The 2019 Clio has been on the drawing board for some time. Braving the public eye for the first time earlier this year, the 2019 Clio is seen: heavily hidden behind camouflage wrap. (A contact adhesive layer meant to fool the eye with crazed patterns.) In addition, Renault has obviously swapped in some false body-panels to further hide the true form of the 2019 Clio. None of which has managed to hide a few salient facts.
The 2019 Clio (set to be marketed in some regions as the Mk5 Clio) retains a lot of ancestral influences. Its supermini-size, the slope of its roof and the turn of its flanks mark it as a purebred Clio. But there is also a hint of the Mégane in its sculpted rear and its new, aggressive stance.
Many half-spied features conspire to give this new Clio a much more sporty aspect than its predecessors. For one, the headlights are placed lower and conform to the Renault C-shape configuration. The brooding hoodline lends in a bit of menace. A redesigned rear fascia no doubt lurks beneath the thick camouflage, with racy tail lights to match.
The industry rumour mill says that the 2019 Clio is expected to be available in a hybrid powertrain. There is no word yet as to whether we shall see the return of the four cylinder diesel engine (with diesel falling out of favour in Europe). It seems certain that the petrol variants will carry over to the new model. Given the 2019 Clio’s sporty new look, it would be a shame if the 1.6 Turbo option did not also make the cut.
The grapevine also promises that the 2019 Clio will sport some autonomous driving features and fingers are crossed for the hands-off capability of Level 2. A refitted digital dashboard and display are expected along with an array of gadgetry. As promised by Renault’s Jean-Christophe Kugler, the fifth generation Clio will tout significantly more technology than the current model.
As enlightened, practical beings we might not like to admit it. We might try to deny it. But truthfully: the physical look and feel of a car is what will initially draw us to it. Design is the cornerstone upon which any new model must begin to build its success. The 2019 Clio is a bold continuation of a solid architecture, dating back to 1990. For almost 30 years this car has held on to its loyal following. It is set to do so once more.
If you cannot wait for the this year’s Geneva Motor Show to show your support, head down to Renault and book your test drive today.
