New Renault Clio revealed

Renault has unveiled the fourth generation of the popular Clio ahead of its public debut at September’s Paris Motor Show. We’ve had exclusive access to the car to get these stunning studio pictures – plus a senior company executive has spilled the beans on what buyers can expect when the supermini hits showrooms early next year.

There will be no three-door model this time round and no estate for the UK, but the big news is the price. The MkIV Clio is expected to be similarly priced to the current model and rivals like the Peugeot 208.

Entry-level examples will start at a little over £11,000, with top-spec cars available for £16,000. Order books will open in October.

The new Clio is 3.5cm longer than its predecessor at 4.06 metres long, 45mm lower at 1.45m tall and 24mm wider at 1.73m. That makes it 11.2cm longer, 5.6cm narrower and 3.3cm lower than a Ford Fiesta.

The car pictured here is a Dynamique model finished in Flame Red. Externally, the mid-spec version gets narrow chrome strip detailing on the front grille, lower door sections and hatchback lip. But as part of a big push on personalisation, these can also be specified in the body colour.

The car will feature 16-inch alloys as standard, yet our Clio had optional 17-inch wheels finished in two-tone chrome and black. The latter shade can also be matched to the body colour.

Dark B-pillars visually stretch the Clio’s body, with access to the rear via door handles hidden in the plastic near the C-pillar. And the five-seat cabin is a definite step up in quality from the outgoing model.

Dominating the dash is the ultra-modern ‘floating’ centre console, finished in piano black with smart chrome edging. It houses the Clio’s seven-inch infotainment touchscreen. Buyers can use this to take advantage of Renault’s new multimedia technology, which will allow them to download bespoke apps.

Underneath it are twin air vents, climate control switches and the starter button, with the USB, auxiliary and 12V sockets at the back of a storage bin. The practical cubbies between the seats include three cup-holders.

The multifunction steering wheel adjusts for reach and height, and is finished in piano black and leather, with a central chrome flash. Behind it, the instrument binnacle features two circular dials, bisected by an elliptical horizontal panel with a digital speedo.

Buyers opting for Dynamique trim or higher will be able to choose from four interior colour schemes. In our pictures, the dashboard, upper door trim and seat inserts are all finished in vibrant red. The good news is that this is a no-cost option.

The full engine range has yet to be confirmed, but will include the 1.2-litre 16v turbo from the Megane. A 900cc three-cylinder engine will also be offered, and petrol engines will account for around 70 per cent of sales. A 90bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel will make up the rest.

A five-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with stop-start on some models, and a dual-clutch auto should follow. The target is best-in-class economy and emissions across the range, including at least one car with less than 90g/km of CO2.

Helping that will be an Eco function on some models. When used with cars featuring Renault’s R-Link multimedia system, this will allow owners to get an eco-driving ‘score’.

In terms of Renault’s brand identity and future success, the MkIV Clio is hugely important. It’s the first car to be created from the ground up under design chief Laurens van den Acker, and is charged with reviving the company’s fortunes in the UK.

In December, Renault axed a number of slow-selling models, including the Laguna, Modus and Wind. Last year, just 21,000 Clios were sold – down from an all-time high of 86,000 in 2002.