Renault has just issued these first photos of the new-for-2009 facelifted Clio supermini. It's three years since the French car was launched, so Renault's given it a thorough mid-life makeover to bring the Clio in line with the latest looks from big bruv, the Megane range.
That means a prominent new front bumper/spoiler arrangement, with reshaped headlamps and a very slimline, pencil-thin grille just below the diamond badge. Most of the air intake now sits below the reg plate. The rear is less different, but most noticeable are the repositioned, triangular foglamps in the corners of the rear valance.
The Clio GT (pictured) is a new warm hatch version that will fit in between the Clio Dynamique and Renaultsport. Although we won't know more engine details until the Geneva motor show on 3 March 2009, we do know that it shares the 197-inspired twin exhaust pipes (though not centre-exit), drilled aluminium pedal caps and a lip spoiler.
Renault Clio facelift: what else is new?
Details are pretty sketchy as Renault is storing up most of the Clio story for the Swiss car show. However, it is promising a range of upgraded engines which will major on eco credentials and a generous spec when UK sales start in May 2009.
Renault has also teamed up with TomTom to provide what it calls a budget sat-nav system that costs less than £500. Although integrated into the Clio's dash, users will be able to update the Carminat system via the interweb.
Sounds like Renault's fighting back to reclaim options spend from the legions of buyers who've turned their backs on manufacturer-spec, pricey sat-navs