Not long after revealing its stylish new interior, Renault has revealed the 2020 Renault Clio ahead of its international debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Sporting a strong family resemblance to the larger Megane and Scenic models, the new Clio hides important technological and quality gains compared with the car it replaces.
Having shrunken in every dimension, the new Clio is still claimed to be the most spacious yet and features a 391-litre boot – the largest in the segment and comfortably eclipsing the still-large 350-litre boot in the Volkswagen Polo. The new Clio is likely to launch in Australia in 2020.
“The fifth generation Clio is very important for us as it is the best-seller in its segment and the second best-selling car in Europe, all categories combined.” said Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.
“The 2020 Renault Clio is an icon, and the latest features the very best of the previous generations. The exterior design of Clio IV won over our customers and continues to do so today, so we chose to keep that DNA while bringing modernity and elegance to the new model. The interior has undergone a true revolution, with a considerable improvement in perceived quality, greater sophistication and technology. It is the best Clio yet.”
Clearly borrowing elements from larger Renault products such as the Megane hatchback and Scenic MPV, the 2020 Renault Clio appears more stylish than the car it replaces. All-LED lighting features on all models of the new Clio range, with C-shaped daytime running lights proudly incorporated into the car’s design. The rear end is chic and subtly masculine, while a range of new alloy wheels that measure up to 17-inches will available, as will a new RS Line styling package, which will replace the GT-Line in the Renault lineup.
Measuring 4,4048mm long, the new 2020 Renault Clio is 14mm shorter and 30mm lower than before, which makes it sleeker than the previous model for improved aerodynamics. But while the body looks similar to the previous model, it is actually all-new, and it’s the first car to sit on the company’s new CMF-B platform. Cleverer design such as thinner seats have liberated more interior space despite a 6mm shorter wheelbase, and the 391-litre boot is the largest in the segment.
Yet while the exterior is handsome and unique in the segment, Renault claims that the biggest changes have occured on the inside, which is much more premium than the previous Clio – and much of Renault’s current lineup as well. Material quality and technology were the two biggest points of concentration for the brand, with a huge new vertical touchscreen now available, as well as a range of different interior materials to suit buyers’ tastes. A digital driver’s display now features in various sizes depending on the model, and the centre infotainment system now features a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Renault is yet to reveal the 2020 Renault Clio’s engine options, though a range of petrol and diesel powerplants ranging from 48kW to 96kW is set to accompany the new range when it launches in Europe later this year. The car will also launch Renault’s first hybrid drivetrain not long after launch. The new Clio also features a range of semi-autonomous features for the first time in a Renault product, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning. These features will be a ‘stepping stone’ to autonomous driving, according to Renault.
The 2020 Renault Clio is due to be fully revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March, with Australian sales expected to start in 2020. Local pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to then.
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more Renault news and reviews.
