Renault is working
on a small crossover/SUV based upon the Clio hatchback. It appears that the French manufacturer is
taking aim at the likes of the Ford Fiesta Active, adopting the formula of
applying a taller stance and associated SUV styling cues to a B-segment
hatchback, here with roof rails and – possibly – dark plastic cladding for the
off-road look.
The Clio-based crossover has been tipped to utilise the CMF-B
platform that is set for use with the upcoming Clio, which should include the
new 1.3 litre turbo petrol engine which is shared with the new Mercedes-Benz
A-Class. This offers 115 hp at 4,500 rpm and 220 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm in
base form, up to 160 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 Nm from 1,750 Nm in its most
potent guise.
There isn’t very much revealed about how it
may differ from the Clio it is based upon, save for its taller ride height. At
the front, the crossover test mule appears to omit the Clio’s foglamps, which
were seen to be located at the corners of the bumper on the hatchback.
While the
forthcoming Clio is tipped for an October debut at the Paris Motor Show, this
crossover version will likely arrive later on. Currently, Renault’s entrant in
the B-segment crossover/SUV realm is the Captur, which has been spotted testing
in future coupe crossover guise.
Cr : Paultan
