As the maker of some of the fastest small cars of the decade, Renault is the king of the high-performance supermini. However, the company is about to shift the hot hatch market up a gear.

While fans are still mourning the loss of the soon-to-be-axed Clio V6 and Renaultsport 182, the French firm has revealed the stunning successor to both. Bringing ground-breaking Formula One technology to the hot hatch market for the first time, this pumped-up Clio is set to rival the VXR version of Vauxhall's next Corsa - and even has the credentials to worry VW's mighty Golf GTI.

Lower, wider and more powerful than any other model in the new Clio line-up, the four-cylinder 2.0-litre Renaultsport will feature all the sporty details you'd expect from a firm comfortably leading the F1 drivers' championship. Although the aggressive chrome grille and lower stance make it look the part, the improvements go more than skin deep.

The most innovative addition is a racing-style underbody diffuser - the first time such a device has been fitted to a mainstream model. Usually found on high-performance supercars, it creates downforce and eliminates the need for a bulky rear spoiler. For maximum efficiency, the twin exhaust pipes are even integrated into the design.

The Renaultsport Clio concept will debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, and is virtually identical to the production car which arrives in autumn 2006. It has a tuned 2.0-litre 16v engine and six-speed gearbox. Together, these should power the pocket rocket from 0-60mph in around seven seconds and on to a top speed of 150mph.

Although the car is still recognisable as a new Clio, plenty of details hint at its performance. Wing vents aid engine cooling and unique twin-spoke 18-inch alloys fill the blistered wheelarches to provide improved grip.

Revised suspension ensures the front-wheel-drive car is as fast around corners as in a straight line. It features lightweight aluminium parts, and should give the hatchback sharp handling to back up those aggressive new looks.

The low stance is enhanced by a wider front bumper with chrome foglamps, plus pronounced sills. Uprated Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs are standard. The story continues inside, where the firm's designers have been equally thorough. Sporty cues include four individual bucket seats, as well as a leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom section. Aluminium pedals reinforce the theme, as do the stylish white-faced dials, which include a rev counter with gear-ratio indicator.

Prices for the supermini have yet to be announced but, as it will be less than the Renaultsport Mégane 225, expect to pay around £17,000. The Clio won't have the power of bigger rivals - yet its smaller proportions and low weight could result in giant-killing performance.

The only disappointment is that we will have to wait until autumn 2006 to find out. However, if the newcomer is as good to drive as it is to look at, competitors will be very worried. On this evidence, the Clio Williams and 182 have a worthy successor.

Renault's new third-generation Clio Euro-compact just beat out VW's Passat in the finals of the European Car of the Year contest, taking the decision, voted on by 58 journalists from 22 countries, by just five points.

The oldest of the many Car of the Year contests that now span the globe, the European version is open to cars that have actually gone on sale, rather than been announced, during the past twelve months.

All the eligible cars are voted on to choose a shortlist of seven, which are submitted to a final round of testing to pick the best. This year's seven were the Clio, the Passat, the Alfa Romeo 159, BMW 3-Series, Mazda5, Citroën C1/Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo, and the Toyota Yaris.

Jurors have a total of 25 points, which they share between at least five of the seven finalists, and at the end of the voting the Clio edged out the Passat by 256 points to 251. There was a big gap to the rest of the field, with the third-placed Alfa Romeo 159 scoring 212, the 3-Series 203, and the Mazda5 198. The trio of Peugeot, Citroen, and Toyota citycar clones picked up 187 points, while the latest iteration of Toyota's Yaris minicar, which took the title as a newcomer in 2000, garnered just 143.

Veteran journalist Steve Cropley, COTY juror and editor-in-chief of Britain's Autocar magazine, said: "It has been a very tough contest this year. The jurors were impressed by Renault's change in philosophy with the latest Clio, which has brought much-improved refinement and trim quality to the car, along with improved road presence and rear cabin space."

The Clio is Renault's second COTY winner in four years; the Mégane sedan having won the title in 2003. Last year's winner was the Toyota Prius. -Ian Norris

It's called the Renault Clio F1 Team R27, but we can dispense with the mealy mouthed title and simply regard this hot Clio as the Cup version.

Built to commemorate the launch of Renault's latest F1 car, this Clio comes with the same 197bhp 2.0-litre engine as the normal Renaultsport Clio, but stiffer, lower suspension is borrowed from the Cup race car and there are 17in alloy wheels finished a fetching anthracite colour scheme.

