SPY PICS: 2019 Renault Clio exposed

Renault is in the final stages of developing its all-new Clio that’s expected to launch in Europe early in 2019.

The subject of stories suggesting that a number of features not yet common in the supermini sector will debut in the next model – such as semi-autonomous Level One and Level Two capabilities and a Tesla-style vertical display screen in the dash – the 2019 Renault Clio has been spotted in full camouflage form circulating the roads of Spain where it provided clues to what the final iteration would look like.

It’s believed the next-gen Clio, which is based on an updated version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi groups’ CMF-B platform, will show stylistic inspiration from the 2017 Symbioz concept car although it’s also expected it will borrow a lot from the current Renault Megane.

Word is the next Clio will offer 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.5-litre diesel, while a planned Eco2-badged 1.5 dCi mild hybrid will come some time after the car’s initial early-2019 introduction.

And although the French company has said it is planning to introduce a swathe of pure-electric vehicles over the next five years, it’s believed the Clio, for fear of interfering with the Renault Zoe, which is currently Europe’s best-selling EV, won’t feature among them.

There’s also word that the RS version of the next-gen Clio will use the same 1.8-litre turbo four as seen in the current Megane RS.

Of concern for the Renault Clio’s fortunes – and any others in its segment – is the increasing strength of small SUVs such as the CX-3 Mazda, Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR that appear to be remorselessly encroaching into the sacrosanct supermini territory.

Australian introduction? With the new Clio tipped for a European release in early 2019, it would be reasonable to expect an Australian arrival some time later in the same year.