The last time we caught up with a prototype of the next generation Renault Clio, our spies had spotted a test mule, meaning that the French company’s engineers were trying out the new chassis under the current model’s body shell.
No more of that as our man with the long lens nabbed the actual production model attempting to hide under some wiggly camouflage. It may take a while to go through the maze of lines but the shape and the details of the new Clio are pretty clear.
You may not notice it at first, but this is the five-door model as Renault’s designers have tried to hide the rear door handles by incorporating them on the corner of the window.
The fourth generation of Clio will be lower and wider than the current model sporting a more dramatic design than the similarly sized, pure-electric Zoe, the production version of which was launched in Geneva this week.
Like the Zoe, the new Clio will encompass Renault’s more sexier design language that was previewed by a string of concept models such as the DeZir coupe and the Captur Crossover-Convertible.
A lot of changes are expected inside as well with Renault sources stating that the company will significantly improve the car’s perceived quality with higher-end materials and the availability of luxury amenities.
The Clio 4 will be offered straight from launch with a mix of small displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, while further down the line, Renault will also introduce a high-performance replacement for the RS model.
The next generation of the French firm’s Ford Fiesta rival will make its global debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall.
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