RENAULT has unveiled the fifth generation of its best selling model, the Clio with a car that clearly carries on the look of the previous generation.
It's a different story inside, where Renault says the cabin takes on a new dimension in perceived quality with high-end materials, a soft coating on the dashboard, door panels and central console surround, and meticulously finished furnishings.
A key component of the so-called Smart Cockpit, the 9.3-inch multimedia screen (larger than the 7-inch version) is the biggest ever on a Renault model. For the first time, a Clio is equipped with a digital screen, replacing the traditional analogue display.
Each new Clio owner can create a car that reflects their personality with a range of customisation packs, deciding on the appearance of the central console, dashboard, door panels, steering wheel and arm rests.
There's a choice of eight interior design schemes and an innovative customisation offering with special colours for the line formed by the air vents spanning the entire width of the dashboard. The car is also available with ambient lighting in eight different colours.
The body of the new Clio is actually shorter, by 14mm, than the previous version but with more space inside for people and luggage, where the boot capacity is increased to 391 litres. Renault claims this is the largest in the Clio's class.
Renault has not yet released details of the new car's engine line up but confirms the Clio will offer a hybrid petrol/electric powertrain by 2022.
To date some 15 million units of the Clio have been sold since it was launched in 1990 and it has become Groupe Renault's best-selling model worldwide.