Level 2 autonomy mooted for the new compact hatch.
If reports surrounding Renault’s next-generation Clio prove to be true, the days of the cheap-and-cheerful hatchback are long gone. While prices will still remain relatively reasonable, hot hatches promise to become increasingly complex and sophisticated machines in the near future, if Renault’s intentions for the Clio play out in full.
It seems that despite the fervour around SUVs, Renault will pull all the stops when it renews the Clio hatch for a new generation in 2019. Advanced driver assistance kit, a reimagined infotainment system, and a sophisticated new design are all on the shortlist of things that await the next-generation Clio, promising to make it quite an interesting proposition when it arrives.
UK publication Autocar reports that the new Clio will benefit from advanced driver assistance kit from the greater Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which may result in a unique version of Nissan’s ProPilot system (rebranded, naturally) providing Level 1 or Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities to the little Clio.
Further, the Clio is expected to pack a major infotainment upgrade in the new generation car, ditching the current system in favour of a tablet-style portrait-oriented screen that’ll undoubtedly seem familiar to Volvo and Tesla owners. This will definitely mark it out against the competition, whom to the best of our recollection still use ‘old-fashioned’ widescreen displays instead.
Electrified powertrains are also set to feature in the new Clio range, with a 48V mild-hybrid system to be paired with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel mill which will likely sell very well through Europe. In addition to that, expect to find the usual array of 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mills, as well as a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder from the Renault Megane that’ll provide all the hair-raising thrills befitting a new-generation Clio RS (due in 2020).
One thing that the new Clio will resist is full electrification. While the Clio’s size, looks, and kit will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, Renault will likely do what it can to minimise the risk of cross-cannibalisation between the Clio and the all-electric Zoe, which took the crown as 2017’s most popular EV in Europe.
For more information on Renault, check out our Showroom.
