THE NEW, fifth generation of the Renault Clio will be available in four trim levels with prices starting from £14,295 and rising to £20,295 when it arrives at UK dealerships in late October.

This latest iteration of the iconic supermini - the best-selling French car in history- is, according to its makers, both revolutionary and evolutionary.

The revolutionary bits can be found inside the latest model, which offers more passenger and luggage space within a totally new interior, in spite of being slightly smaller than the previous model. Styling, however, is an evolution of the previous model - marketing-speak for the fact that it looks little different, even though Renault claims that it has been completely redesigned both inside and out.

Renault believes that the new interior sets new standards for quality, technology and practicality and has pushed the Clio upmarket with a premium feel thanks to the use of soft touch plastics, satin finish metal trim and new, more enveloping seats.

Three engines will initially be available - 100 and 130hp petrol and an 85hp diesel - with a 75hp three-cylinder entry-level petrol unit available to order from October. Dependent on power unit there's a choice of five or six speed manual, seven speed CVT and seven speed dual clutch autos.

The middle of next year will see the arrival of a new-generation hybrid powertrain which features a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an innovative multi-mode gearbox and a pair of electric motors. Renault claims a 40 per cent improvement in fuel consumption compared with a conventional internal-combustion petrol engine in round town driving.

Standard equipment in the entry level Clio Play includes LED headlamps, air-conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, DAB radio, electric front windows driver's seat height adjustment, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.

Clio Iconic trim - priced from £15,295 - adds a seven-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring, plus satellite navigation, hands free key card access, a leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lamps and dark tinted rear windows.

Prices are yet to be confirmed for Clio S Edition models which will be equipped with a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster and 9.3-inch multimedia screen, electric rear windows, climate control, auto wipers and headlights, 17-inch alloys and a special interior trim.

Prices for flagship R.S. Line models start at £17,795 and they are distinguished by styling cues from Renault's high-performance Renault Sport models both inside and out and come with additional features such as multi sense driving modes, a rear-view camera and front parking sensors.