What's all this about?
This is the facelifted fourth-gen Renault Clio, first seen in 2012. Once again, here's a carmaker that doesn't seem to have done an awful lot to make the 'new' model look notably different to the old one.
So what has changed?
The front lights are all LED and you get the marque's snazzy C-shaped daytime running lights, now Renault's signature, on higher-spec versions. Both its upper and lower front grilles have been redesigned, as indeed has the lower skirt at the back - it now has 'additional robustness' apparently. Expect new designs of wheel covers for the steelies, as well as fresh alloys, plus four additional colours in the form of Mars Red, Titanium Grey, Arctic White and Iron Blue. There will also be a more extensive personalisation programme.
And is the cabin much of the same?
Yup. The upholsteries are said to be all new, the plastics on the dash have a different grain and the chrome trim has gone matte finish for a more subdued look. Renault says the finishing materials used are ones that have previously been reserved for its higher-end models. What will most interest potential buyers here is the additional tech.
What have we got on that score?
No less than THREE connected multimedia systems, depending on what trim grade you pick. Select from Media Nav Evolution, Renault R-Link Evolution and the entry-level newcomer, R&GO. Options including a Bose sound system, driver assistance aids, front parking sensors, a reversing camera and Handsfree Parking are all added to the Clio IV's roster.
Have the engines changed at all?
Renault has carried over all of the units used previously in the Clio, with the addition of a 110hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel - seen in the Captur - with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the ability to have said three-pedal transmission fitted to the TCe petrol engine with 120hp. Depending on the market, there are up to 11 engine/transmission combinations for the facelifted Clio.
When does all this revolutionary goodness come to market?
You can order the revised Renault Clio IV from UK dealers in October, with deliveries commencing later that month. Full prices and specifications for our market will be revealed closer to the launch.
Matt Robinson - 13 Jun 2016