With over 16 million units sold worldwide, the Renault Clio has already cemented its place as a firm favourite among car enthusiasts.
Now, the French brand is back with a bold new design, featuring a striking new front that exudes an aggressive aura. The most noticeable change to the 2024 model is the front, which boasts the brand’s new logo, a true statement of Renault’s futuristic vision. The slim LED headlights are now standard across the range, while the diamond daytime running lights cleverly resemble a split Renault logo. The new face brings an air of elegance to the Clio, making it stand out from its predecessors.
So why the sudden facelift? Well, the previous model was launched abroad in 2019 but only reached South African shores in 2022 due to pandemic-related delays. As a result, the facelifted Clio is expected to land in South Africa in 2024. Renault is also introducing a new Esprit Alpine trim grade, giving the Clio an even sportier edge. The Alpine variant comes with a chiselled aerodynamic blade beneath the grille and a matte shale grey finish. The taillights have also been refreshed, featuring crystal-clear covers and bright outer edges that reflect the lighting pattern at the front.
The Clio is available in five-wheel designs with a diameter of up to 17 inches, with all featuring the latest brushed aluminium corporate logo. Opt for the Esprit Alpine or Techno trim, and you’ll also get a shark fin antenna. The colour palette is equally impressive, with options including Arctic White, Platinum Gray, Black Pearl Black, Iron Blue, Decir Red, Valencia Orange, and the new tri-coat Rafal Gray.
Inside the new Renault Clio, the cabin remains largely unchanged, but there are new sustainable materials throughout. Instead of leather upholstery, the seats are now covered in TEP, a material made from organic and polyester fibres. The Esprit Alpine variant boasts sportier front seats with improved lateral support, adding a touch of sportiness to the hatchback’s interior.
Technology-wise, the Clio does not disappoint. The digital instrument cluster comes in seven- and 10-inch sizes, while the touchscreen is available in seven- or 9.3-inch configurations. The car supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, a 360-degree camera, and over 20 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control.
Under the hood, the Clio boasts a range of powertrains, starting with a naturally aspirated three-cylinder one-litre unit rated at 47kW of power and 95N.m of torque. Up next is another one-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 66kW of power and 160N.m of torque. The flagship powertrain on the Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid 145, combines a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack with a 1.2-kWh capacity.
With a total output of 105kW of power, this powertrain delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience, making it a perfect choice for eco-conscious drivers. The 2024 Renault Clio facelift is a striking update to the popular hatchback, offering a bold new design, sporty trim grades, sustainable materials and an impressive range of technology and powertrain options. With its eye-catching design and impressive features, the Clio is sure to continue its success in the highly competitive compact hatchback segment.
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