The hi-tech SUV has...
The hi-tech SUV has been built to take part in the US Grand Challenge - a rally for remotely operated vehicles. It"s packed with prototype safety systems to avoid crashes. Data from roof-mounted radar and GPS navigation systems is processed by a bank of computers that controls the steering, throttle and brakes.
Feast your eyes on the...
Feast your eyes on the new Clio ň€“ as Renaultň€™s supermini now comes with extra va-va-voom...
These official pictures reveal the revamped model not only sports the firmň€™s latest family face ň€“ already showcased on the Mégane and Laguna ň€“ it now comes in GT guise, too.
Set to hit showrooms in May, the car features a lowered main radiator grille, which now sits below the bumper.
The arrival of the GT should help bridge the gap between the Renaultsport hot hatches and the more sensible models in the line-up.
While the Clio outsells the next most popular Renault by two to one in the UK, last year registrations fell by more than one-third compared to 2007.
Engine details have yet to be announced, but the range is expected to follow the current line-up, with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel units accounting for the majority of sales. Only lower-powered diesels fall into the ŇŁ35-a-year road tax bracket at the moment, but that could change with the new model.
Under the bonnet of the GT, buyers should get a choice of the 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol or the makerň€™s highest-powered 1.5-litre diesel. In addition, its suspension will be stiffer and lower than the regular Clioň€™s, while extensions to the sills and lower grille, plus twin exhausts, hint at its performance intent. Inside are sporty seats and drilled aluminium pedal covers.
Every car in the range will get the option of cut-price built-in sat-nav. Renault has teamed up with TomTom to ensure the factory-fitted kit wonň€™t break the bank ň€“ bosses promise it will be ň€śwell below ŇŁ500ň€ť.
New interior trims will be offered, but any owners of the current car looking to swap will be hoping Renault has cured the misting problem reported by many Clio III drivers.