Wednesday 8th October 2003
Next Clio To Get More Va-va-voom
ow do you define va-va-room? According to Renault, you take the current-generation Clio, increase its dimensions by 10mm all-round and design a new body to fit an interior which is capable of carrying five adults in comfort.
Thats the plan with the next Clio and, as the current mags pictures show, the French firms reputation for adding striking looks to the mix hasnt been passed over in favour of practicality. The new supermini will offer both. Based on a modified platform of the Nissan Micra, the newcomer features nearly as much space inside as its family hatchback brother, the Mégane.
The striking styling echoes that of other models in Renaults line-up. At the front, the car is virtually identical to the Mégane, apart from bigger headlights and a stubbier bonnet. Meanwhile, at the rear, the model shares its stablemates dished rear window, reverse-angle C-pillars and curvaceous tailgate.
A unique feature of the Clio is its distinctive rear lamp lenses, which feature individual round pods for the brake lights to make them more prominent to following vehicles. Borrowing features from other models within the range, upmarket variants will come with an integrated stereo, sat-nav and communications package, plus dual-zone air-con. All versions will get the firms Keyless Go credit card-type starter system.
Underneath, the platform is the same as that of the Nissan Micra, but it has been modified to give it a different feel. With adjusted anti-roll bars and firmer springing, the Clio is expected to be a more driver-oriented car than the Nissan, while it will also have a different steering set-up. Engines will come from the current Renault range, and consist of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-litre 16v petrol units, plus two 1.5 dCi diesels as found in the present Clio. A more potent 100bhp 1.5 dCi powerplant is planned, too.
Also new for the company will be a 1.0-litre entry-level engine. The 60bhp 16-valve has been developed by Nissan, and debuts in the Micra next year. It conforms to strict European emissions regulations, and offers fuel economy to rival the most frugal diesels, thanks to an all-new direct-injection set-up. Hot Renaultsport editions will join the line-up in 2005. A normally aspirated 175bhp 2.0-litre will account for most sales, while a turbo model, using the powerplant from the imminent Renaultsport Mégane, will offer more than 200bhp. However, the mid-mounted V6 variant currently on sale is unlikely to continue.
All models come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, or a new CVT auto which will also appear in the Micra. Renaults Quickshift 5 clutchless manual box will be an option, and is expected to be better than the jerky current unit. Prices for the new Clio are to remain similar to those of the current car, with UK sales starting in 2005.
Forthcoming Range
The next Clio line-up will be much more diverse than at present, with a ClioSpace mini-MPV and a Coupé-Cabriolet in addition to the three and five-door hatches. A four-door saloon is also expected, although this probably wont be sold in Britain.
And the ClioSpace - based on last years Ellypse concept - will appear before the hatch, debuting at next Septembers Paris Motor Show. The C-C is being developed with German styling house Karmann, and will arrive in 2005. It shares running gear with the Nissan Micra C+C, due next year, and both cars will feature a folding metal roof and four seats. Craig Cheetham
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Article from: Auto Express