Renault has taken the wraps off its all-new Clio ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The fifth-generation of the popular supermini may not deviate too far from its predecessors in appearance but it’s completely new from the ground up.
Indeed, underneath the skin, a wealth of changes have taken place to make the new Clio more practical, more refined and more luxurious than ever before.
Although shortened by 14mm, the hatch boasts an increased boot capacity — now up to a class leading 391 litres from 300 with all seats in place — thanks to a repackaged sound system that no longer encroaches on load space. A height-adjustable boot floor is available, too.
If the outside looks familiar, inside is where the big visual changes have taken place.
There are now not one but two displays – a 9.3in touchscreen for infotaiment and a digital display behind the steering wheel in place of the traditional analogue dials. This varies from seven to 10 inches depending on the spec level of the car.
New seats are designed to improve rear visibility and a give a better sense of space for passengers in the back.
Buyers will be able to personalise the interior of their car by choosing from eight design schemes, which change the colour of the centre console, door panels, steering wheel and armrests. Ambient lighting with eight different colours is also available.
There’s also a new range-topping trim level for the Clio called RS-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, in a similar vein to Ford’s ST-Line and BMW’s M Sport.
Renault hasn’t yet revealed details of the Clio’s engine range but has confirmed a hybrid will be offered. This is likely to be a mild hybrid, with a diesel engine supplemented by a small electric motor.
The new Clio will go on sale in the autumn and prices are likely to start around £14,000.