After two years of “XV de France” limited editions, Renault is going a step further in 2011 with fullfledged
“XV de France” versions of Mégane (estate, hatch and coupé versions) and Clio (threedoor, five-door and estate). This move marks an even deeper commitment, mobilizing resources across the board, in design, production, marketing and sales, from the manufacturing facility through to the dealer network of 5,000 outlets. The upgrade from “limited editions” to full-fledged “versions” brings lasting enhancement to the Mégane and Clio personality. The new versions are fully integrated in the catalogue, affording greater visibility for Renault’s rugby involvement in the eyes of dealers and the public at large.
Another change in 2011 is the fact that the 15,500 vehicles with the “XV de France” badge (5,500
Méganes and 10,000 Clios) will be sold year-round in 2011, instead of the half-year run for previous limited editions. This means support for the French rugby team will run right through to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
“XV DE FRANCE” VERSIONS: CLUB ATMOSPHERE, WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL
“The 2011 ‘XV de France’ versions are very different from the limited editions of previous years,” explains Mégane product manager Raphaëlle Jarry. “As well as being true to the rugby spirit, they introduce a new angle.”
Instead of focusing solely on the game connotation, with bodywork echoing France’s blue rugby colours, we find a very smart and highly distinctive interior with a harmonious colour scheme and great attention to detail, inspired by the club atmosphere of the greatest teams.
The “XV de France” versions are based on the Dynamique equipment level for Mégane and the Dynamique TomTom level for Clio. They boast a distinctive Marron Glacé body (except for Clio Sport Tourer). This special body colour, a new addition to the existing colour range, is also featured in the interior décor. The upholstery uses a specially coated TEP fabric that gives a leather effect in the same shades, plus a tartan textile. Stitched TEP fabric, evocative of club armchairs, is also featured on the door linings. The coat of arms of the French Rugby Federation, with its cock emblem, appears on the car wings and in the passenger compartment. The “XV de France” versions come with special alloy wheels.
The orderbook opened on 1 December 2010 for Mégane and 4 January 2011 for Clio, two months
ahead of the opening whistle of the Six Nations Championship.
“XV de France” Clio
The “XV de France” version, available for Clio three-door, five-door and estate models, takes over from the Exception TomTom® version, offering the same engine choices and equipment, which includes the Carminat TomTom® Live satnav, a Radiosat Classic 80W CD MP3 Bluetooth sound system with speech recognition and audiostreaming function, automatic air conditioning, and cruise control with speed limiter. For Clio product manager Jean-Hubert Cornet, “Clio ‘XV de France’ brings further comfort and refinement enhancements to the previous Exception TomTom® version, making it stand out from the Dynamique TomTom® version”.
Standard equipment on Clio “XV de France”
All Dynamique TomTom® features, plus
- Chrome lengthwise roof rails (on Clio Sport Tourer)
- Electric rear windows
- Climate pack (automatic air conditioning and automatic lights and wipers)
- Radiosat Classic 80W CD MP3 Bluetooth sound system with RCA connector
- Cruise control with speed limiter
Interior styling
- Mahogany brown finish on central console, dashboard trim, air vents and door handles
- Burton/Tweedy upholstery in dark brown textile and TEP fabric with FFR logo embossed on front headrests, and door inserts in mahogany brown TEP fabric
- Door handles in mahogany brown
- Stitched fabric dashboard trim
Exterior styling:
- FFR arms on front wings
- Bumpers and mirrors in body colour
- Protective trims in gloss black
- Door handles in body colour
- Lyria 16” alloy wheels
- Tinted windows
“XV de France” Mégane
The “XV de France” version, available for Mégane Hatch, Coupé and Sport Tourer, takes over from the top-end Privilège equipment level, and offers the same choice of engines. Additional equipment includes the Carminat TomTom® Live satnav, front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable fold-back mirrors, and special 17” alloy wheels. For Raphaëlle Jarry, “the smart, distinctive styling of the ‘XV de France’ version rejuvenates the top end of the Mégane range, and should draw in a new clientele”.
Standard equipment on Mégane Hatch “XV de France”
All Dynamique features, plus:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Carminat TomTom® Live satnav
- Sari 17’’ alloy wheels
- Electrically adjustable fold-bock mirrors
- Front and rear mats with embroidered FFR logo
Interior styling
- Special Marron Glacé dashboard trim with FFR logo
- Marron Glacé finish for central console, air vents and door handles
- Front door inserts and central armrest in dark brown stitched TEP
- Chrome door handles
- Burton/Tweedy upholstery in dark brown textile and TEP fabric with FFR logo embossed on front headrests
- Perforated leather steering wheel with satin chrome inserts and gearshift knob in dark brown leather
Exterior styling
- FFR arms on front wings
- Bumpers and mirrors in body colour
- Protective trims in body colour
- Sari 17” alloy wheels
- Chrome trim radiator grille
