Renault Clio

Renault Clio
2023 Renault Clio
Overview
ManufacturerRenault
Also calledRenault Lutecia (Japan)
Mitsubishi Colt (2023–present)
Production1990–present
Body and chassis
ClassSupermini (B)
Body style3-door hatchback (Clio I – III)
5-door hatchback (1990–present)
4-door sedan (Clio II)
5-door estate (Clio III & IV)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
PredecessorRenault 5

The Renault Clio (/ˈkli./) is a supermini (B-segment) car, produced by French automobile manufacturer Renault. It was launched in 1990, and entered its fifth generation in 2019. The Clio has had substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch,[1] and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s. The Clio is one of only two cars, the other being the Volkswagen Golf, to have been voted European Car of the Year twice, in 1991 and 2006.

The car is named after Clio, one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology. In Japan, it is sold as the Renault Lutecia[2] because Honda retains the rights to the name Clio after establishing the Honda Clio sales channel in 1984. Lutecia is derived from the name of Lutetia, an ancient Roman city that was the predecessor of Paris. The Renault Lutecia was formerly available through Yanase Co., Ltd., but in 1999 Renault purchased a stake in Japanese automaker Nissan. Following Renault's takeover, distribution rights for the Lutecia were handed over to Nissan locations in 2000 and sold at Nissan Red Stage locations.[3]

  1. ^ "Renault's New Clio III: Up to 53.5 MPG". Green Car Congress. 26 June 2005. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  2. ^ "Model lineup: Renault Lutecia presentation" (in Japanese). Renault Japon. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Alliance 2022: New Plan Targets Annual Synergies of €10 Billion and Forecasts Unit Sales of 14 Million & Combined Revenues of $240 Billion". Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. 15 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.