Renault Symbol
| Company type | Subcompact sedan |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Bursa , Turkey |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Renault Symbol, which is also marketed as the Clio or Thalia depending on the region, is a subcompact sedan manufactured by the French company Renault. Introduced at the end of 1999 under the name Clio Symbol, this model was a sedan adaptation of the second-generation Renault Clio, designed primarily for markets where saloon cars are preferred over hatchbacks.[1] The second generation retained the platform from the first-generation Clio but featured a unique design. The third generation, launched in late 2012, was developed on the second-generation Dacia Logan platform.
Its principal markets encompass Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Maghreb, and the Persian Gulf states, including countries such as Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia, and Tunisia.[2]
First generation (Clio Symbol; 1999)
Manufacturing commenced in late 1999 at the Oyak-Renault facility located in Bursa, Turkey,[3] with various market-specific names: in Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia it was called Clio Symbol; in Central and Southeastern Europe it was marketed as Thalia; in Latin America it appeared as Clio Sedan or Clio 4 Puertas; other South American countries used the name Symbol; while in the Middle East and North Africa it was known as Clio Classic.[4] This vehicle was aimed at developing markets where sedans are more popular than hatchbacks.
In Latin American countries like Chile and Mexico, a facelifted version was rebadged as the Nissan Platina, featuring front-end styling consistent with Nissan’s design language.[5] Compared to the hatchback, this sedan is longer by and provides a boot volume of .
Production expanded to include Brazil (São José dos Pinhais) starting in 2000,[6] Colombia (Envigado) from 2001,[7] Mexico (Aguascalientes) beginning in 2002 under Nissan branding,[8] and briefly Russia (Avtoframos) between 2002 and 2004.[9] The Nissan Platina ceased production following the 2010 model year,[10] succeeded by the Nissan March.
Initially, European versions were equipped with either a 1.4L 8-valve engine producing 75 hp or a 1.4L 16-valve engine delivering 98 hp; both featured multi-point fuel injection.[11] Other regions had different powertrains: Argentina offered a 1.6L petrol engine rated at 100 hp and a naturally aspirated 1.9L diesel producing 65 hp; Colombia utilized a 1.4L petrol engine; while Brazil provided choices between a 1.6L or a smaller 1.0L petrol engine.[12]
Trim configurations evolved from simple RN/RT options to named versions such as Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Alizé, and Privilège.
Facelifts
In March 2002, the model underwent a facelift that introduced the front fascia from the Clio hatchback, black bumper moldings, an updated cabin with relocated electric window switches and a redesigned steering wheel, along with improved safety features. New engine options included a 1.5-litre dCi diesel initially rated at 65 hp (later upgraded to versions delivering 70 hp and 80 hp) and a European-market exclusive 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine producing 105 hp available with the Dynamique trim. Early 2006 saw the addition of a 1.2-litre 16-valve engine generating 75 hp. Automatic transmission was only available paired with the 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol unit.
From 2003 onwards, South American variants adopted this refreshed front-end design. In Brazil, two flex-fuel engines were introduced: a 1.0-litre 16-valve unit producing either 76 hp on petrol or 77 hp on alcohol, and a more powerful 1.6-litre 16-valve engine delivering 110 hp on petrol or 115 hp on alcohol. Argentina added a compressed natural gas (CNG) option by year-end. The interior for South American models remained unchanged from before the facelift. Colombia introduced an automatic transmission option for the Symbol Expression trim in 2004 and updated its interior in 2008; these updates differed from European versions regarding window control placement, seating materials, and audio systems. Trim levels included Alizé, offering electric front windows and driver airbag, and Expression, which added electric mirrors, passenger airbag, ABS brakes, and fog lamps. By 2008, the earlier 1.4-litre engine was replaced by a larger-capacity 1.6-litre petrol engine.
The Nissan Platina was exclusively powered by a single engine choice: a 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol unit rated at 110 hp. Initially available in four trims named Grado Q, Grado K, Grado K plus, and Grado A, these were later renamed to Custom, Emotion, Premium, and Premium A. Both manual and automatic transmissions with overdrive were offered.
Minor revisions introduced in early 2005 included clear lens tail lights, side indicator repeaters, a revised grille design, and updated digital instrument displays.
By early 2006, an enhanced sedan variant launched across Argentina, Brazil, and Europe featuring body-colored bumpers without protective moldings on all trims; redesigned grille shape; an integrated Renault emblem on the boot handle; new paint colors; plus two new wheel designs. The European model alongside the Platina received an upgraded interior taken from the facelifted Clio II that shared minimal parts with Mégane II but introduced new standard and optional amenities such as automatic climate control and CD players.
Three equipment grades were made available: Authentique, Expression, and Dynamique. The Expression trim came equipped with driver airbag, air conditioning system, trip computer, electric mirrors and front windows controls, CD player, and adjustable steering wheel height. The top-level Dynamique added passenger airbag, ABS brakes, electric rear windows controls, body-colored door handles, and alloy wheels; ABS and passenger airbags could be optionally added to lower trims as well. Automatic climate control was offered as an optional feature.
In a frontal crash test conducted by Russian magazine Autoreview in 2002, this model achieved a score of twelve out of sixteen points—comparable to Euro NCAP results for its hatchback counterpart. Since its launch, global sales have surpassed six hundred thousand units.
Marketing
In 2005, Renault discontinued the Thalia model in the Croatian market, substituting it with the Dacia Logan. By early 2006, the vehicle was no longer featured on Renault Croatia's official website.
Second generation (2008)
The second generation of the Symbol was introduced at the Moscow International Motor Show in August 2008. While it retained the mechanical components of its predecessor, its design diverged significantly from that of the third generation Clio. The Clio designation was replaced with either Symbol or Thalia depending on the regional naming conventions. Production commenced in August 2008, with market availability beginning between September and November.
