The all-new Clio i looks familiar...
Ah yes, it’s just like the last one. Big changes inside, though
Here’s the outside of the new Renault Clio. It’s, erm, well, it’s pretty similar to the old Clio, really. Nothing wrong with that, says Renault, because the last Clio was the best-selling car in all of Europe in this hotly fought sector.
This new one is 14mm shorter and 30mm lower than before, but that its chassis unlocks more space inside. You can daub its body in 10 different colours (but not all on one car). All-LED headlights are standard. Not a single panel is shared with its predecessor, incredibly.
Inside, there is a 9.3in curved multimedia tablet, and a Renault attached to it. Look at that tablet! It’s massive! We’re told it is inspired by the one on the Espace, that it “visually enlarges the dashboard”, and is subtly tilted towards the driver. It’s basically IMAX for your Clio.
Sweep along to the driver’s eyeline, and you’ll spot a brand-new digital screen – à la Audi virtual cockpit – that replaces the analogue display. You can spec it in either seven- or 10-inch versions, the latter showing off the satnav too.
Elsewhere, emphasis has been placed on better-quality materials – soft coatings on the dashboard, door panels and centre console, for example – along with freeing up more space for things. There are seats, too! More supportive apparently. Plus, a steering wheel! The driving position was set as a priority, we’re told.
Keeping hopes of a hot hatch version alive is the ‘RS Line’ Clio – basically a bodykitted version aiming to fight the Fiesta ST-line and VW Polo R-line. It adds new grilles, bumpers and 17-inch wheels, plus aluminium pedals and carbon-effect trim inside.