The new Clio will take design cues form the Megane.
How can you reimagine a beloved classic? Consider movies, songs, or literary works that are universally revered as the best. Now think about how hard it would be to please the faithful and bring the work to a new audience. It’s possible to upset hardcore fans and deliver a poor product, which is not what anyone wants. Renault has a different idea. It is updating the Clio to be modern and keeping the classics that made the runabout so beloved. The Clio was the second-best-selling car last year in France, with nearly 300,000.
New, decisive looks
The fifth-generation Renault Clio is expected to debut in 2019 as a model. It will likely be available sometime next year. It is an evolutionary design that combines elements from the previous generation and the modern design language of Renault models.
This rendering is a composite from what we have seen of prototypes taken by spy photographers, as well as a healthy amount of assumptions. It shows a new Clio with new headlights (LEDs), a new hood and front fascia. The design is identical to the Megane and Talisman, but it does not take any design risks that might scare potential customers who are looking for something similar. A revised greenhouse shape is used around the windows.
All-new underpinnings
There are many changes under the familiar, but updated exterior. The 2019 Renault is rumored to adopt the new CMF-B modular chassis, which was designed for compact cars from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. This same chassis is used to support the European Nissan Juke. The engine should be a 1.3- or 1.5-liter, updated engine to meet the most recent emission regulations.
The automaker is investing more in quality materials and paying greater attention to details, which should improve interior quality. The current Clio is made up of a lot of plastic, which is one of its weaknesses. The fifth-generation Clio will include several driving assistance technologies. These are also available on larger Meganes and Talismans.