The R27 Clio will be built in limited numbers with only 500 cars being made, each with a plaque to prove it.

The car will be no quicker in a straight line, but Renault promises us it will be an even bigger hoot to drive than the standard 197.

Apparently an even hotter Clio with a turbocharged engine is on the cards. Watch this space.

To celebrate its Formula 1 Constructors’ world crown with Red Bull Racing in 2011, Renault Sport has released a limited edition version of Clio R.S.: Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7…

A vehicle dedicated to performance (Cup chassis, 18-inch black Interlagos wheels, R.S. Monitor, etc.), with forceful looks

Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 will be marketed in five countries: France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. Order books open on March 14 in France where the car’s tax-paid price will be €27,900

“Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a hot hatch combining stunning looks with the very latest features to have been developed by the wizards at Renault Sport Technologies,” enthuses Jean-Maxime Boulanger, Clio Renault Sport Product Manager. “Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a dynamic car which will definitely turn heads. It is a tribute to the very close ties that exist between Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1!”

A powerful design and cutting-edge technologies

Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7, the latest limited-edition version of Clio R.S., capitalises on the basic model’s acclaimed strengths, something which is sure not to escape sporting car and motorsport enthusiasts. Its 18-inch black Interlagos wheels are equipped with Bridgestone RE050A tyres, the same as those fitted to Mégane R.S. Trophy which established a new lap record round the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in June 2011. Its Profond Black body colour provides a striking contrast with its Sirius Yellow F1-style blade, door mirror housings and diffuser. Meanwhile, its two-litre 203-horsepower engine has been carefully tuned to deliver more than 100hp per litre! These sporty credentials are echoed by the Renault Sport chequered-pattern roof decal which combines with the Red Bull Racing badging on the doors.

These exterior features merely serve to highlight Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7’s extreme, powerful stance.

High-end sporty interior appointments

Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7’s excellence and aggressive, sporty looks are mirrored by an interior equipment package to match. The list includes automatic climate control, automatic headlight activation, a hands-free card, yellow fabric Recaro bucket seats, a Renault Sport-badged gear lever knob, a personalised numbered plaque and an audio connection box. It also features R.S. Monitor, an electronic on-board driving coach which displays performance-related data – such as 0-100kph times and other information aimed at fine-tuning driving styles – in real time. Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7’s exceptional equipment specification is sure to find favour with owners who have a taste for technology and sporty performance.

The car eloquently showcases the transfer of skills between Renault’s expertise in Formula 1 (Red Bull Racing, Lotus F1 Team, Caterham F1 Team and Williams F1 Team will all benefit from Renault power in 2012) and the brand’s road cars.

Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 badge is the first limited edition in a series which go on to include Twingo R.S. and Mégane R.S.

Clio R.S. background information

Since its launch in the second half of 2006, Clio R.S. has been made in Dieppe, France, and is today marketed on four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It was developed by Renault Sport Technologies and has always sought to stand out as a benchmark in hot hatch comparison tests. It is this approach which has led Clio R.S. to be fine-tuned over time thanks to a number of improvements, including the introduction of revised styling in 2009. Its career has been buoyed by the release on all its markets of bespoke limited editions versions like Clio R.S. Ange & Démon, R.S. 20th Anniversaire and the emblematic Gordini R.S.

EVERYDAY ENJOYMENT AND PERFORMANCE

New Clio R.S. 200 EDC takes the appeal of performance motoring to a new level thanks to the introduction of EDC dual clutch transmission and the new Renault Sport-developed 200hp 1.6 Turbo engine. The car benefits from Renault’s very latest thinking when it comes to comfort and versatility, while Renault Sport Technologies brings the expertise it has forged in motor sport to the table. The result of this unique combination is an easy, enjoyable drive in everyday use. However, should the driver wish, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is equally capable of morphing into a genuine performance car with exceptional credentials. Meanwhile, in addition to its warm, sensuous lines which express its performance mission, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC combines benchmark dynamics with carefully optimised fuel consumption. Designed by Renault Sport Technologies, New
Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is made in Dieppe, Normandy, France, and targets those who
appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.

SPORTING CUES REVISITED BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES

New Clio R.S. 200 EDC boasts simple, yet warm, sensuous lines which place the accent on emotion,
underpinned by several details readily associated with high performance and F1.

The latest creation from Renault Sport Technologies stands out through the authenticity of its sporting
hallmarks which include specific bumpers and sills, twin exhaust tail-pipes and large-diameter wheels. While the five-door architecture and coupé stance contribute to its outstanding versatility, the sporting cues championed by Renault Sport are both forceful and simple.

