Renault Clio shock

Shock news for next-generation Clio as Renault boss reveals it'll only come as a five-door

Auto Express Car Reviews

September 2011

Renault will not produce a three-door version of the next version of the Clio.

After launching the facelifted Twingo at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the firm has already started looking ahead to the launch of the next-generation of the supermini at the Paris show next year.

Vice president of Product Planning Beatrice Foucher confirmed: “We will reduce the height of the car and it will be sporty looking – but there will be no three-door.” Hidden doorhandles on the five-door are likely to create the look of a three-door model, though.

Other priorities include improving the perceived quality of the model, and introducing a more dynamic design, which will follow the blueprint laid out by Laurens Van Den Acker’s recent concepts, such as the DeZir.

Foucher said: “The current Clio is high quality, when you consider its handling, ride and comfort. It could wear a Mercedes badge. But we need to improve the perceived quality in the cabin around the driver.”

And she added: “Customers want something that is only for them, so we need to offer more customization.”

A Renaultsport model will be offered, featuring a small capacity turbo engine instead of the normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit used in the current car, while the company is working on new telematics technology to feature across the entire range.

However, Renault has confirmed that there will be no electric version of the car. The Zoe will be Renault’s standalone EV, and that will also be unveiled in Paris.