and personal computers. They are also manufactured as portable devices...
with MP3 playback.
In terms of safety, the new Symbol offers driver airbag, passenger airbag, two lateral airbags (depending on version), anti-lock braking system
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD), anti-intrusion strengthening in front and rear doors, height-adjustable front seatbelts, power steering and rear parking sensors
Parking sensors
Parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles which can alert the driver to unseen obstacles during parking manoeuvres.Parking sensors generally fall into two categories.1. Electromagnetic parking sensors...
.
The Turkish Police uses Renault Symbol cars.
Engines
According to Renault, the engines used on this model are of the latest generation at the date of release.| Engine | Code | Type | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–100 km/h | Consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 L (1149 cc) | D4F 728 | 16-valve I4 | 75 PS | 105 newton metre | 167 km/h (104 mph) | 13.0 s | 5.9 l/100 km | 140 g/km |
| 1.4 L (1390 cc) | K7J 700 | 8-valve I4 | 75 PS | 114 newton metre | 170 km/h (106 mph) | 12.5 s | 7.1 l/100 km | 168 g/km |
| 1.4 L (1390 cc) | K7J 712 | 16-valve I4 | 98 PS | 127 newton metre | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 11.5 s | 7.0 l/100 km | 165 g/km |
| 1.4 L (1390 cc) | K7J 713 | 16-valve I4 | 98 PS | 127 newton metre | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 13.9 s | 7.3 l/100 km | 174 g/km |
| 1.5 L (1461 cc) | K9K 700 | 8-valve dCi DCI -Technology:* D-chiro-inositol, an isomer of inositol* Data, Context, and Interaction, an architectural pattern in computer software development* Direct Count & Intersect, an algorithm for discovering frequent sets in large databases... I4 |
64 PS | 160 newton metre | 160 km/h (99 mph) | 15.2 s | 4.7 l/100 km | 126 g/km |
| 1.5 L (1461 cc) | K9K 740 | 8-valve dCi DCI -Technology:* D-chiro-inositol, an isomer of inositol* Data, Context, and Interaction, an architectural pattern in computer software development* Direct Count & Intersect, an algorithm for discovering frequent sets in large databases... I4 |
65 PS | 160 newton metre | 160 km/h (99 mph) | 16.5 s | 4.5 l/100 km | 118 g/km |
| 1.5 L (1461 cc) | K9K 718 | 8-valve dCi DCI -Technology:* D-chiro-inositol, an isomer of inositol* Data, Context, and Interaction, an architectural pattern in computer software development* Direct Count & Intersect, an algorithm for discovering frequent sets in large databases... I4 |
84 PS | 200 newton metre | 177 km/h (110 mph) | 12.3 s | 4.3 l/100 km | 116 g/km |
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K7M Hi-Flex | 8-valve I4 | 95 PS | 138 newton metre | 174 km/h (108 mph) | 11.5 s | ||
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K4M 745 | 16-valve I4 | 105 PS | 148 newton metre | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 11.9 s | 7.6 l/100 km | 180 g/km |
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K4M Hi-Flex | 16-valve I4 | 115 PS | 157 newton metre |
External links
- Renault Symbol / Thalia official website at Renault.com