SPY PICS: Renault goes the Juke route, too

Having watched alliance partner Nissan score a massive hit with the Juke mini-SUV, Renault looks set to head in the same direction via a high-riding spin-off from the new Clio Mk4 due here next year.

As these Carparazzi scoop pics show, Renault is a long way down the track with the project, currently only known by its J87 codename, which is scheduled for launch globally in mid-2013 and could also come to Australia.

“We have previously confirmed we will be launching a full line-up of Clio IV models in Australia,” Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar told motoring.com.au.

“At this time we don’t have official launch information about this vehicle that has been spied testing. We recognise that small crossovers is a growing segment in Australia and would certainly be interested in introducing a Renault small crossover in the future,” he said.

Going the Juke route makes sense for Renault, whose orthodox Modus mini-MPV (which was never sold in Australia) has failed to generate much excitement or sales, especially since its fierce French rival Peugeot will reveal its 208-based 2008 crossover in Paris this month.

However, Carparazzi reports the J87 has gained the best reception in clinics of any Renault since the first-generation Scenic – a car that turned the industry on its axis.

Externally, J87’s shape has the same vibe as the new Clio (which goes on sale in Australia mid-2013), which is the first Renault production car to emerge under the direction of design guru Laurens Van den Acker.

All J87 panels are different to Clio; it has a more rugged nose, more modelling on the sides, SUV-style plastic arches and an optional colour-contrast roof.

Significantly, the Renault will be significantly bigger inside than Juke – Carparazzi says Nissan Dualis-sized. Electronics will be an important interior feature, with an interface like a tablet computer in the dash, and downloadable apps available.

The J87 won't be available with all-wheel drive - unlike the Nissan Juke, which sells in the US, where people in the often snow-bound northern states like AWD.

A strong range of diesel and small turbo-petrol engines is expected to be on offer.

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