IT’S the only model to have been awarded Car of the Year twice and has racked up 11.5 million sales in a career that spans 22 years.
The Papa and Nicole, not to forget Thierry Henry, adverts may have long been consigned to history but the future looks brighter than ever for one of the world’s most popular superminis as Renault unveils its fourth generation Clio.
Unlike previous Clios, the new models will only be available as five-door versions, and there will be new engines with the promise of impressive fuel economy and low emissions.
Renault’s aim was to take the style and emotion of the brand’s latest design studies, like the DeZir concept car, and carry them over to production models.
And it seems to have worked a treat as the new Clio, due early next year following its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, clearly looks sharper and more stylish than ever.
With its prominent Renault logo and LED daytime running lights, the Clio boasts a sporty silhouette with concealed rear door handles and has a lower ride height, wider tracks and wheels pushed out wide within the arches.
Inside, the dashboard is sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, there’s a multimedia system on the centre console, digital speedo plus chrome and gloss-black trim highlights.
New Clio will also be the first model to feature the first three-cylinder powerplant ever produced by Renault, the turbocharged Energy TCe 90 petrol engine, which comes with Stop&Start and delivers the performance of a 1.4-litre unit.
With the potential for 65.7 miles per gallon it represents a 21 per cent fuel consumption saving compared to the TCe 100 engine it replaces.
Also in the line-up is a new 90bhp version of the 1.5 dCi diesel, also equipped with Stop&Start and capable of 88mpg, along with a new 1.2-litre TCe 120 unit boasting the performance of a 1.6-litre engine.
From launch, buyers will be able to personalise the outside of their Clio with colour touches to the front grille, rear and side door inserts, and inside to the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever and air vent surrounds.
There will also be option packs and technologies like R-Link internet connected touchscreen tablet, the automotive industry’s first-ever Application Store and a rear parking camera.