Could the Next Clio be an Electric Vehicle?
With South Africa’s poor readiness it terms of hybrid infrastructure, mention of your favourite model in the same sentence as ‘electrified powertrain’ always comes as a shock to the system. Will the 2019 Clio be a plug-and-play only vehicle? We went looking for answers.
Renault’s commitment to rolling out 8 fully electric and 12 hybrid models by 2022 has pricked the ears of South African Renault enthusiasts. Especially where it concerns the remodeled and revamped 2019 Renault Clio, which is expected to make its big debut at the Paris Motor Show in September this year. Having seen the pre-release photos, it is clear why South Africa is keen not to miss out on the newest rendition of this speedy supermini.
The remodeled Clio will sport C-shaped headlights, consistent with Renault’s futuristic Symbioz concept car. A chequered flag-pattern grill underpins a much more aggressive front end. Stronger accents on the hood and shoulders sketch over the previously sauve profile and draw together a more racy image. The loss of the classic step insert makes it clear the new Clio has pulled up its socks.
But the most obvious style changes will be made to the cabin interior which, Renault’s chief designer (Laurens van den Acker) decreed, must reflect the splendour of the new exterior. A quantum leap in materials stands to blur the line between the Clio and the top of the range luxury models. Not to mention the addition of an enlarged touchscreen and state of the art mobile connectivity.
No wonder South Africa is howling at the moon. The good news is the 2019 Clio has, at its heart, the same CMF-B platform (developed and updated by the Renault-Nissan Alliance) which gave us the Nissan Micra. Renault has set out to make the most fuel economic vehicle possible without actually depriving it of fuel. The decision to make the 2019 Clio a plug-in was summarily vetoed by Renault brass wanting to free owners from inherited costs.
The tried and tested 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine (as well as the 0.9 litre 3 cylinder engine) will work in conjunction with a hybrid powertrain and some 48V electrics to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This inexpensive hybrid addition will require no external charging and will rely solely on internally generated power. Further fuel saving technology includes weight reduction on the optimized aluminium frame, skimmed glass and simplified braking system.
Have no fear SA, the Clio is here to stay! … But it might not be a bad idea to get the newest version of your favourite model before it is forever replaced by a plug-in replica. Book a test drive today and update your Renault before it is too late!
