Renault Clio IV at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)

Renault is showcasing its Clio IV at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. Having dimensions of 4.06m (length) x 1.45m (height) x 1.73m (width), the new Clio is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor and is also longer and lower than a Ford Fiesta. The exterior of a mid-spec version of the Renault Clio IV features a narrow chrome strip detailing on the front grille, lower door sections and hatchback lip.

Customers, however, could also opt to personalize their own units with specifications in the body color. Being offered as standard are 16-inch alloy wheels while 17-inch wheels finished in two-tone chrome and black are offered as an option. Dark B-pillars stretch across the Clio IV’s body, with access to the rear via door handles hidden in the plastic near the C-pillar.

The Renault Clio IV boasts of a much-improved interior, featuring an ultra-modern ‘floating’ center console that is finished in piano black with smart chrome edging. The center console features the Clio’s seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, which through Renault’s new multimedia technology will enable customers to download apps of their choice.

Lurking underneath the console are twin air vents, climate control switches and the starter button, as well as the USB, auxiliary and 12V sockets at the back of a storage bin.

The car also features three cup-holders on the cubbies between the seats. Comfortable driving position is automatically achieved as the car’s multifunction steering wheel – finished in piano black and leather with a central chrome flash -- adjusts for the driver’s reach and height, and is finished in piano.

The Clio IV’s instrument binnacle features two circular dials, an elliptical horizontal panel with a digital speedometer. Customers choosing to avail of Dynamique trim or higher could select from four interior color schemes. Coming as a no-cost option are dashboard, upper door trim and seat inserts finished in vibrant red.

The world-renowned Renault architects gave careful consideration to accomplishing symmetrical parts for the New Clio. Standing at 4,062mm long, 1,732mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1,448mm tall, it sits 45mm nearer to the ground than its forerunner. Also, the front and rear tracks have been remarkably broadened (by between 34 and 36mm).

The lower ride-height guarantees a forthright position which is likewise valuable to the car's aerodynamics. Its well-articulated shoulder lines generate a visually distinguishable New Renault Clio.

Freshly-minted New Clio's coupe-like outline is highlighted by the incorporated rear door handles hidden near the rear quarter lights.

The proportion of wheel-size to vehicle-height has been duly adjusted for a more dramatic appearance. The huge diameter wheels are squeezed 15mm outwards contrasted with Clio III so that it could fill and complete flush with the wheel arches. A vertically raked windscreen adds up to this dramatic look, as does the enhanced glass/body proportion when the New Clio is viewed from the side (one-third and two-thirds respectively).

A cutting-edge, inviting, passenger-friendly interior

The yearning to fuse magnificence with usefulness appears obviously in various parts of the interior design, from the dashboard in the form of an aircraft wing, to the slick packaging of the multimedia systems in the center console, the accessibility of stowage space all through the cabin and careful awareness to detail. The wide selection of colors and the utilization of chrome and gloss-black highlighting add to the benevolence radiated by the cabin.