Renault Japon, the Japanese subsidiary of the French carmaker, launched a new supermini model in the country. Called the Lutecia, this supermini is actually the Clio 4, revealed last year at the Paris Motor Show.
In Japan, the Lutecia is sold sold in three trim levels: Intense, Zen and Akutifu. All are appparently powered by the same engine. But here's where the interesting part comes in. Despite clearly not being fitted with the Clio GT body kit, the engine under the bonnet is the hot 1.2-liter DOHC direct-injection turbo unit. It also has the same 120 PS and 190 Nm of torque, and exactly the same six-speed EDC double-clutch gearbox.
Akutifu is the cheapest model and comes in at JPY1,998,000. It comes with 16-inch steel wheels. Zen models get 16-inch steel wheels, auto lights and wipers and electric retractable door mirrors for JPY2,150,000.
Finally, there's the full-spec Intense model, which at JPY2,380,000 gives you sexy 17-inch alloys, an armrest, privacy glass, auto air conditioning and lots of customization options.
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. Full profile
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