Renault Clio III enters phase 2

Renault have just revealed images of the updated Renault Clio III. The Phase 2 update, including the all new GT model in these pics, will be revealed in full at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month.

The first iteration of the Clio III was a much greater design success than the previous model, which was a bit of a mish mash it has to be said. Looking at these new pics of the updated Clio III, it seems as though Renault is returning to that mish mash look, with the squared off grille being at odds with the rest of the car.

Oddly, even though images of the Phase 2 update have been revealed in GT model form, there is nothing else available at this stage confirming  engine or performance specs. For there is one thing certain, it doesn’t matter what the Clio looks like, it is a damn fun car to drive.

The other notable feature with the upgrade s the Carminat TomTom GPS navigation system. The fully integrated screen will cost less than £500 (AU$1100) and promises to be easy to update.

Although, judging by the lateness with which the first Clio III arrived in Australia, and then only in Renaultsport guise, it is unlikely we’ll be seeing this Phase 2 Clio III in Australia any time soon.

More pics and press material after the jump.

RENAULT UNVEILS NEW CLIO

• New Clio opens a fresh chapter in the Clio epic that began in 1990 and has seen the model go from strength to strength

• New Clio carries over the same qualities that saw Clio III take the ‘Car of the Year ‘ award in 2006, namely benchmark cabin space, safety, comfort and roadholding, as well as the same rigorous build quality that has made it one of its segment’s most reliable models
  

• New Clio features:

• the same dynamic cues as those which have become the hallmarks of New Mégane’s frontal design
• a new GT version, enabling more Clio customers to sample extra Va Va Voom
• Carminat TomTom, the first fully integrated and affordable GPS navigation solution. Co-developed with TomTom, the system will be easily updateable via the internet and has a large colour screen.  It also includes traffic and speed limit information, as well as safety camera locations, all for a price of less than £500

• The motoring public can take a closer look at New Renault Clio at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show

New design reinforcing Clio’s family ties with New Mégane
New Clio sits squarely on the road and boasts revised styling, with the lines of the new headlamps now extending down to the lateral upturns of the front air intake. The broad grille in the lower part of the new front bumper sets off the dynamic styling with the presence of gloss black protective mouldings. The revised design of the rear lights extends the waist line across the hatch, while the uncluttered approach to the design of the central part of the rear bumper further emphasises New Clio’s dynamic stance. The reversing lights and foglamps are positioned low down and to the extreme corners of the rear bumper.

The choice of the new interior trims and equipment aims to produce a sense of well-being and quality with the screen of the new Carminat TomTom GPS navigation system integrated into the upper part of the centre console.

New Clio GT: a new sport version
As with other Renault models, a GT version forms part of the New Clio range. Its frontal styling is more aggressive and includes a gloss black grille, while the extended side sills hint at the performance of the GT’s specific suspension settings. New Clio GT is easily recognizable from the rear thanks to its twin exhaust tailpipes and lip spoiler and features an exclusive body colour, Malta Blue.

There are eye-catching sports details inside the car, too, including drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support for the seats, plus GT-badging for the front seats.

Carminat TomTom: the first fully integrated, updatable and affordable navigation
Renault’s latest GPS navigation, Carminat TomTom, is the fruit of the carmaker’s partnership with TomTom to bring affordable, integrated navigation to Renault customers. Ready to start working from the moment the car is started and particularly easy to use, the system ensures Clio 2009 drivers benefit from safe and stress-free motoring.

Some Carminat TomTom’s features are:

• an easy-to-read 5.8 inch (14.7cm) colour screen (larger than that of removable systems) for the display of detailed birds-eye view maps,
• reliable, updateable navigation complete with traffic, safety camera locations and speed limit information,
• at a price of less than £500

All the fundamentals of Clio III
New Clio boasts the same qualities that saw Clio III earn the ‘Car of the Year ‘ award in 2006, namely:

• benchmark interior space and comfort
• acclaimed ride comfort
• a wide choice of responsive, environmentally-friendly engines
• a range of equipment from the next segment up, including a hands-free card, cruise control and speed limiter
• outstanding safety credentials
• the same rigorous build quality that has made it one of the most reliable cars of its segment

Further details will be announced at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. New Clio goes on sale in the UK in May.