Renault Clio: new city car leaked

The shape of the fourth-generation Clio isn't much of a surprise following spy photos of the car published in May, though that doesn't detract from a highly attractive design.

The new Renault Clio will be a five-door model only, though the city car - styled under the guidance of former Mazda designer Laurens van den Acker - incorporates Alfa Romeo-esque hidden rear door handles to create the impression of a three-door.

Renault's latest Clio features a lower roofline, is wider, and will reportedly be up to 100kg lighter than before.

The front-end design, where the Renault badge surround merges into the angled headlights, takes its inspiration from the 2012 Renault DeZir concept (pictured below). A larger lower airtake helps to feed whichever engine is powering the Clio.

Those engines are expected to comprise 0.9-litre and 1.2-litre petrols and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel as Renault joins the downsizing trend.

A new RenaultSport Clio hot-hatch will also definitely join the range, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder anticipated as a replacement for the normally aspirated 2.0-litre four that has powered the Clio RS for many a year.

Renault was due to unveil the new Clio at a major press event in Geneva this month before cancelling the event as part of cost-cutting measures introduced as a response to the current struggles in the European car market.

Official pictures and details are expected soon, however, ahead of the new Renault Clio's full pubic debut at September's 2012 Paris motor show. The company issued a teaser image (above) in May.

It will go on sale in Europe before the end of the year before making its way to Australia to further aid the brand's latest comeback down-under.