Quote: Originally posted by Tomclio182 on 15 September 2004
this week.
Good shots.
Good shots maybe, but not a good looking car!
Bushwhacked! Next Clio Falls Into Our Trap
Exclusive first pictures in this weeks mag reveal Renaults next-generation Clio. And our spies caught it undisguised from a secret hide-out in the roadside bushes!
This is the third evolution of the popular hatch, and in terms of sales it will be the most important model in the line-up. Every part of the car has been revised, and its clear to see from the mags pictures that inspiration has come from the Mégane, Modus and Vel Satis. The most striking design feature is at the back, with a vertical crease running down the centre of the tailgate.
The new model goes on sale late next year - and according to insiders, it cant arrive in showrooms soon enough. Thats because the current machine is based on a platform that can be traced back to 1998. While the Clio remains a force to be reckoned with, a new line-up of superminis is being readied by Renaults competitors that looks sure to increase the pressure on the existing model. These include the forthcoming Peugeot 207 and next-generation
Vauxhall Corsa, both due in 2005.
To ensure the newcomer has what it takes to tempt buyers, it will not only be larger than the current car, but also offer greater refinement and luxury. It will share its platform and some technology with the Nissan Micra, so customers can expect keyless entry and starting, as well as rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. Options will include air-con and satellite-navigation.
Both three and five-door versions will be offered at launch. Renault is also expected to develop a saloon and a five-seater mini-MPV based on the Ellypse concept from 2002s Paris Motor Show.
A new engine line-up is being developed, too, including 75bhp 1.2, 98bhp 1.4 and 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol powerplants. Diesel fans will have a choice of 68bhp, 82bhp and 100bhp evolutions of the companys 1.5-litre dCi unit.
Safety is likely to be a top priority on the Clio; anything less than a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating would be seen as a failure by Renault bosses.
Dan Strong