Fourth-gen Clio spied testing

Renault will launch its all-new fourth-generation Clio at next year’s Paris motor show.

The French firm is promising a much more “emotional” design, a higher quality, driver-focused interior and a vast improvement in perceived quality for the new supermini, which, Autocar can confirm, will only be available be offered as a five-door.

See spy pics of the new Renault Clio test mule

Renault’s product manager Beatrice Foucher revealed at the Frankfurt motor show that a Renaultsport version of the Clio would definitely be launched, with the cult hot hatch making use of a “downsized turbocharged engine”.

Many of the front-end design elements of last year’s DeZir concept will make it into the new Clio, Foucher confirmed.

“The DeZir is the main reference point,” she said. “Look to the new Twingo [revealed at Frankfurt] for even more clues, such as the more technical headlights, large diamond logo and black gloss grille.”

Mark Tisshaw's blog - Renault Twingo gets the full treatment

Foucher also revealed the new Clio would be much sportier in its appearance. “It’ll be a very wide car,” she said, “and much lower, too.”

The Clio will be offered with a range of customisbale interior and exterior options in an attempt by Renault to turn its once revered supermini into a chic fashion icon to rival the Mini and Citroen DS3.

Explaining the decision to axe the three-door model from the next Clio’s line-up, Foucher said: “There is always a bigger volume for the five-door car. It is expensive to invest in a three-door and you make less money on it, so it’s not as profitable.”

Higher quality materials will also feature in the more driver-focused interior, alongside a new infotainment system Renault is developing with TomTom. This is likely to feature downloadable apps.

Foucher also confirmed an all-electric version of the new Clio would not be offered. This is down to Renault not wanting the Clio to clash with its all-electric Zoe supermini and the inability of the new Clio’s platform to accommodate batteries under its floor.

Mark Tisshaw