Photo: Virtuel Car
After the introduction of the 4th generation model, the Renault Clio became one of the best-selling cars in Europe. Now, the French are looking to continue that success with a mid-life update.
The styling of the new model will be strictly based on the Megane IV, just like the Clio 3 facelift was based on its bigger brother at that time. It's a highly controversial move, as the Megane 4 hasn't won any major awards yet. But, all signs point to this being the coolest compact hatch of 2016.
The Clio IV facelift will undoubtedly be revealed before the Paris Motor Show, which is this fall. We believe the prototypes are in the advanced stages of development and production will start as early as November and December.
We mention that because Renault is notorious for creating a wide spread between the moment of the reveal and that of the launch. Just to give you an example, the Megane is now making its UK debut after being presented in the fall of 2015.
Regardless of that, let's focus on the changes. The fine folks at Virtuel Car have grafted the latest styling elements onto the Clio. We've seen these in the spy photo galleries and, a few months ago, in a leak of the headlights.
We are confident that this is pretty much what it will look like from the front, but nobody knows what to expect at the other end. Maybe Renault will copy the Megane's extra-wide taillights that connect in the middle.
Likewise, we don't know what's happening under the hood. The Clio was the first car to get a downsized 0.9-liter TCe turbo engine, which was a highly controversial decision. We still don't think it's the right unit for the job, especially as achieving the claimed fuel consumption is impossible. But there are several new technologies that could make this and other Clio engines cleaner.
The pinnacle will be a mild hybrid version of the 1.5-liter turbodiesel. Of course, we can't expect too much, as the subcompact segment remains an unprofitable one.
The Clio IV facelift will undoubtedly be revealed before the Paris Motor Show, which is this fall. We believe the prototypes are in the advanced stages of development and production will start as early as November and December.
We mention that because Renault is notorious for creating a wide spread between the moment of the reveal and that of the launch. Just to give you an example, the Megane is now making its UK debut after being presented in the fall of 2015.
Regardless of that, let's focus on the changes. The fine folks at Virtuel Car have grafted the latest styling elements onto the Clio. We've seen these in the spy photo galleries and, a few months ago, in a leak of the headlights.
We are confident that this is pretty much what it will look like from the front, but nobody knows what to expect at the other end. Maybe Renault will copy the Megane's extra-wide taillights that connect in the middle.
Likewise, we don't know what's happening under the hood. The Clio was the first car to get a downsized 0.9-liter TCe turbo engine, which was a highly controversial decision. We still don't think it's the right unit for the job, especially as achieving the claimed fuel consumption is impossible. But there are several new technologies that could make this and other Clio engines cleaner.
The pinnacle will be a mild hybrid version of the 1.5-liter turbodiesel. Of course, we can't expect too much, as the subcompact segment remains an unprofitable one.
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