2017 Renault Clio revealed ahead of Australian launch

The lightly updated hatch's debut follows the unveiling last month of the Clio RS 16 concept, which appeared to offer a first look at the range's coming update.

Today's unveiling reveals only the regular volume-selling models in the Clio line-up, although it is clear that the internal design of the headlights and tail lamps are notably different to those of the RS 16, which nonetheless got a new fog-light design inspired by the Renault Sport chequered flag logo.

Above: the Clio in its new 2017 (top) and current 2012-16 (bottom) forms

The overall shape of the updated Clio's lights at both ends are unchanged, with only the lens and LED lighting getting an update. This will be of particular interest to fans that might've expected to see Renault's new-look tail lamps migrate to the updated Clio. The rear end's new and more premium LED lighting design should satisfy.

The Clio was the first production model to wear Renault's new-generation styling, but the car maker's rapid introduction of facelifts and new offerings have made the current four-year-old Clio one of the oldest in the range.

Along with the lighting tweaks, the Clio's mid-life styling updates include a new-look front bumper with fin-like extensions surrounding the fog-light bezels, while the rear end gets a lightly updated bumper insert.

Styling is otherwise unchanged, including in the cabin where the existing design has carried over with only minor changes to the interior's accents and highlights.

But, while the styling is largely identical, Renault says it has used higher-quality plastics in the updated Clio, promising a nicer soft-touch feel to most surfaces.

Rounding out the interior upgrades is the option of the three infotainment systems, named Media Nav Evolution, R-Link Evolution and R&Go, available across all trim levels. Details for these systems are yet to be laid out, however. New Bose audio is also featured.

The Clio's mechanical package is likewise a carryover affair, which for Australia's regular line-up will mean a 66kW/135Nm three-cylinder unit and an 88kW/190Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, both petrol.

There's also the Clio RS, which has yet to be revealed in an updated 2017 form, but in its current 1.6-litre turbocharged form offers 147kW/240Nm in the RS 200 and 162kW/260Nm in the extra-special RS 220.

The recently revealed RS 16 concept is driven by the larger Megane RS model's 2.0-litre engine with 201kW and 360Nm - although Renault Sport has yet to confirm if this monster will make the leap to production.

Australia

Local timing for the updated Clio range could not be confirmed at time of publishing, although a confirmed September debut for Europe means we can likely expect either a very late 2016 launch or a slot in early 2017.

CarAdvice has contacted Renault Australia for details and will updated this article as information comes to hand.

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