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| New Clio offered as 3dr, but old-shape 3dr will continue too |
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Chassis
The Clio rides on suspension derived from that of the Megane, so we'd expect a good ride and sharp handling. This will suit Renault's ambition to market the new Clio more as a sporting runabout than a small family car. Remember, Renault's Modus is a more spacious car and so, more suited to the family role. The new car sports MacPherson strut independent suspension up front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. Variable power-assisted steering is standard on all models, too.
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| Most spirited Clio from launch will be 1.6 16V; hot version arrives later |
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Engines
From launch, there will be a range of Euro IV-compliant petrol engines to choose from, including a 75bhp 1.2, a 98bhp 1.4 and a 113bhp 1.6. A 1.5-litre diesel will be offered with three different power outputs, 70bhp, 86bhp or 106bhp. In 2006, the range will be joined by a Renaultsport-badged hot hatch Clio, which will develop a bit more power than the current Clio 182 Cup. Renault has no plans, however, to replace the current supercar-baiting 255bhp, mid-engined Renaultsport V6, which we think is a great shame.
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| Cornering headlamps help drivers 'see' around bends |
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Safety
Renault has been on a campaign to ensure that its cars are all class-leading when it comes to safety. The current Clio misses a full five-star EuroNCAP rating by just one star, something Renault hopes to put right with the new car when it's tested. To help achieve this, the new Clio has specially-engineered crumple zones using new steels and materials to better absorb the energy of a crash. Other safety features include a range of stability control, traction control and emergency brake assist programmes. Also, the Clio adopts a trend becoming ever more popular with hazard lights that automatically flash in the event of a panic stop. And Renault claims to be the first in the segment with cornering headlamps, which illuminate bends as the driver turns in.
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