The New, Posher Renault Clio Is Here And You Can Have It As An 'RS Line'
After revealing some interior images of the all-new Clio on Monday, Renault has followed up with these exterior shots. And on first glance, it doesn’t particularly look ‘all-new’ - contrasting the radically revamped, premium-look cabin, Renault seems to have opted for a more evolutionary approach for the outside.
Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily - the body of the MkIV was already handsome enough and well proportioned, and this tweaked shape looks rather smart with a Megane-ish front end.
We don’t know precisely what will be behind that new face just yet, but a range of 1.0-litre engines - both with and without turbochargers - and 1.5-litre diesel units are expected. Eventually, there will be a hybrid.
Despite the familiar look, Renault says the fifth-gen Clio is made entirely from new parts. It’s 14mm shorter than the old one, but roomier inside, thanks in part to new front seats which also hug the driver and passenger better.
As previously revealed, the physical instrument cluster has been replaced with a seven-inch display, or optionally one measuring in at 10 inches. It’s teamed up with a huge portrait-orientated central 9.3-inch infotainment unit, giving the Clio more screenage than anything else in class.
It’s 30mm lower for better aerodynamic properties and “extra athleticism”. If you want it looking even more ‘athletic’, you can go for the new RS Line trim with its ‘F1 blade’, honeycomb grille and 17-inch wheels. Inside the RS Line cars, you get sports seats, aluminium pedals, some red accents, a perforated leather steering wheel and a smattering of not carbon fibre.
All told, there are eight different interior trim designs to pick from, along with 10 body colours which can be further spruced up with one of three customisation packs. TL;Dr, you’ll have plenty of choice.
The car will be revealed in full at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and yes, there will almost certainly be a proper Renault Sport version at some stage.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Fellow Americans, interrogative: would French cars sell in the US you reckon?
…. I know I have a soft spot for them
ya no
No. It would be too niche market
But I’m not American so who asks me.
not the hatchbacks but maybe if they have a juge advertising campaign for thier suvs like the one doug demouro reviewed at extremely competive prices where they have the best bang for you buck they can be sucesfull. Then again they would need to build massive dealer connections too making thier transation here to be successful really really expensive. If they did come tho i would consider getting one
It would be nice but it would be similar to Alfa’s return to the states. A tough sell in a market of established competitors and a shrinking class
Not the hatches but the Sedans and SUVs
Ok cool but when they will make a three door RS ?
Three door hatches have been ded for like 3 years now
No one will ever do it.
They don’t sell.
Take a look at the actual Twingo, no more 3 doors. :(
Lets guess It would be the same as asking for RS with manual gearbox…
I am excited to see what they bring to the hatchback market.
If it is a more intelligent, safer and confier car for cheap, like Renault does, then it will still be one of the best selling hatches in europe for years to come.
Cant wait for their true RS too. Always loved them and always will.
PS: I am a renault fanboy, I have a mk2 1.5 dci (08) with 200k km with no problems and a mk4 1.2 tce 120 GT Line.
Dont mean to burst your bubble, i work for Renault. Renault currently do not have any intentions for an RS as they feel they do not have an engine in the pipeline that would suit that car. The 1.6 cannot pass the new stricter tests, and the want to save the new 1.8 strictly for the megane
Why does this reminds me both of an Opel Astra and a Twingo III at the same time
This has to be the best-looking subcompact on the market right now. The huge screen in the interiour is kind of unfortunate, but the exteriour styling is beautiful.