Renault updates Clio for 2017

Renault has released pictures of a facelifted version of its fourth-generation Clio hatch that arrives late this year.

Freshening up the small Ford Fiesta or Mazda 2-rival, that first went on sale in Europe back in 2012, the Clio gains new LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped running lights.

The light nip and tuck also extends to a wider front grille and a redesigned bumper at the rear that's said to be more robust than the one it replaces.

With the choice of new alloys and wheel trims, four new colours become available - Mars Red, Titanium Grey, Arctic White and Iron Blue. The French car-maker says the updated Clio will be easier to personalise too.

Inside, Renault claims the quality of the materials improves, with more soft-touch plastics and chrome trim added.

Buyers will now have the choice of three infotainment systems. Base models get a smartphone app that uses your phone as an infotainment panel, while higher-spec versions get Renault's R-Link Evolution or Media Nav Evolution systems that use a conventional built-in touchscreen display.

New driving aids like front parking sensors become available, while a new self-park system is now an option.

The current range of engines carry over. That means Australian buyers can choose between either the 66kW/135Nm 0.9-litre turbo or the more powerful 88kW/190Nm 1.2-litre turbo.

In some markets the turbocharged 1.2-litre gains a new six-speed manual gearbox option alongside the current six-speed dual clutch (EDC) transmission, but it's not known if we'll get it.

On sale in Europe this October, it's thought we'll get our cars late 2016. A small price lift is expected.

An update of the Renaultsport Clio RS200 and RS220 Trophy is expected to be announced soon.

This year marks 25 years since the Clio first went on sale, over the last two-and-a-half decades Renault has sold an incredible 13-million of the small hatchback globally.

The all-new, fifth-gen replacement for the Clio is due to arrive some time in 2018.