The trip to China was not necessary because it is not a novelty in its own right. It is all the same a deep restyling of a successful car, particularly appreciated by the French. But not only since, since the first generation in 1990, no less than 16 million Clios have been distributed worldwide. Gilles Vidal, design boss, speaks of a new language for Renaults with “taut, precise, efficient lines”.
We will judge that on our photos, but, indeed, this new bodywork brings a hell of a facelift to the Clio 5, which we considered timorous in this regard when it was released in 2019. Even if it is mainly the front parts and rear that change the most, the new Clio wants to be more in tune with the times by erasing the curves of its elder.
First of all, we observe, according to a general trend, the importance of the diamond on the grille, and its 3D effect, inspired by the Peugeot 208. Diamond again, but in half a portion, to insert the LED lights five blocks at the front to revolutionize the lighting signature. The style remains sober and consensual, indeed, rather discreet, while cutting with the past. The central part, difficult to malleable without heavily intervening on the structure and therefore on the production lines, does not change.
On the other hand, the rear is retouched with lights under a transparent globe, a lower extractor between two false air vents and a more structured shield. An “Alpine Inspired” finish will bring some exclusive contrasting colors with, this time, visible and no longer hidden tailpipes. With different wheels and an aluminum crankset, the trick could be played if no “Alpine spirit” engine came to the rescue. Sad for a model that has seen very sharp versions since the R5.
For the moment, this is not the case, even if most of the engines are renewed, except the excellent 1.3 TCe of 140 hp. It is replaced by the e-Tech, a simple hybrid, which develops a cumulative 145 hp. They are drawn from 94 hp thermal and 49 hp electric (36 kW) combinations. Add an alternator-starter also serving as a generator, 18 kW, or 24 hp, and a 4-speed dog box relayed by a 2-speed box for the electric and there are no less than 14 combinations that allow you to descend at 4.1 liters and 93 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Below, the 3-cylinder 1.0 constitutes the heart of the range in 65, 90 and LPG 100 hp, to which we will add the 1.5 Blue dCi diesel of 100 hp very popular with professionals. Inside, not many changes, the current Clio is already very well equipped with digital instrumentation 7 inches horizontal or 10 inches vertical depending on the finish. We hope to keep the good equipment / price ratio of the current Clio when the prices are known, in June, the first deliveries occurring at the start of the school year.
