Renault will begin production of a new Clio-based compact SUV next year. It first appeared as the Captur Concept at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. It’s possible that the production version would be presented at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show this March. The Clio SUV, which has yet to be given its final name, will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s B platform, which is also used on the new Clio and the Nissan Micra and Juke. It’s expected to have the same platform measurements as the new Juke, which means that it would have a length of about 4.1m long. From the recent artist impression released, it seems that its styling is more akin to the Clio 4 than the Captur concept. It will have the Clio’s grille and headlight outline.
Its Captur influences will be noticeable in the lower front bumper, sloping tailgate and rear detailing. At the Paris Motor Show, Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker said that the “Clio crossover” would offer Renault the opportunity to make a grand comeback to a quick-growing segment that it has yet to dominate. He said that Renault would be able to get the Clio SUV right with the help of its experiences at Dacia.
He said that it’s “ironic” that they were able to build a great crossover with Dacia’s help. He clarified further that the reason for Renault not having one yet wasn’t because it wasn’t capable or lacked knowledge. He declined to reveal more details about the styling, except that similar to other Renaults, the crossover would be “sexy” and would be “more latin, sensual, sporting.” It’s likely that the SUV engine lineup would mirror that of the new Clio hatch, which means that it will be available with a normally aspirated 74bhp 1.2, turbocharged 89bhp 0.9 and turbocharged 118bhp 1.2 petrols, as well as with an 89bhp 1.5 as the staple diesel.
