Renault is making getting in and out of its New Clio easier for Europeans with the introduction of Europe’s first original equipment swivel seat. Comprising a swivel base located beneath the original front passenger seat the optional swivel seat turns through 75 degrees at the pull of a lever situated underneath it. The seat locks automatically into place to ensure the passenger isn’t doing the twist as the vehicle is being driven.
Part of the company's Mobility for All campaign, the factory fitted seat is a fully integrated part of the New Clio’s cabin and has no impact on the car’s structure, styling, comfort or safety when compared to vehicle’s that don’t opt for the swivel seat. The seat also comes with a footrest that can be lifted and folded away into the seat’s base when the car is moving. It is designed to seat passengers of up to 130kg.
Due for release in June the swivel seat will initially be available in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland this year, with availability extending to other markets and other models from the Renault range at a later date.
The swivel seat is available as an option for the three- and five-door versions of the New Clio’s Expression Clim and Dynamique Tom Tom equipment levels at a tax-paid price of 1,600 euro (approx. US$2,140), which Renault says is significantly cheaper that an equivalent product from an after-sales conversion.
I think it is a GREAT idea! ...But it is NOT a \"NEW\" idea...
Floyd
The last 10 years or so it\'s been named Grand Espace, which is a totally re engineered model by Renault themselves, made in-house. This is a heavy stupid steel car like all others. Just another worthless minivan. The racing legendary Matra works were closed down recently. The Espace\'s fabulous handling is gone, along with its agility, rust resilience and special personality. Well, innovative artistry is once again consumed by the greedy who don\'t understand that it\'s stupid to eat the goose that lays the golden eggs. Life goes on, and hey, they now use the swivel seat again!