It wasn’t simply the Germans that launched necessary new fashions at this yr’s IAA Mobility present (in any other case generally known as the Munich Motor Present), because the French additionally had one thing substantial to point out. Say whats up to the sixth-generation Renault Clio, the most recent chapter in a nameplate that has existed since 1990.
Throughout 5 generations, practically 17 million of the Clio have been offered in 120 nations alongside the world, together with ours up to now. A steady fixture on the prime portion of European gross sales charts, the Clio is a vital mannequin for Renault, and the corporate is trying to hold it on the minds of consumers with an entire redesign.
Constructed on an up to date CMF-B platform, the brand new Clio is a bigger car than earlier than, measuring in at 4,116 mm lengthy (+67 mm), 1,768 mm extensive (+39 mm), 1,451 mm tall (+11 mm) and with a wheelbase of two,591 mm (+8 mm).
It additionally boasts a extra expressive design in comparison with its predecessor, with the corporate saying it follows on from the Embleme idea that made its debut final October. Wanting visually aggressive, the Clio’s entrance finish options angular headlamps flanking a hexagonal-shaped grille, whereas the decrease apron has “parentheses” daytime operating lights framing black panels and the decrease consumption. All of the air inlets have an insert with small diamond shapes, a nod to the Renault emblem.
Seen from the facet, you’ll discover the extra streamlined silhouette and revised proportions, the latter together with an extended bonnet. In the meantime, the facet home windows type a convex form ending at C-pillars that look deceptively skinny, as solely a small part is physique colored, with black trim and the Clio’s acquainted hid door handles finishing the look. Whereas this can be a hatchback, Renault noticed it match to present the Clio black wheel arches for extra visible presence.
As for the rear, it will get a steeply-raked windscreen and sculpted bonnet, accompanied by 4 hexagonal-shaped taillights, roof spoiler and a particular line operating throughout a recessed part for the quantity plate.
The design overhaul continues on the within, with the Clio sporting a dual-tier dashboard that sees the nook air vents and twin 10.1-inch shows that type a “light V” sit on the higher degree. Beneath the centre OpenR Hyperlink infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, the central air vents and local weather controls are angled in the direction of the driving force.
Additional down after clean plastic trim are the USB-C charging ports and a wi-fi charging pad, whereas the centre console is dwelling to cupholders with a folding lid in addition to the digital parking brake and armrest storage. Renault additionally touts a compact steering wheel taking from increased phase fashions, and that the 48-colour ambient lighting extends to the door playing cards. A Harman Kardon audio system is out there together with a spread of inside colors, all depending on the chosen trim degree.
Consumers will get to select from Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine trims, all outfitted with adaptive cruise management and autonomous emergency braking. Larger-end choices include as a lot as 29 capabilities, together with the brand new Energetic Driver Help first seen within the Renault 5, entrance and rear detection and emergency trajectory correction, automated emergency braking in reverse, secure exit alert for occupants and emergency cease help.
By way of powertrains, the Clio’s flagship choice is a brand new full hybrid E-Tech system that sees 160 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Introduced again in Could this yr, the system comes from Horse Powertrain, which is a Geely-Renault three way partnership, and relies round a 1.8 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine operating on the Atkinson cycle.
That is paired with a bigger 1.4-kWh battery, a four-speed hybrid automated transmission and two electrical motors (a traction motor and a starter-generator) for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds and gas consumption as little as 3.9 litres per 100 km.
Remaining powertrains are a 1.2 litre turbocharged inline-three with 115 PS and 190 Nm, mated to both a six-speed handbook or choices dual-clutch EDC gearbox, plus a dual-fuel petrol-LPG engine (additionally with 1.2 litres displacement and three cylinders) that makes 120 PS and 200 Nm and is EDC solely. Each non-hybrid choices share the identical century dash time of 10.1 seconds. Experiences point out this era of the Clio is the primary to not be supplied with a diesel engine.
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