RENAULT's Clio is reckoned to be one of the UK's best-loved cars. Bearing in mind the volume of television and cinema advertising that is lavished on the supermini, it is no wonder that the Va Va Voom image stands head and shoulders above most of the opposition.

Also, the car is a consistent member of the Top 10 best-seller club, with more than 850,000 sold here since 1991.

Now, a new version is on the way, the third generation in fact. First to arrive here will be the three-door version, and if sales figures are to be believed it is the most popular model chalking up more than 75 per cent of Clio sales. The less popular five-door will follow in January next year.

More than 8.5 million Clios have been produced since 1991, and it has always been one of Europe's top three selling superminis.

However, the arrival of the Clio III does not spell the end of the Clio II as Renault will continue to produce and sell the present Clio in special edition Rush and Extreme 4 versions for the whole of 2006 as an entry-level model.

Following the launch of the five-door Modus supermini last year, Renault continues the renewal and development of its supermini range. The new car marks the beginning of a new chapter of the Clio story, standing out as a new benchmark in its segment, being bigger and roomier than its predecessors.

Renault's marketing speak talks of the new car's "soft, sensual lines" of highlighting the car's "dynamism and hint at driving pleasure" as well as pointing out that "the warm and carefully finished interior" takes up to five people in comfort and is among the most spacious in the class "with a light and airy feel".

There will be six trim levels - Authentique, Expression, Privilege, Dynamique and Initiale - and three equipment levels, Pack, Confort and Luxe. A sport version will also become available at a later date.

The specification offers a panoramic electric sunroof, which is made up of two flush-fitting panels, one fixed the other moveable, and opened by a one-touch rotary electric switch. Other equipment available, depending on the model, includes parking assist, automatic windscreen wipers, and light sensor that automatically switches on the dipped beam headlights in bad light, and cruise control and speed limiter.

Interestingly, the new car provides a ten per cent improvement over the previous model when it comes to all-round visibility.

Cabin room for passengers has been increased, shoulder room is up by 28mm to 1380mm at the front, while shoulder room for those in the back is 1343mm for the five-door version, and 1362mm for the three-door. There is also 288-litres of boot space, increasing to 694-litres with the bench seat folded, and to 1,038-litres with the seat folded down and the car loaded to the roof.

Based on the Renault-Nissan alliance-developed platform, Clio III's suspension takes its inspiration from that of the Mgane II, while the new model's handling, says Renault, is "well balanced" due to its long wheelbase, wide track and low centre of gravity. At 3.99m long, Clio III is not only bigger than its predecessors, but it is also roomier, both in three- and five-door form.

From launch, Clio III will be available with a choice of new petrol and Euro 4 compliant clean and economical common rail diesel engines. The petrol engine range includes a 1.2-litre 16V (75hp), a 1.4-litre 16V (98hp) and a 1.6-litre 16V (113hp) unit, while the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine comes in a choice of three power outputs: 68hp, 86hp and 106hp.

The list of available transmission options for Clio III is the same as for Modus and includes a six speed manual on the most powerful dCi 106. For the first time a "quick-shift" gearbox commanded by paddles (shades of F1 cars) located behind the steering wheel will also be available.

Renault says that the driving position and user-friendly controls contribute to making the driver feel perfectly at ease. Numerous other comfort and safety features are also available, some of which - including the hands-free card for unlocking and ignition - are totally new in this segment.

The new car is also available with the electronic stability programme incorporating traction control, understeer control and engine torque overrun regulation.

Along with Modus, Clio III is the first car in its segment to offer additional cornering headlamps, while double distance xenon headlamps are also available for improved night visibility.

Servicing intervals are every 18,000 miles for petrol-engined versions and every 12,000 miles for diesel-powered cars. Clio III is also environmentally sound: some 95 per cent of its weight is easily recyclable and its eco-design takes into account forthcoming restrictions concerning the use of heavy metals.

Full prices and specifications of the new Clio will be released in August and the order books will open at that time ready for deliveries to begin in October.

Dealers:

Dixon Renault, Clifton Moorgate, Clifton Moor, York (01904 667300)

Barker Smith, Welham Road, Norton, Malton (01653 693383)

Updated: 11:00 Friday, July 08, 2005