Renault dealers have started today to provide a five-year warranty as standard on all its new cars registered from December 18.

And the French brand has extended the cover to any of the latest generation Clio, regardless of the registration date.

Renault said this will further boost the appeal of Renault ownership.

The five-year warranty applies to both retail and fleet customers and features an unlimited mileage limit in the first two years and up to 100,000 miles in the remaining three, and includes its electric cars.

The brand said the decision to lengthen the warranty coincides with the completion of a completely reinvigorated line-up of small cars, now that new Captur has been launched.

Vincent Tourette, managing director of Renault UK said: “I am proud that Groupe Renault UK is introducing our new five-year warranty. Renault is deeply committed to the quality and reliability of its products and this extended cover reinforces the confidence that both we and our customers have in our vehicles.

“Coming directly after the launch of All-New Clio, All-New Captur and New ZOE, this introduction arrives at an exciting new chapter for our brand.”

As before, all new Renault models will be backed by a three-year roadside assistance package with a 100,000 mile limit for Z.E. vehicles and New Koleos, and a 60,000 mile limit for all other models.

Renault had previously provided a four-year warranty, while Hyundai and Toyota offer five-years and Kia's warranty extends to seven years.

Vauxhall had offered a 'lifetime' warranty but abandoned this in 2014 after it found it was costly and ineffective.