PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Renault Clio 4 unveiled

Renault will seek a larger slice of Australia’s light car pie with its all-new fourth generation Clio.

Revealed at a glitzy event in Paris overnight, the car features up-to-the-minute technologies, efficient engines and a dynamic new look that underpins the company's evolving design ethos.

Australian consumers have only ever known the Clio as a hatch, but the new model includes a stylish wagon that’s Renault Australia has indicated is a near certainty for local launch.

The first production model to showcase the work of former Mazda design chief Laurens van den Acker, the new light car will launch as a full model range when it arrives in Australia in July or August 2013.

"Quarter three is as close as we can say (for the car's arrival) but I would like to hope it would be early Q3 (July)," said Renault Australia's Managing Director, Justin Hocevar.

When the new Clio does land Down Under, it will expand the line-up from the current single model RS200, to a full range of low and mid-spec hatches, plus the shooting-brake inspired wagon.

"It's highly likely that we'll see that (wagon) in Australia," said Mr Hocevar, adding that the small wagon segment offered untapped potential for Renault.

"There's not a lot in this segment. But after we saw the vehicle for the first time we were very confident that regardless of the lack of other model representation in there, it gave us an opportunity to forge a niche in that area. And I think it's a very strong product.

"With the consistent downsizing going on globally and in the Australian market there's a real opportunity there," he said.

Though a light car by definition, the new Clio is larger than the car it replaces – the hatchback measuring 4062mm long, 1732mm wide, and sitting on a 2589mm wheelbase.

Wagon versions use the same underpinnings and wheelbase, but are longer by 201mm, measuring 4262mm thanks to an extended rear overhang. Hatchback Clio's have a 300 litre boot, while the wagons offer 430 litres of cargo space.

Handling is said to be greatly improved via recalibrated suspension, wider front and rear tracks, and a 45mm lower ride height.

Three new engines will be offered, including a compact and efficient 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol, outputting 66kW/135Nm. Fitted with a stop-start system, this engine’s fuel consumption is rated at Prius-like 4.3L/100, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Also included is a 1.5-litre 66kW/220Nm turbodiesel with stop-start and taller gear ratios to ensure class-leading fuel efficiency of 3.2L/100km and CO2 output of 83g/km – lower than any hybrid currently sold in Australia.

Finally, there’s the all-new direct injected tCe 120 turbo petrol engine, which punches out 88kW/190Nm from its 1.2-litres, and is mated to Renault’s new EDC dual clutch automated manual transmission.

Renault Australia has not yet confirmed its engine line up for the new Clio but Mr Hocevar said it was "highly likely we'll see two petrol and probably one diesel (not including the RS 200 model)."

Design-wise, Renault has pulled out all the stops to create its most eye-catching light car yet, and it's evident that some of the design cues Laurens van den Acker employed at Mazda have made their way into the new Clio.

"New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car," said Mr Van den Acker.

"No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to reach out and caress it."
In addition to the all-new exterior design, new engines and chassis, the debut of Renault's R-Link infotainment system will differentiate the new Clio in the light car class.

Coupled with a SIM card, R-Link permits users to browse the internet, receive and send emails, use social media and check the weather, along with usual functions, such as satellite navigation and trip computer details.

Renault Australia is still working through the details but is confident that locally delivered models will eventually be available with full internet connectivity.

"That's certainly something we'd like to see," said Mr Hocevar.

"It's unlikely online functionality will be available at launch but we hope to have it within the not-too-distant future. There is some work to be done in that regard because you are reliant on other providers to work with you. However, things are moving very rapidly in this space and because it's an open source platform – so others can produce (programs) for it – it provides commercial opportunities for others to jump on board with it."

All fourth generation Renault Clio models have a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and standard equipment such as cruise control, Bluetooth radio with audio streaming, electric door mirrors and electric front windows.

Offered as a full range light car in Australia – including entry-level hatchbacks, a hi-po hot hatch, and a wagon variant for the first time – Renault is confident the new Clio will change the way Aussies view the French brand.

We'll have a clearer view on that and more details after we drive the new model in Europe next week.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…