Renault has revealed a series of important updates and developments regarding its model plan over the next three years, including all-new versions of the Twingo and Clio.
All-new Twingo in 2014
Speaking with HeadlineAuto, Renault marketing director Stephen Norman has promised “something totally unexpected” for the next-generation Twingo. The new car is being developed in conjunction with Daimler AG and will take a different direction “closer to the original model” and “totally unexpected”, according to Norman. Sightings of a heavily disguised prototype Twingo have lead to the conclusion that the new car could be even more compact than the current model – possibly sharing its underpinnings with the Smart ForTwo.
Clio IV due in September
The next iteration of Renault’s popular Clio compact hatchback will reportedly make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Sporting a new exterior design and a host of new powerplants, the new Clio will reportedly move further upmarket in terms of size, finish and specifications.
The new Clio’s styling will reportedly integrate a sculpted bonnet, a more aggressive headlamp treatment and a large lower air dam with integrated foglamps. The five-door version will also feature rear door handles hidden in the c-pillar to give the car a coupe-esque look. The engine line-up will include a three-cylinder 0,9-litre petrol engine developing 67 kW and a new 1,2-litre TCE petrol unit with 83 kW on tap. There aren’t any indications as to when the RS-badged Clio will emerge or what sort of engine will power it as yet.
Megane, Laguna, Koleos, Espace and Juke platform-sharing 2013-15
The new Megane is due to emerge during the course of 2014, followed by all-new versions of the Laguna and Espace the following year. The Koleos, which will arrive in 2014, will reportedly evolve into an all-terrain MPV in a similar vein to Renault’s R-Space concept. Renault will also gain access to the Nissan Juke’s underpinnings in 2013, although it’s not yet clear whether this will be purely a platform sharing exercise or potentially re-styling/re-branding the Juke as a Renault Alliance offering.
Samsung affiliation and catching up with the Koreans
Renault’s affiliation with Samsung has, thus far, not proven a fruitful one with the company admitting to having “lost a lot of money” in the exercise”. The Korean conglomerate will play a part in the development of Renault’s upper-tier models in the coming years. According to Norman, "We were caught short in the market there [Korea] by Hyundai and Kia, we weren't expecting them to be as good as they are. You can no longer make a car for one region and what we do in Europe will influenced by what is happening elsewhere."