AN ELEGANT YET HIGH-TECH EXTERIOR

The styling details of Renault Sport cars also play a technical role. The diffuser and rear lip spoiler, for
example, were conceived as a whole – just as they are in the case of a single-seater race car – for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Indeed, the diffuser contributes 80 per cent of the extra downforce generated at the rear, while the other 20 percent is accounted for by the specifically designed lip spoiler. Like the front F1 blade, the diffuser and rear lip spoiler are hallmark features
across the R.S. range and serve as a reminder of the success enjoyed by Renault in motor racing’s premier series, Formula 1.

At the front, the grille incorporates R.S. badging beneath the Renault logo, while the LED daytime running lights in the lower part of the bumper form a visual signature that is recognisable day or night. The exhaust tail pipes form a fully integrated part of the diffuser and are further highlighted by their tell-tale rectangular surround. New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is available in a choice of five body colours, including the exclusive, emblematic Liquid Yellow.
Non-metallic finish : Glacier White
Metallic finishes : Flamme Red, Profond Black, Platine Grey, Sirius Yellow* (* specific R.S. colour)

A COMFORTABLE YET VIBRANT INTERIOR

In contrast to the elegance of the dominant black trim, a number of red details irresistibly draw the eye and structure the shape of the cabin. The choice of red for New Clio, a colour readily associated with the notion of passion’, is also evocative of the sporty additions introduced by Renault Sport, with the seat belts and instrument needles being two striking examples. Red has also been used for the visible stitching, the sports steering wheel’s ‘straight ahead’ position marker, the airvent surrounds and door panel beading. The gear lever knob, too, comes with red touches which are echoed by the visible stitching of the gear lever gaiter.

The Dark Metal gear shift paddles are fixed behind the steering wheel, while the grey instrument backgrounds are specific to Clio R.S. When the engine is fired up, the rev-counter and fuel gauge needles come to life with a fun display. A long-standing strength of Renault Sport models, the
bucket seats come with additional lateral support in order to provide the high level of seating comfort and stability expected of Clio R.S. They can also be upholstered in black leather with visible red stitching. The black lacquer centre console houses the multimedia unit which are finished with a chrome surround.

A COMFORTABLE, EVERYDAY DRIVE THAT COULD BE QUITE HARD TO CATCH…

New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC can be adapted on demand to suit its driver’s moods and desires,
according to the type of journey required: calm or downright sporty, urban or motorway, a family
outing or something purely hedonistic. New Clio R.S. 200 EDC adapts instantly by adjusting the
response and parameters of the engine, EDC (efficient dual clutch) transmission, steering, throttle
inputs and ESC. Its traditionally dynamic Renault Sport chassis combines with a degree of
suspension comfort that is rare for a car of such sporting character. Unbeatable against the
stopwatch, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC generates a wide range of emotions. In any situation, its
adaptability enables it to satisfy the whims of every driver... irrespective of temperament. It has a
multi-faceted sporting personality developed by Renault Sport Technologies.

A CHASSIS DEVELOPED BY THE EXPERTS OF RENAULT SPORT

At the heart of Renault Sport’s expertise, engineers have focused on the chassis performance. Their goal was to improve the comfort, handling, road holding and braking expected of a Renault Sport model.

Front suspension: a pseudo-MacPherson strut layout has been retained with sturdier elements to increase stiffness in the unit incorporating wheel, upright, bearings and damper. A larger damper improves hydraulic performance and offers a better compromise in terms of comfort and body roll. Similarly, the front brakes rely on proven technology with generous dimensions (320mm discs, like the Laguna V6)... Rear suspension: the thicker anti-roll bar is 10 per cent stiffer than that on Clio III R.S.... and 60 per cent more so than that on New Clio. Brake discs measure 260mm.

HYDRAULIC COMPRESSION CONTROL

Irrespective of conditions, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC blends sharp road holding with an unusually high degree of comfort that’s rare in a car of such performance.

Hydraulic compression control plays a direct part.

The principle hinges on the incorporation of a secondary damper within the main damper’s body. It’s a solution that yields spectacular results in terms of progressivity, comfort and performance. Yet while the idea looks simple on paper, the technical reality is a little less so and required all Renault Sport Technologies’ engineering know-how. New Clio R.S. 200 EDC embraces an innovation that Renault Sport has developed for about 15 years in rallying and is now ready for showroom models.

