It’s facelift time for the Mk3 Renault Clio, and Renault have taken advantage of the refreshed look to introduce a warm hatch to the range.
The updated Clio will be appearing at the Geneva Motor Show, but some publicity shots and a walkaround video have been released showing the new Clio GT. There’s no news about what’s under the bonnet, but speculation suggests either a 1.2 turbocharged unit or a modified version of the Twingo’s 1.6 naturally aspirated unit.
The facelift brings in elements of Renault’s new design that has already been seen on the Twingo and new Megane, with a new nose boasting reshaped headlighhts, and bolder rear light clusters.
The GT model takes this a step further with more aggressive-looking bumpers, a gloss black grill at the front, subtle side skirts, and a twin exhaust at the rear. It also features different suspension settings to the standard Clio, helping it to stand out as more of a performance hatch but without stepping on the toes of the hottest Renaultsport Clio 197. This is a car aimed squarely at younger buyers who can’t afford to run a full-fat 197 but want something more entertaining than a standard Clio.
The video is below and while it’s not very exciting, it does give you a good look at the GT’s bodykit as well as the new look of the Clio.
Expect to hear more about the Clio GT at the Geneva Motor Show, starting March 5th.