New Clio 4: The incarnation of Renault’s new design identity
New Clio is the first production model to give full expression to the Renault design renaissance inspired by Laurens van den Acker. The promise was to take the style and emotion of the brand’s concept cars and carry them over to production models. New Clio fulfils that pledge. The Renault logo, now more vertical and set proudly against a black background, stands out as a symbol of this renaissance.
“Simple, sensuous and warm: these are the three words that sum up the design of Clio – just like that of DeZir. This is no accident, for both these vehicles were designed by the same team. As a five-door hatchback with the coupe profile of a three-door, New Clio is all about passion. And thanks to the skills of our engineering teams, it has remained faithful to our original vision”
Antony Villain, Director, Exterior Design Studio
Smoothly flowing and free from hard edges, New Clio’s design is all about volumes. Renault’s designers have paid close attention to achieving balanced proportions. It is a low-slung car (height: 1,448mm) and sits 45mm lower than Clio III, with ground clearance reduced by 10mm. It is wider in track (+34 to 36mm compared with Clio III), while the lower ride height not only provides the car with a purposeful stance, but also benefits its aerodynamics. With pronounced shoulder lines, New Clio’s coupe-like silhouette is accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. The ratio of wheel-size to vehicle-height has been fine-tuned for a more dynamic look, while the large-diameter wheels are pushed 15 mm outwards compared with Clio III in order to fill and finish flush with the wheelarches. A steeply raked windscreen accentuates this dynamic feel, as does the improved glass to body ratio when New Clio is seen from the side (two-thirds and one-third respectively).
A welcoming and user-friendly interior – space for a modern lifestyle
The design strategy of combining aesthetics with functionality is clearly visible in numerous aspects of the interior, including the dashboard in the shape of an aircraft wing, the neat packaging of the multimedia systems in the centre console, the availability of stowage areas throughout the cabin; careful attention to detail and the invigorating ambience generated by the choice of colours. A wide spectrum of colour choices and chrome or gloss black highlights add warmth to the cabin, and these colours and motifs are echoed in the dashboard trim strip, door panels and seats. Even the entry-level versions feature upholstery inserts and coloured overstitching.
Core-range personalisation – within everyone’s reach
New Clio opens up the world of personalisation to a far wider audience. Centred for once on a five-door family hatchback rather than a three-door or premium version, the personalisation programme covers the biggest-selling versions.
New Clio personalisation programme – the essentials:
available for core-range versions,
a wide variety of exterior and interior features that can be personalised,
striking and original graphics,
easy to co-ordinate elements, especially in the cabin,
assembly is in the factory to Renault quality standards.
New Clio: personalisation programme
The personalisation programme developed for New Clio is founded on a choice of two distinctive decor themes (‘Le Mans’ and ‘Tricolore’ - UK), plus three configurations covering the body colour, the dominant colour of the graphics and wheels, plus roof decal design. These configurations are only guides, but each customer will have the freedom to choose the interior and exterior look of their New Clio – together or separately – from the several thousand possible combinations. Thanks to a 3D configurator that can be found both on the internet and at Renault dealerships, it will be simple for customers to mix, match and visualise different propositions.
The personalisation programme was built into the design process from the very beginning of New Clio’s design and emphasises the new car’s assertive character. Areas that could be personalised were dialled in at an early stage, while features are fitted directly on the assembly line to ensure incomparable quality.
For the exterior:
The items that can be personalised are:
The door mirror housings and rear bumper apron (Gloss Black), plus the grille, tailgate and side protective moulding trims (Chrome, Black, Red, Blue or Ivory).
A choice of two colours for the 16-inch ‘Passion’ alloy wheels (Black or Ivory), and a choice of four colours for the 17-inch ‘Desire’ alloy wheels which will be available from November 2012 (Black, Red, Blue or Ivory).
Two different roof decal designs: ‘Le Mans’ and ‘Tricolore’.
For the interior:
A choice of three colours (Black, Red or Blue) for the dashboard trim strip and door panel trims coordinated with highlights on the upholstery. Colour co-ordinated carpet mats are also available for each trim as accessories.
Gloss colour touches for the steering wheel, door panels, gear lever surround and air vent surrounds are available in a choice of five colours (Black, Red, Blue, Grey or Ivory) and two themes (‘Le Mans, and ‘Tricolore’). These highlights are directly incorporated using a technique known as insert moulding.
