The current Renault Clio has been in production since 2012, making it one of the oldest cars in the supermini segment, but the French brand will introduce the fifth generation later this year.
Coming as early as the 2018 Paris Auto Show in September, prior to its on sale date scheduled for 2019, the B-segment car will basically be an evolution of the fourth generation model, says AutoExpress. Visually, it will be inspired by the Symbioz Concept and its larger sibling, the new Megane.
Looking to keep production costs as low as possible, Renault will continue to offer the next Clio based on the CMF-B architecture, albeit with a few modifications, which will give it access to a variety of petrol engines, including the turbocharged 0.9-liter three-cylinder, and the new 1.3-liter unit.
It’s unclear at the moment whether any dCi diesel mills will make their way into the car, as the French manufacturer is still weighing in on this decision as the market is moving away from oil burners.
While diesels may be uncertain, the 2019 Renault Clio will get the 48V hybrid technology, paired to a small petrol engine, which will lead to lower emissions and improved fuel consumption. A plug-in hybrid variant has been apparently ruled out, though.
Moreover, the publication reports that the French brand’s next-gen supermini will play its part in their electrified future, so we’re probably looking at a new Zoe too, in the coming years.
The 2019 Renault Clio is also expected to adopt basic semi-autonomous driving, which will allow it to steer, accelerate, and brake on its own, raising the bar for other cars in the subcompact sector. Nevertheless, don’t expect to read the paper behind the wheel, because drivers will be obliged to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Note: Renault Symbioz Concept pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
