Renault unveils all-new Clio MkV 30 | 01 | 2019

    RENAULT HAS LIFTED the wraps from its all-new Clio. Scheduled to make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the car will go on-sale from Scottish dealerships in the autumn. Prices are expected to start around £14,000. (Related: Renault unveils limited Clio R.S 18)

    This is the fifth generation of the Europe’s bestselling supermini and the lasts model 100% new, with new every body panel different. But those changes — certainly externally — are an evolution of the MkIV Clio, as many buyers listed the car’s design as a primary reason for purchase.

    “The Clio is an icon, and the latest features the very best of the previous generations,”  Laurens Van den Acker, Renault’s design chief, said. “The exterior design of Clio IV won over our customers and continues to do so today, so we chose to keep that DNA while bringing modernity and elegance to the new model.

    Renault-Clio-2019-2.jpg

    “The interior has undergone a true revolution, with a considerable improvement in perceived quality, greater sophistication and technology. It is the best Clio yet.”

    Externally the new Clio retains the familiar face, but further enhanced by full LED headlights that are standard across the range. Rear door handles continue to be integrated into the C-pillars, in an attempt to give the five-door-only Clio the look of a three-door.

    Renault-Clio-2019-3.jpg

    One prominent styling change is at the rear where the MkIV’s prominent shoulders are now more neatly integrated. The sharp lines are further accentuated by a more pronounced crease on the hatchback panel.

    Around a centimetre shorter than the vehicle it replaces, the biggest improvements to new MkV Clio are to the interior. Buyers will immediately spot the increase in quality, with a number of key areas now boasting cushioned plastics.

    Renault-Clio-2019-4.jpg

    The focal point of the new cabin is the new infotainment system, which will be available in a number of sizes, depending on model and spec. The largest — angled towards the drive and also slightly curved — measures 9.3-inches which, certainly in terms of superminis, is huge.

    The dashboard of the new Clio is divided into three distinct areas: a padded upper panel, a lower section incorporating the glovebox, and a middle strip that is ripe for customisation by buyers. There’s now also a totally digital instrument display. Buyers can choose from a seven-inch or 10-inch panel.

    Renault-Clio-2019-6.jpg

    Renault’s designers should be applauded for ensuring the controls for the air-conditioning and heating remain simple rotary functions: the controls are sited at the bottom of the central dashboard stack.

    And as is now so common with major manufacturers, expect an increase in the personalisation options, with eight interior design schemes and 10 exterior colours available.

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    No engine details of the latest Clio have yet been revealed, though it’s understood the range will focus on petrol engines. That should mean an evolution of the 0.9-litre unit found in the MkIV, plus a 1.3-litre petrol. Don’t rule out Renault’s excellent 1.5dCi diesel also being included in the range.

    In complete contrast, we should also expect a hybrid, which is likely to appear in 2020. This will be powers by a 1.6-litre petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors working at different speeds. A full electric Clio appears unlikely.

    Related: Dacia confirms Duster TCe petrol prices

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    Jim McGill

     

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