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2016 Renault Clio Facelift Headlights Scooped

It's hard to know for sure, but we think these photos show the headlight units of the Clio facelift undergoing bench testing somewhere in France.
2016 Renault Clio Facelift 4 photos
Photo: Original photo edited by autoevolution
2016 Renault Clio Facelift2016 Renault Clio Facelift2016 Renault Clio Facelift
For the sake of comparison, we're also showing you the current design of the units. The outer shape remains the same. It's sort of like a wing design, thanks to a triangular shape at the top that doesn't do anything.

The part that's changing is that instead of two L-shaped patterns, we now have three. It's hard to tell what system Renault are using, but this could be an indirect LED design with the light coming from the top and hitting concave behind those L-shaped pieces, which are just trim.

The side, top and bottom are defined by powerful LED daytime running light elements that hint at the design of the Kadjar crossover.

The current-generation Renault Clio was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and remains one of the most popular cars, not only in the segment but also on the entire European market.

Many magazines said the Clio facelift would debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Of course, that didn’t happen, so we will have to wait until September's Paris venue.

On home turf, Renault is likely to reveal new colors, trim and subtle front end tweaks. Engine choices should remain virtually unchanged. However, we're pretty sure that the 1.5 dCi will be bumped from 90 to 95 horsepower. The 1.2-liter turbo used by the GT model will go from 120 to 130 hp, at least on paper.

We still think the Clio has one of the nicest rides in any small car, ironing out the bumps and potholes without having body roll in the corners. Sure, it's not the most engaging thing to drive, but the trunk is big, and it looks good. One thing we'd definitely change is the steering wheel with shiny plastic inserts. The one on the Megane is so much nicer.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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