Just announced at the Paris Motor Show and available in South Africa in the new year, it’s the new face of one of Renault’s best-selling models: the Clio.

There’s a new design identity, simple sensuous and warm. And an emphasis on simplicity, warmth and sensuality. That’s the marketing fluff done.

Many manufacturers promise that the cars they make are influenced by the concepts they show off. In the new Clio, this is true. Look out for the front-end styling which features a prominent Renault logo. This is from the DeZir concept.

From the engines it’s all about less emissions and better consumption but isn’t it always? This time though you’ll sit up and listen. Thanks to their Turbo Control Efficiency, they’re promising 66kw, usually reserved for 1.4-litre. The 1.2-litre 88kw engine usually needs 1.6-litres to do what it does.

The car comes only in 5-door format, and is 45mm closer to the ground. That means better handling thanks to better aerodynamics and stance.

I’m personally very excited about the Renault R-Link entertainment system. This has a number of firsts as well as a large seven-inch (18 cm) touchscreen display, intuitive voice commands and, a market first, a home page that can be personalized by the user for safe, simple access to key functions. Tom Tom Live and an R-Link app store are also inside.

There’ll be a performance version (obviously there will, this is Renault) called the Clio 4 R.S. 200 EDC.

Everything happens in SA next year.