Renault Clio (France, 2012-present)

RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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revealed the new, fourth generation ClioRenault Clio Gen.4France, 2012 > present92 versions
164 photos
in July 2012. The new car has sleeker styling and a wider range of available engines and technology.

The Clio is the first production car from Renault designed under the tenure of Renault Senior Vice President for Corporate Design Laurens van den Acker who recently penned the Alpine A110-50Renault Alpine A110-50France, 2012 > 20128 photos
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.

The “new Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it," said van den Acker.

The new Clio has a pointier nose, larger headlights and the handle for the fifth door is hidden in the C-pillar. The lower parts of the headlights have LED running lights. Renault plans to sell the Clio only as a five-door. It will be initially offered in eight colors.

The mirror housings, grill bars, panel skirts, door protectors and roof colors will be customizable by the buyer and available in a variety of colors and finishes.

Dynamically, the new Clio has a wider track, and the wheels are tucked closer to the body to make the car appear sportier.

It will be available with three engines at launch, two of which are new. The first is the TCe 90 petrol engine with three cylinders, a turbo and 900cc. It has 90hp and 135Nm of torque. It uses 4.3l/100km and produces 99g/km of CO2.

The next engine is the 1.5 liter four-cylinder dCi 90 diesel with 90hp and 220Nm of torque. It uses 3.2l/100km and 83g/km of CO2 emissions.

Finally, there is the new 1.2 liter four-cylinder turbocharged TCe120 with 120hp and 190Nm of torque. It comes with a six-speed dual clutch transmission, but Renault has not released consumption figures because it will not be available until the first half of 2013.

All of the Clios will come with an ECO mode for the transmission to reduce fuel consumption, a driver styling monitor that tells the driver how to save fuel, gearshift indicator, and Driving Eco² app that monitors and stores fuel economy and emissions data.

The interior has a raked dashboard that is supposed to look like a wing. It features a digital speedometer.

Renault is also adding significantly more technology to the Clio. One new system is Renault's R-Connect that includes a 7in touch screen, TomTom navigation, technical information about the car and apps available for download from the R-Link Store. One of the apps available interfaces with the car's electronics and pipes into the cabin one of six engine notes that are synched to the engine's revs.

The R-Connect can be upgraded to Media Nav, adding Bluetooth and a USB connection.

The new Clio will be presented at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September an will be available in October.

Renault introduced a new model in Geneva in 2013, to fit below the Renault Sport Clio in its lineup. The Clio GT 120 comes as either a hatchback or estate with a 1.2-liter turbo engine producing 117hp (86kW) and 140lb-ft of torque (190Nm).

Both cars get an upgraded exterior with sport grill, new front and rear bumpers, a lip spoiler, extended side sills and 17in wheels. The GT trim is available in an exclusive paint color - Malta Blue.

Inside, the trim is upgraded with chrome and gloss black accents. It comes standard with sport seats, aluminum pedals, steering-wheel mounted gearshift paddles, R-Link infotainment with navigation and Bluetooth and optional leather interior.

Buyers looking for a little more sportiness can add the R.S Drive and R.S Monitor 2.0 from the Renault Sport Clio. They add sportier throttle mapping and on-board telemetry respectively.

Power comes from Renault’s 1.2-liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that uses 5.2l/100km (45mpg US) and emits 120g/km of CO2.