Renault has today revealed the first official photographs of the new fourth-generation Clio ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut.
Since the original model went on sale in 1990, Renault has sold over 11 million Clios in more than 115 countries. In recent years UK sales have dropped significantly and Renault will be hoping that the new Clio can capture the success of the earlier models.
The new Clio will be sold as a five-door hatchback model only -- Renault has ditched the three-door and estate models -- and is significantly larger than the car it replaces.
Renault has completely redesigned the car's exterior, borrowing styling cues from the DeZir concept car. The new Clio features a gloss black grille and a chrome finish on the underside of its headlights. Renault has also pulled the old trick of concealing the car's rear door handles in the rear quarter-lights. The new Clio looks more muscular and focussed than its predecessor thanks to a lower ride height and a wider track.
On the inside, the Clio looks altogether more grown up than before. The new dashboard has apparently been styled to resemble an aeroplane wing, and a digital speedometer and gloss black trim highlights will come as standard. Buyers will also be able to customise their cars' interiors with a choice of colour options for the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, gear lever, grab handles and floor mats.
Renault has yet to confirm the entire engine range for the new Clio but we can tell you that it will be available with a 3-cylinder 900cc petrol engine developing 90bhp and returning tax-busting CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Also on offer will be a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 90bhp and a 1.2-litre four-pot petrol developing 120bhp. Depending on the engine chosen, buyers will have a choice of manual and six-speed EDC automatic gearboxes.
Models from Dynamique trim upwards will be fitted as standard with 'Driving eco2', an advanced driving function which analyses the driver's behaviour and provides tips on reducing fuel consumption. A seven-inch touchscreen will also come as standard and buyers will be able to purchase apps from Renault's R-Link store.
There is no word yet on pricing but expect the Clio to cost from around £11,000 when it goes on sale in the UK early next year.
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