The next Renault Clio could feature mild hybrid tech as seen on the brand’s new Scenic MPV .
. Speaking to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, Bruno Ancelin – Renaultexecutive vice president, product planning – said: “We want to add electrification that’s affordable. It means we give the customer just enough to deliver low CO2.”
Asked if the more cost-effective Hybrid Assist function from the brand’s new people carrier could feature on the smaller Clio, Ancelin revealed: “Yes, we’ll consider the tech for other cars. It’s not the only initiative to reduce fuel consumption, but it won’t be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle [PHEV].”
The new Clio, which will replace the Mk4 seen above, could adopt a host of aerodynamic features, along with advanced hybrid tech from the EOLABconcept, which hints at the future. The Renault boss also told us: “There’s no need for massive deployment of PHEV tech on small cars, as the price will be too high.” But Ancelin didn’t rule out plug-in powertrains for larger saloons and crossovers, which are heavier.
“Weight reduction is always cheaper compared to a PHEV, as battery price is the biggest barrier,” he said. “But we’ll probably need that [PHEV] in the upper segments, depending on future diesel regulations.”
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