R.S. DIFF: THE ELECTRONIC DIFFERENTIAL BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES

Patented by Renault Sport Technologies, the electronic differential significantly improves New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s accelerative performance and cornering grip. It also limits the onset of understeer (the tendency for a car to push straight ahead during hard cornering). To achieve this, the system constantly monitors the difference in rotational speed between the (driven) front wheels and compares this with any difference between the two unpowered wheels at the rear. The latter is always a valuable barometer, because the rear wheels are independent and each corners at an ideal rotational speed in relation to the other.

As soon as there is too great a speed difference between the front wheels, it means one is about to break traction. The system detects as much and the R.S. Diff deploys micro braking on whichever front wheel threatens to lose grip, although engine torque is not reduced. Note that this feature intervenes before the ESC traction control. The R.S. Diff has a number of advantages, not least that drivers do not become frustrated by sudden torque restrictions. The system is very progressive and is barely perceptible during deployment.

TWO CHASSIS OPTIONS: SPORT OR CUP

As with all Renault Sport models, the New Renault Clio R.S. EDC is available with a choice of two chassis. The optional Cup version is tailored for even greater sporting performance: it is 3mm lower, 15 per cent stiffer and benefits from a quicker steering rack.

PACKED WITH INNOVATIONS DEVELOPED FOR THE
SOLE PURPOSE OF DRIVING ENJOYMENT

As two cars in one, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC boasts a package of unprecedented innovations for its
segment. For everyday use, in ‘Normal’ mode, New Clio R.S. delivers all the qualities expected of a
Clio, namely a quiet ride, a high level of travelling comfort and low running costs. But switch to the
more dynamic ‘Sport’ or ‘Race’ modes, and its unmistakable sporty characteristics become apparent
at once.

R.S. DRIVE: ‘A LA CARTE’ SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Pressing the ‘R.S. Drive’ button modifies the mapping of both the transmission (gear shift programming and shift time) and engine (response to pedal position and engine pitch). It also alters the way the ESC and ASR traction control intervene, as well as the feel of the power steering.

This system is based on a choice of three very different modes (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’) which modify New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s performance characteristics as a function of the driver’s wishes, needs or usage. As a result, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is truly several cars in
one.

The gear shift programming depends on a number of vehicle-related parameters (accelerator pedal position, pressure on the brake pedal, steering wheel angle), as well as on road conditions (slope, available grip, etc.). Gear shift speeds are also dependent on the load demanded by the accelerator pedal.

PERFECTLY OPTIMISED STARTS THANKS TO
LAUNCH CONTROL

Thanks to Launch Control, which is unprecedented equipment for a hot hatch, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC fully automates the management of standing starts when the car is used at a circuit. Smart electronics guarantee the fastest possible getaway, in complete safety. With this function selected, and by optimising all the different parameters involved, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is capable
of leaping off the start line far more efficiently than even the most talented driver could ever do.

Extremely simple to use

The Launch Control system is primed by pressing on the brake with the left foot while at the same time pulling on the two gear shift paddles situated behind the steering wheel. The system’s activation is confirmed by a message on the dashboard (“Launch Control On”) and an orange flashing ‘ambilight’ (if function ‘authorised’). When the accelerator is fully depressed with the car at a standstill, the engine revs to 2,500rpm.

‘Sport’ mode: When the brake is released, the system optimises New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s acceleration while wheel spin is controlled by the ASR traction control. Gears shifts are also optimised.

‘Race’ mode: the ASR traction control is disconnected and gear shifts are entirely manual. This ‘expert’ mode is efficient when grip is optimal, but it is also much more demanding in terms of car control.

In order to protect the mechanicals, the Launch Control system is constantly monitored by the car’s electronics which may temporarily prevent it from triggering.

The Renault Clio has been an uninterrupted hit since its launch in 1990 - and 16 million of them have been sold worldwide so far! It has been named France's favourite car, become an international bestseller and won two Car of the Year awards in Europe. It has been one of the most emblematic city cars in the market for five generations. And it has now reinvented itself, becoming a perfect illustration of the Renault brand's "Nouvelle Vague" brimming with its latest breakthroughs. Its new style is even more compelling and elegant, and its chic and distinguished interior is ushering in a new cycle with the first rendering of the brand's new design language. The new technical front radiates vigour, the light signature has been completely revamped and channels the brand's identity, and the new taut, exact and efficient lines give this New Clio a more striking character and make it a vibrant status symbol with a more emotional feel. New Clio has also updated its technology, for instance including a digital dashboard in all its trims. It comes with a wider choice of powertrains than any other car in its category, so everyone can choose the configuration that best matches their needs. The highlight is the 145 hp E-Tech full hybrid combining driving pleasure with savings.