This iteration is extended by 7 cm compared to the previous model and boasts a trunk volume of 506 liters. The development process, codenamed L35, was a collaborative effort involving Renault teams from France, Turkey, and Romania. It primarily targeted markets in Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region. The development phase lasted 26 months. Manufacturing was centered at the Oyak-Renault facility in Bursa, Turkey; from 2009 onwards, production also took place at the Santa Isabel plant in Córdoba, Argentina, which supplied South America exclusively with the 1.6-litre 16-valve engine variant.
Trim levels offered include Authentique, Expression, and Privilège. The entry-level Authentique trim provides a driver airbag, rev counter, and bumpers painted to match the body color. The Expression trim adds features such as hydraulic power steering, trip computer, electric front windows, adjustable steering wheel and seats, a foldable rear bench seat, rear headrests, body-color mirrors, and remote central locking. The premium Privilège trim further includes electric side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, rear electric windows, and a radio-CD player capable of MP3 playback.
Safety equipment comprises driver and passenger airbags with optional side airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) integrated with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), reinforced door structures to enhance intrusion resistance, height-adjustable front seatbelts, power steering assistance, and rear parking sensors.
In December 2008, this generation was honored with the "Autobest 2009" accolade by a panel of journalists representing emerging markets in Eastern and Central Europe.
Additionally, the Turkish police incorporated second generation Renault Symbol vehicles into their fleet.
Engines
At launch, Renault equipped this model with engines regarded as state-of-the-art for their time.
| Engine | Code | Configuration | Power output | Torque | Maximum speed | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) | Fuel consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 L (1149 cc) | D4F 728 | 16-valve inline-4 | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft; 11 m⋅kgf) | 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 inline-4 | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | 114 N⋅m (84 lb⋅ft; 12 m⋅kgf) | 170 km/h (106 mph) | 12.5 s | 7.1 L/100 km | 168 g/km |
| 1.4 L (1390 cc) | K4J 712 | 16-valve inline-4 | 98 PS (72 kW; 97 hp) | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft; 13 m⋅kgf) | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 11.5 s | 7.0 L/100 km | 165 g/km |
| 1.4 L (1390 cc) | K4J 713 | 16-valve inline-4 | 98 PS (72 kW; 97 hp) | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft; 13 m⋅kgf) | 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 inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | 15.2 s | 4.7 L/100 km | 126 g/km |
| 1.5 L (1461 cc) | K9K 740 | 8-valve dCi inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | 16.5 s | 4.5 L/100 km | 118 g/km |
| 1.5 L (1461 cc) | K9K 718 | 8-valve dCi inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | 12.3 s | 4.3 L/100 km | 116 g/km |
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K7M Hi-Flex | 8-valve inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | 11.5 s | ||
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K4M 745 | 16-valve inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] | 11.9 s | 7.6 L/100 km | 180 g/km |
| 1.6 L (1598 cc) | K4M Hi-Flex | 16-valve inline-4 | [convert: needs a number] | [convert: needs a number] |
Third Generation (2013)
Unveiled at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show, the third generation represents a rebranded iteration of the second generation Renault Logan. Production takes place in Bursa, Turkey, with market launches commencing in early 2013 across Turkey, Algeria, and Tunisia.
From November 2013 onward, manufacturing and sales extended to Brazil under the Renault Logan name, while in Chile the vehicle is marketed as the Renault Symbol.
In November 2014, assembly operations began utilizing CKD kits at a newly established facility in Oran, Algeria. This plant initially had an annual output capacity of 25,000 units, with potential expansion plans reaching up to 75,000 units.
The South American variant (primarily the Renault Logan), along with models for Turkey and Algeria, exhibit subtle styling distinctions—mainly in dashboard configuration and front-end design. These differences include a larger Renault emblem, unique headlight designs, and mirror-mounted turn signals.
Within Turkey, the Symbol is available with a 1.2-litre 16-valve petrol engine delivering and , or a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing and , both mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The model offers seven exterior color options and two trim levels.
In Chile, the Symbol is equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine generating and , offered in Expression, Dynamique, and Privilege trim variants.
Facelift
At the beginning of 2017, the Renault Symbol underwent a facelift introducing revised front-end styling featuring LED daytime running lights, redesigned rear trunk and taillights, along with interior upgrades such as a new three-spoke steering wheel incorporating an integrated horn. These enhancements were rolled out in Turkey and adjacent export destinations as well as Chile. A significant update was the introduction of the Dacia Easy-R automated manual transmission.
This refreshed Symbol model presents distinct styling and equipment differences compared to the Renault Logan available in other Latin American markets. Notably, this facelifted version was not launched in Mexico, resulting in Renault lacking a saloon presence there until its anticipated return in 2024.
Other Markets
Sales commenced in Iran during August 2015. By early 2017’s first quarter, the updated Symbol expanded into several Persian Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, thereby strengthening Renault’s footprint across critical Middle Eastern regions.
Sales
| Year | Brazil Sales | |
|---|---|---|
| Clio Sedan | Symbol | |
| 2003 | 12,359 | — |
| 2004 | 15,582 | — |
| 2005 | 15,837 | — |
| 2006 | 16,266 | — |
| 2007 | 12,571 | — |
| 2008 | 4,421 | — |
| 2009 | 935 | 6,442 |
| 2010 | — | 8,391 |
| 2011 | — | 6,157 |
| 2012 | — | 6,597 |
| 2013 | — | 926 |
See also
- Renault Clio, foundation for first two generations
- Dacia Logan, base model for third generation built on Renault Clio platform
- Nissan B platform, underpinning several related vehicles