Renault Clio
When's it coming and what is it?
The new Clio will spawn a mini-MPV in the mould of the Vauxhall Meriva and that's the first version of Renault's popular supermini to be seen in 2004. Expect a Geneva show debut with UK sales in the summer. A few months later, the replacement for the Clio hatch will take a bow at September's Paris motor show with UK dealers getting cars in early 2005.
Why should I care?
Britons have lapped up Clios in their hundreds of thousands, so the replacement has a lot to live up to. It will share its chassis and engines with the new Nissan Micra, but will have its own distinctive sheet metal, interior and chassis tuning. The Megane is its design inspiration so expect a milder version of its 'bustle' boot to feature along with other Megane-inspired styling details. In any case, the Clio should be one of the most distinctive looking cars in the class.
What makes it really special?
The 'Cliospace' might be the surprise of the range. Renault scored a massive hit with the Scenic, and the ground-breaking Espace has shown Renault's understanding of interior space utilisation in a big MPV. Expect that experience to make the Cliospace something pretty special. For drivers less concerned with cabin volume, the Clio ought to score on style and refinement. Likely to be a strong contender for European Car of the Year in 2004.
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