The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Unveiled Renault Clio
NO, YOUR eyes are not deceiving you – this is, in fact, the all-new Renault Clio which, at a first glance, looks more evolutionary than revolutionary. The French firm will be the first to say the new version of the hatchback inherits visual traits from its predecessor, but brings with it a face more in line with the rest of the manufacturer’s current range of offerings.
A larger grille heads up the car along with new c-shaped LED headlights, while window-mounted rear door handles aim to give the car a sleeker appearance. At the rear, newly-shaped taillights are present along with a longer and thinner brake light at the top of the window.
It may look very similar, but underneath the skin, a raft of changes have been made to make this 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 391 litres from 300 with all seats in place -–thanks to a repackaged sound system that no longer encroaches on load space.
The real changes come in the form of an overhauled cabin, though. Two new displays are present: The first, a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen which plays host to a
newly-developed Easy Link system, while traditional dials and gauges in front of the driver have been replaced with a TFT unit.
There’s also a new range-topping trim level: the R.S. Line. Capitalising on the Renault Sport brand, this new GT-Line in the range and aims to bring a sportier edge Full specifications are due to be revealed at a later date but Renault has said this new trim brings a honeycomb grille, 17-inch wheels and racier interior features.
There’s no word yet on powertrains but expect it to use a range of low-capacity petrol units. Renault has also confirmed a hybrid model will be coming in the future.