New Renault Clio will come in a choice of trims including the new Esprit Alpine trim. The latter's one-of-a-kind sporty, techy and classy looks add intensity to a vehicle that encapsulates everything the Renaulution stands for.

A NEW, MORE MODERN, MORE ASSERTIVE STYLE

New Clio was crafted to mirror the Renault brand's new human-centric and tech-centric design. The new Renault logo at the centre of the completely redesigned front face adds expression. This revamp captures the brand's aim to build more modern, more distinctive and more sustainable cars for life and living grounded in its time-honoured values. The new signature lighting - which will reach all Renault vehicles in future - blends into this new style and conveys two of its hallmarks: precision and character. The universe inside has been reinvented: the new upholstery and new bio-sourced materials make it an up-to-the-minute vehicle and significantly enhance its quality and the experience on board. The Esprit Alpine trim is sporty and classy inside and out, and is the version that best encapsulates New Clio's new era.

A status-symbol front

New Renault Clio's front face has been completely redesigned: its sculpted, tauter and groovier contour adds a modern vibe and verve. The enlarged chequered grille adds strength and a sporty feel. The colour scale - darker near the logo, lighter towards the edges - gives it depth and a technical edge. This universe of effects has radically overhauled New Clio's design, adding allure.

A distinctive logo

The brushed-satin chrome Nouvel'R logo at the front honours the brand's heritage. Its geometry is simple, meaningful, and as a result timeless. The symbiosis between the two diamonds, and the optical effect interlocking them, adds a sense of complementarity and continuous motion. This logo conveys New Clio's identity more categorically than ever.

A chiselled aerodynamic blade

The Techno and Esprit Alpine trims come with an airfoil directly inspired by the motorsports universe beneath the grille. The sculpted shapes and taut grooves enhance and invigorate the car's face. The blade is the same colour as the body in the Techno trim, and Matte Shale Grey in the Esprit Alpine version.

The new signature lighting ushers in an all-new visual identity

New Clio is the first vehicle in Renault's "Nouvelle Vague" to feature the new signature lighting at the front. It is inspired by the logo: the LED daytime running lights on either side, for instance, each form one half of an upright rhombus, underscoring the face's pulsating, sparkling mien and making the line-up's design more consistent with the brand's image.

The slender full-LED headlamps, included in all the trims, point to precision and technical savvy, and sharpen the car's look. They are more compact and combine up to five high-tech beams (three in the past) that automatically adapt light distribution between the high and dipped beams.

A livelier rear face

The rear bumper has also had a makeover: the aerodynamic scoops visually enlarge the rear, add ground grip and bolster the car's technical prowess. The lower edge is Matte Black in the first two trims, Glossy Black in the Techno version and Matte Shale Grey in the Esprit Alpine version. According to the trim, the tailpipes remain visible or is hidden by the diffuser.

The modernised rear lights now include crystal-clear covers providing a glimpse of the inside - again adding to the technical, up-to-the-minute feel. The rear lights' bright outer edges mirror the lighting pattern at the front.

Classy colours and distinctive rims

New Renault Clio is available in seven elegant body colours: Glacier White, Star Black, Shale Grey, Iron Blue, Flame Red, Valencia Orange and Rafale Grey, a new triple-layer coating that looks solid from a distance and pearlescent from close-up.

Enhancing the car's imposing allure, the distinctive wheels are up to 17 inches in diameter. There are six choices in total including four aluminium alloy wheels available with the various trims. The Techno trim, for instance, comes with 16 inch diamond-cut black aluminium wheels. They all have the new Renault logo, in brushed aluminium, at the centre.

The other versions have Star Black wing-mirror covers and the Techno and Esprit Alpine versions feature shark-fin antennas.

The same dimensions

Notwithstanding all the changes inside, New Renault Clio is the same size as the previous version: 4,053 mm long, 1,988 mm wide and 1,439 mm high.

AN ELEGANT AND SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR

The experience inside New Clio is even better now: the passenger compartment is more welcoming and cosier. As soon as you open the door, you see the nobler and more sustainable materials and feel the quality leap. Spaciousness and ergonomics are still the vehicle's key strengths, treating everyone inside to unrivalled comfort. All the technology is there to enhance the user experience and blends into a universe of connected services and applications that help the driver and passengers relax and enjoy the journey.

