Details of Cars

Renault Symbol: the Clio saloon for saloon markets

RENAULT

Renault Symbol
A Renault Symbol at Esch-sur-Alzette. Photo by crash71100, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Renault Symbol, called Clio or Thalia in some markets, is a subcompact sedan introduced in late 1999 under the Clio Symbol name as a derivative of the second-generation Renault Clio. Unlike the hatchback it was sold only where saloons were traditionally preferred.

Renault Symbol at a glance

Renault Symbol key facts
Maker Renault; built in Turkey and elsewhere
Introduced late 1999 as the Clio Symbol
Class subcompact saloon
First generation derivative of the Clio II
Second generation new design on the first-generation platform
Third generation late 2012, based on the Dacia Logan II
Other names Thalia, Clio Symbol
Key markets Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia, Tunisia

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Symbol.

History of the Renault Symbol

The Clio Symbol

In late 1999 the Clio Symbol began production in Turkey as the saloon version of the Clio II and was then launched in other markets. It was not sold in western Europe, although it was available in France’s overseas departments, and it was aimed at countries where saloons traditionally outsell hatchbacks.

Renault Symbol rear
Rear view of the same Renault Symbol. Photo by crash71100, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Second and third generations

The second generation had a different design from the third-generation Clio and was built on the first-generation platform, which was itself based on the Clio II. A third generation was introduced in late 2012 as a derivative of the second-generation Dacia Logan.

Where it sells

Its key markets are central and eastern Europe, Latin America, the Maghreb and the Persian Gulf states, most notably Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, Algeria, Colombia and Tunisia.

Design and features

  • Clio roots: the first generation was a Clio II with a boot.
  • Saloon markets only: not sold in western Europe outside France’s overseas departments.
  • Three generations: the latest based on the Dacia Logan II.
  • Several names: Symbol, Thalia and Clio Symbol depending on the market.

Renault Symbol versions

  • Clio Symbol (1999): the first generation, a Clio II saloon.
  • Symbol II: a new design on the first-generation platform.
  • Symbol III (2012): based on the Dacia Logan II.
  • Renault Thalia: the name used in some markets.

The Symbol is the saloon version of the Renault Clio, and its third generation shares its base with the Dacia Logan. More Renaults are in the Renault collection.

Video: First drive: 2013 Renault Symbol 1.5 dCi

Video by Direksiyonda on YouTube.

Sources

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