Campus comeback for cheaper Clio

Renault Australia has released the 'Campus' version of Clio II

The budget-minded Clio Campus comes in one-spec only with either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Tweaking the existing Authentique model, Renault offers Campus with 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, new trim and a trip computer on automatic versions. Other standard features include air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and in-dash CD player with steering column-mounted audio controls.

The Clio Campus is powered by a 1.4-litre engine and is priced from $18,990 for the manual and $21,490 for the automatic version.

Larger, better equipped and more expensive, the Clio III is not due Down Under until mid-2007 -- close to two years after the car's launch in Europe. Following GM's lead with last year's Astra Classic/Astra strategy, Renault will reportedly continue to offer the second-generation Clio locally until 2008.