More responsible fabrics

New Renault Clio's Techno trim seats, door panels and dashboard are clad in a specially developed sustainable fabric that comprises of up to 60% TENCEL branded modal fibres, a bio-based cellulosic fibre manufactured by the Lenzing Group. Contributing to the Renault brand's decarbonization strategy, the New Clio is not only the first car that features TENCEL Modal fibres. It is also the first time these sustainable fibres are used extensively inside a vehicle. Renowned for exceptional softness, the fibres are made from a renewable resource - natural wood that are sourced from sustainably managed semi-natural forests in Europe. These semi-natural forests absorb large amounts of CO2 and do not require any chemical fertilizers nor artificial irrigation. TENCEL Modal fibres are produced using renewable energy and have been certified with the EU Ecolabel, an environmental excellence label that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life cycle.

Also importantly, there is no leather in New Renault Clio: instead, the surfaces are covered in TEP, a grained coated fabric made of bio-sourced and polyester fibres. One advantage is that it takes less water and energy to dye TEP than to dye fibres the conventional way.

These two choices stem from the brand's sustainability values.

A choice of sophisticated seats

New Clio's seats exude class and sportiness. They wrap around you, their thick layer of foam is enticing, and the headrests are ergonomic, slim and stylish. The universe - seat and back colours, overstitching and decoration - is different in each trim. The Esprit Alpine trim comes with specific seats (see page XX).

An upgraded and updated dashboard

New Renault Clio's new dashboard includes an edgeless digital display, spanning 7 to 10 inches diagonally according to the trim. Depending on the country and version, New Clio can also come with a radio and R&GO or the Renault Easy Link multimedia system. The Nouvel'R logo on the steering wheel adds an elegant touch to the cockpit.

THE ESPRIT ALPINE TRIM FOR ADDED INTENSITY

After Austral - the first Renault model to include an Esprit Alpine version in its line-up - then All-new Espace, this sporty, techy and elegant variant is now available for New Clio. It intertwines the Alpine brand's hallmarks and Renault's new style playbook, and takes New Clio's intensity to new heights.

Sporty outside

The grille at the front underscores New Clio's sporty edge and assertive design. It is hot-stamped and ranges from dark at the centre to glossy chrome by the edges, adding depth and power to the car. A Glossy Black line cuts across it horizontally and stretches to the headlights. The logo has also been recast and its exclusive Ice Black brushed aluminium finish now accentuates the vehicle's technical edge. A specific Esprit Alpine badge has been added to the front wing.

The Matte Shale Grey blade at the front conjures up racing cars and the motor-sports universe that this model symbolises. The rocker panels and rear bumper diffusers are the same tone. These aerodynamic scoops on the bumper visually enlarge the rear to give it a sportier look.

The Esprit Alpine trim also comes with 17 inch aluminium wheels that radiate Alpine DNA: they are diamond-cut, black with smoky grey varnish, around blue or grey centres (depending on the body colour), pumping up the car's dynamic, refined and technical feel. The Clio badge at the back is Deep Glossy Black.

Elegant inside

The interior design is also specific to this trim - and its sportiness and elegance are in a class by themselves. The seat shapes are more enveloping to provide more lateral support and added comfort. The materials are exclusive, and lighter grey in the middle of the seat and back to underline the sporty vibe. The sides are covered in a thicker material. There are specific technical features in all the details, including a Y-shaped pattern over the seats, and is reminiscent of athletes' sports shirts. Blue overstitching and the Alpine brand's letter A heat-welded onto the back of the seat complete this sporty version. A red, white and blue flag, symbolising France, is stitched onto the side.

The Esprit Alpine trim's seats are also made of sustainable materials, including a fabric that is 72% recycled PET (polyethylene) on the seat and back and a 13% recycled grained coated textile on the seat sides.

Other details and enhancements complete this trim's interior. The steering wheel, for instance, was designed especially to capture the Alpine spirit: the red, white and blue double overstitching, perforated material and Deep Glossy Black background for the Ice Black logo in the centre entice you to start the engine. The dashboard also features an embroidered French flag, the seatbelts at the front and back have distinctive blue edges (except the one in the middle), the pedals are aluminium and the front door sills are exclusive to the trim.

When you sit in the driver's seat, the Renault Easy Link screen lights up and displays a welcome message with a sequence featuring the Alpine brand's hallmarks.