Renault may have just unveiled its new Megane – and the Laguna Coupe is hot on its heels – but that hasn’t stopped it kicking off work on a midlife facelift for its Clio, which originally arrived in 2005. Expect the revised hatch to bow in at the 2009 Geneva motor show.
So what’s beneath those bags? Does the revised Renault Clio look like the new Megane?
Renault is remaining tight-lipped, but our sources and spy photographers say the revised Clio will draw on the styling of the new Megane and Laguna to create a more identifiable visual link between it and Renault’s newer models. So expect a version of the Megane’s snout – complete with ‘waterfall’ headlamps and twin gaping air intakes to replace the current Clio’s neat but anonymous nose.
And the Clio’s rump will also expand to accommodate Megane-lite rear lamps. New bumpers, side skirts, creased bonnet and more rounded tailgate should complete the mini-Megane overhaul. Expect the Sport Tourer to adopt the same nose a modified rear end.
Any changes under the skin?
Yes, but specifics are proving tricky to track down at these early stages. We expect revisions to the suspension and steering to sharpen the Clio’s ride and handling and the cabin will benefit from more standard equipment and better materials. And the hotter versions should benefit from a modest power boost to keep them competitive. We’ll have more details within the next month…
