Renault used the Paris Motor Show to showcase its all new Clio and announce new engine details. Along with the new Zoe model it's also the first car from the French maker to feature its new design identity.
Exterior
So outside there's that bold grille and of course the traditional Renault badge in the middle of it is now comically oversized in a bid to project its brand identity. The track's wider (by around 35mm) and the latest car sits 45mm lower than the previous model - you'll also notice the rear door handles within the door frame rather than on the body (just when SEAT is doing the opposite with its Leon model).
Interior
Despite having no aeronautical history the Clio now has a dashboard shaped like a wing, and initial impressions are that quality has taken a leap forward as well. There are Bluetooth radios with Renault's Bass Reflex system to boost sound and all cars come with USB connectivity. Cruise control and hill start assist are standard across the range as is keyless entry. The firm's new R-Link multifunctional tablet connected to the internet is also an option; its seven-inch touch-screen display controls navigation, radio, Bluetooth telephony, music streaming and connected services. One small disclaimer here - this is the 'European' specification and we're awaiting Irish market details.
Mechanicals
Three new engines make their way into the Clio, starting with the 0.9-litre TCe 90 three-cylinder turbo - with stop-start it'll return over 65mpg and just sneaks under the 100g/km threshold (which we believe will be a help come 2013... There's over 120Nm available from 1,650rpm (peak torque is 135Nm) and thanks to careful tuning of the engine noise and minimised vibrations the three-cylinder is actually described as sounding like a six-cylinder unit under acceleration.
There's plenty of influence from the firm's F1 engine program including Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coated cam followers and a raft of other technology to improve efficiency and power. The TCe 120 EDC model even has a specific power output of 100hp per litre. Meanwhile the new 1.5dCi 90 offers over 80mpg and CO2 emissions of only 83g/km - this will also be available with the EDC automatic gearbox later in 2013.
Anything else?
Paris also sees the world premiere of the Clio Estate but that's not going to make it to these shores. What will is the new range of personalisation options, which will allow owners to tailor their car thanks to the 3D configurator at the dealer or on the internet. Multiple options for exterior and interior are available and all are fitted on the production line to ensure quality.