Renault has finally unveiled the fourth-generation Clio small hatchback to the public, undisguised and ready to challenge its rivals in the crowded supermini market.
It's also been revealed that the new Clio will hit UK showrooms in early 2013, with orders available starting from October 2012.
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The Renault Clio is one of the most popular small hatchbacks to ever hit the worldwide market, selling 11.5 million units worldwide since the original model first launched back in 1990.
However the most recent generation Clio debuted on the UK market all the way back in 2005, and ultimately failed to match the yearly sales of its predecessors.
Since its launch the Clio has faced overwhelming competition from more modern rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, while recently launched models like the Peugeot 208 threaten to lure away more customers from Renault too.
Now the French manufacturer is fighting back with its new Clio, a lighter, greener and more technical car than its predecessor.
The new Clio will only be sold as a five-door hatchback, unlike the previous generation model a three-door version is not on the agenda for Renault.
The exterior has received a major redesign and overall sports a more curvaceous body then before. At the front there are new and larger headlights as well as a narrow grille with a chrome stripe added for mid-to-high end specifications.
Renault have also given the Clio's interior a redesign, which promises to be a more modern and sophisticated take on a car's cabin then seen before.
Engine options for the new Clio have not been confirmed yet but it's widely anticipated to offer a 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine and a 90bhp 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol which will return 65.9mpg and keep CO2 emissions at just 99g/km.
The Clio is also set to receive a 1.5-litre turbodiesel, which will be found on an efficiency-focused Eco2 specification with longer gearing. In this set up the Clio should be able to return 88.2mpg whilst emitting just 83g/km in CO2.
This figure comfortably beats the previous Eco2 spec Renault Clio which was able to achieve CO2 emissions of 94g/km.
A performance-orientated Renaultsport Clio will also arrive later in 2013, again only available as a five-door hatchback.
The equipment list for the new Renault Clio now offers more technological luxuries such as a 'R-Link' multimedia system with a 7" touchscreen.
With this feature passengers can access satellite navigation, Bluetooth and an application which can assess and score how economic the car is being driven.
Pricing for the new Renault Clio will be confirmed at a later date, with reports suggesting the hatchback will start from just over £11,000, while top-end models will come in at around £16,000.