The all-new Renault Clio has been unveiled ahead of the Geneva motor show, featuring an evolutionary design and a push to take the model more upmarket.
The new model inherits most of the visual style of its predecessor, but updates it with a face more in line with the rest of the Renault passenger car range.
A larger grille features more prominently, along with C-shaped LED headlights similar to those on the Megane. Rear door handles hidden in the window frame aim to give the car a sleeker appearance, while new tail lights repeat the C-shape graphic used at the front of the car.
It may look very same-again, but a raft of changes under the skin aims to make the new Clio more practical, more refined and more luxurious than ever before.
Although very slightly shorter than the old model, the new Clio boasts a substantially increased boot capacity — now up to 391 litres from 300 in the old car — courtesy of a repackaged sound system that no longer steals valuable luggage space.
Bold new digital interior
The biggest visible changes, however, are all inside the overhauled cabin, where two new displays are present. The first is a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that plays host to a newly-developed Easy Link system.
The second is a TFT unit in front of the driver, which replaces traditional dials and gauges. Ranging from seven to ten inches depending on how the car is specified, this screen is also capable of displaying navigation information.
A segmented dashboard design uses better quality materials than the old Clio, and has several personalisation options to give owners more opportunity to express themselves. New seats are designed to improve rear visibility and a give a better sense of space for passengers in the back, while a higher centre console and shorter gear level have been brought into the package.
There’s also a new range-topping trim level for the Clio — R.S. Line. Capitalising on the Renault Sport brand, this new grade replaces GT-Line in the range and aims to bring a sportier edge to the Clio — much like the similar Ford ST-Line and BMW M Sport specifications.
Full specifications are due to be revealed at a later date, but Renault has said that the new R.S. Line trim will be easy to spot thanks to a honeycomb grille, 17-inch wheels and racier interior features.
There’s no word yet on powertrains for the fifth-generation Clio, but expect it to continue to offer a range of small petrol units. Renault has confirmed that a hybrid model will be coming at some point the future, but has not yet provided any further details.
Full UK pricing and specifications are likely to follow the new Renault Clio’s public debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
