Dependability, innovation and value are the common factors in victory for two Groupe Renault models at the 2020 Business Car Awards.
The new Renault Clio, now in its fifth generation in a story spanning more than 30 years, was launched a year ago and has all the ingredients to ensure it stands out in the UK’s fiercely competitive small car sector.
Strong on safety, as you would expect, the new Clio’s simplified range and high equipment levels ensure it delivers on style and value, while its choice of fuel-efficient engines and highly competitive pricing makes it a compelling choice when it comes to total cost of ownership.
The new Clio has been picking up a number of consumer magazine awards throughout the year, so winning the praise of fleet publications such as Business Car is testament to the broad appeal of the model.
Its choice of SCe and TCe petrol engines as well as dCi engine options were enough to persuade judges that the model was an excellent choice for business users, and since its victory a new E-Tech petrol-electric full-hybrid derivative is set to offer further reductions in CO2 emissions (from 98g/km).
Meanwhile, since its launch in 2013, Groupe Renault’s Dacia brand has been all about delivering value for money with capable, honest compact cars, and with the Duster – a surprisingly sophisticated model despite delivering for cost-conscious users – Dacia won the Best Budget Car of 2020 category. The Duster offers a combination of rugged SUV styling and a choice of grades that clearly positions models against budgets, while there is also great depth to the range.
Offering customers a choice of petrol or diesel, front or four-wheel drive, there is a Duster model that meets most needs when dependable transport is vital and running costs are critical. The range became available with Bi-Fuel options for 2020, giving customers the choice of running on LPG or petrol, and the potential to make even greater savings. For a modest premium of £400 drivers are able to refuel with LPG every time, with pump prices typically just 60% of those for unleaded petrol. It means the premium for the conversion can pay for itself within a few thousand miles..
Groupe Renault was also Highly Commended in the Most Improved Manufacturer category, with judges recognising the efforts made by the fleet team in the past 12 months to make the brand easier to do business with, as well as in helping customers adapt quickly and effectively to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mark Dickens, fleet director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We’re delighted to accept these awards and they’re a perfect illustration of how suitable our vehicles are for business users.
“Our Highly Commended status in the Most Improved Manufacturer category underlines how we strive to complement our broad range of cars and light commercial vehicles with an equally high level of service.
“Especially pleasing is that it recognises our efforts to help our customers literally keep moving during the pandemic.”
