The Renault Clio is a hatchback supermini which was produced starting 1990. It is one of French auto manufacturer Renault’s most successful model. The car boasts being twice elected as European Car of the Year, and has been a consistent bestseller in European markets since its debut. The Clio is marketed as the Renault Lutecia in Japan due to a dispute in naming rights with Honda.
Clio I was marketed between 1990 and 1998. This first generation was introduced in 1990 at the Paris Motor Show, with British sales starting 1991. Clio I succeeded Renault 5, which continued a limited production until 1996 in some parts of the world. Limited edition Clio Williams hot hatch were also created during the first generation, with each production being sold out.
Clio II began production in 1998, continuing in some parts of the globe today. It featured a radical restyling from the previous model. A saloon version was also launched the following year, known worldwide as Renault Symbol. The car received a facelift in 2001. France ended production of Clio II in 2012.
The present generation Clio III was produced beginning 2005. It uses a Nissan B platform which it shares with Nissan Micra and Nissan Note. Its competitors include the Volkswagen Passat, which it beat as European Car of the Year in 2006.
