Geneva show: Renault uncovers all-new Clio
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 29th Jan 2019
RENAULT has revealed details of the fifth-generation Clio light hatch ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March, which include a new variant, revamped styling, a new platform and autonomous and hybrid capabilities.
The all-new Clio has undergone significant changes inside and out, starting with the new CMF-B platform developed with Alliance partner Nissan, of which the Clio is the first vehicle to adopt the new architecture.
Using the new platform means the Clio will be able to enhance its autonomous and electrified capabilities, with Renault saying the light hatch will be a “pioneer” in its push towards increasing its number of offerings with autonomous driving technology.
Renault is yet to detail exactly what autonomous features will be included on the Clio, saying it will make “driver assistance systems leading to autonomous driving widely available on a city car”.
The Clio will also be the first of 12 Renault models to be offered with electrified powertrains by 2022, in the form of the E-Tech hybrid engine – however no details on the engine’s exact set-up, displacement or output have been given.
Sitting on the new platform, the Clio is 14mm shorter than the outgoing version but with greater interior space, while the body has been lowered by up to 30mm for a more athletic stance.
Boot space has increased from 300 litres to 391L, which the car-maker claims is the roomiest in the segment, while the rear seats are able to fold completely flat.
From the outside, the Clio sports a new face including a larger grille, more pronounced front bumper and new LED headlights featuring the signature C-shaped signature, which are standard across the range.
The front wheelarches feature air deflectors to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy, while at the rear the new Clio gains a wider look with more expressive tail-lights in a C-shape design and chrome-plated lines that follow on from the side window surrounds.
Several new paint colours are available including Valencia Orange, Vision Brown and Celadon Blue, while rims up to 17 inches will be offered.
Inside, the Clio has been largely overhauled with a focus on material quality and ergonomics, and is dominated by the new, portrait-style 9.3-inch touchscreen projecting Renault’s new Easy Link multimedia interface. A Bose audio system is also offered.
The instrument cluster also swaps out the old analogue cluster for a digital display measuring either 7.0 or 10.0 inches in size, with the larger version also able to project GPS navigation.
Renault has redesigned the Clio’s steering wheel to be more ergonomic in the hands and features backlit buttons and a smaller circumference thanks to a more compact airbag.
Support from the new seats is enhanced with a longer seat base and more fitted shape, while the thinner seat backs provide extra legroom for rear passengers.
The centre console sits higher to give the driver a snugger feel and features a shorter gear lever and wireless smartphone charging.
A number of different design schemes will be available for different parts of the interior, while a range of customisation packs will be available with eight different design schemes.
A new model grade, named RS Line, will be made available for the first time, which will replace the existing GT-Line variant seen on other Renault models.
In the new Clio, it will feature sporty touches such as a honeycomb grille, an F1 blade, 17-inch rims and a sportier rear end.
Further details on the Clio including powertrains, local timing and specification will be made available in coming months.
