Renault is poised to bring back the Clio for a sixth generation, launching the reborn supermini alongside a new Captur crossover - as well as the electric 4 and 5-as part of a renewed assault on the critical B-segment market in Europe.
The Clio was updated in 2023 with a new look, revised trim structure and improved technology, and Autocar understands that Renault is likely to heavily update the current, fifth-generation car again in around two years' time.
Beyond that, plans are taking shape to introduce a completely new model in the second half of the decade that will take the Clio name into its fifth decade with a bold new look and highly advanced interior technology, but it will have a rigid focus on affordability - and still be powered by petrol.
Renault product performance boss Bruno Vanel outlined to Autocar the brand's plan to renew its line-up of entry-level cars, now that it has fleshed out an expanded range of larger, C-segment models, comprising the Mégane, Scenic, Austral, Rafale and Espace.
Those models are important, he said, because of the huge popularity of such cars in Europe and the higher margins they can command, but "it doesn't mean we'll forget about the B-segment".
He pointed to the upcoming 4 crossover and 5 supermini as evidence of Renault's commitment to small cars but he was quick to suggest that neither is intended as a replacement for the brand's 34-year-old hatchback.
"Clio is a brand in itself," said Vanel. "In the UK, it is probably as well known as Renault - or even more." Renault's recognition of the importance of the Clio name ties into its decision to also retain the Mégane, Scenic and Twingo monikers as it electrifies.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 03, 2024 من Autocar UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 03, 2024 من Autocar UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Rolls enters an era of expansion
New CEO predicts exciting future’ as factory gets extra capacity for personalisation
VW Polo gets five more years after dodging emissions bullet
THE VOLKSWAGEN POLO could be on sale for another five years, having been given a stay of execution by the relaxation of upcoming EU emissions legislation.
AUDI SQ8 E-TRON SPORTBACK
Four-up, luggage-laden, long-haul drives reveal its true colours
MERCEDES-AMG G63
Off-roader turned madcap performance car is given-shock! -hybrid technology
EX90 showcases Volvo's future
UK-bound, \"software-defined\" flagship SUV is a \"big step towards zero collisions\"
An Autocar Great Woman of a century ago
AUTOCAR RECENTLY HONOURED the female high-fliers of the British automotive industry at our annual Great Women awards ceremony.
VOLVO V90
Our resident estate fangirl asks an SUV-buying friend to explain herself
NEW WORLD ORDER
Audi is a past master of slick electric SUVs while Lotus is a class rookie. Can the new Eletre compete alongside the SQ8 E-tron? Matt Saunders decides
TURNED OUT NICE AGAIN
Cars have got bigger, heavier and more expensive in the electric era. Helpfully, this faithful recreation of the old Mini reverses two of those trends. Matt Prior drives it
Used EVS plummet to ICE price
Average two-to four-year-old EV now worth £16k while equivalent diesel is £18k