| Remember the Nissan Sport Concept at Detroit? La-Z-Link Well, here is the new Renault Clio III. Renault and Nissan has some kind of alliance in place. And the rumor is that the Nissan Sport Concept and thus the new Nissan hatch will be based on the Clio. You tell me if these two cars came from the same DNA... 
Here is the press release.
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Renault has issued the following press release: Following the launch of the five door Modus supermini in 2004, Renault continues the renewal and development of its B-segment range with Clio III. The new car marks the beginning of a new chapter of the Clio story, which has continued to ride a wave of success ever since its debut 14 years ago. The third generation of this market-leading model stands out as a new benchmark in its segment, bigger and roomier but Clio III continues to place the emphasis on driving pleasure thanks to its dynamic handling and high level of comfort, as well as offering a further illustration of Renault's expertise in the critical realm of safety where Renault leads the field. The power of seduction
Clio III’s soft, sensual lines highlight the car’s dynamism and hint at driving pleasure. 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 for which Renaults are renowned. Extraordinary room and comfort
With a length of 3.99m, Clio III is not only bigger but it also ensures exceptional interior space for passengers, both in three- and five-door format. A sense of well being is further enhanced by the brightness of the cabin interior that reinforces a sensation of roominess previously unseen in this category. 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. Driving pleasure takes front stage
Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed B platform, Clio III was made for driving. Its suspension takes its inspiration from that of Mégane II, while the new model's handling is well balanced due to its long wheelbase, wide track and low centre of gravity. The car’s outstanding chassis complements these fundamental features. For its launch, Clio III will be available with a choice of state-of-the-art petrol and Euro 4 compliant common rail diesel engines. The petrol engine range comprises 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: 70hp, 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 robotised "quick-shift" gearbox commanded by paddles located behind the steering wheel will also be available. Acoustic comfort, a key factor when it comes to driving pleasure and the quality of traveling comfort, was engineered into the car at a very early stage and this work places Clio III at the very top end of its segment. Safety- part of Clio III’s DNA
In order to meet the target of excellence Clio III has set concerning safety, the new car benefits from Renault's significant expertise on both the active and passive safety fronts. As with previous programmes, the intention is to obtain the highest standard in the class. Clio III is neutrally balanced in an emergency situation, easy to drive and boasts outstanding braking performance. It is delivered as standard with Generation 8 Bosch ABS plus electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The new car is also available with the electronic stability programme (ESP) incorporating ASR traction control, understeer control and MSR 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 enhanced night visibility. Clio III's passive safety features stem from a particularly demanding brief that mirrors Renault’s commitment and expertise in this domain. The car's structure includes a number of programmed deformation zones and has been designed to function with the occupant restraint equipment championed by Renault's third-generation System for Restraint and Protection. This includes up to eight airbags, including two adaptive front airbags complete with load limiter and double pretensioners for the front seats Renault continues the renewal of its small car range
Renault is one of the principal players in the small car segment, a strategic sector that accounts for more than one-third of the European market (5 million vehicles). The total renewal of Renault's small car line-up – which began with Modus and will finish with New Twingo in 2007 – has led to the establishment of a new manufacturing structure that sees each of its production sites (Flins and Bursa, plus Dieppe for the Renault Sport version due in the second half of 2006) given over to a single type of vehicle.
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A Preview of the new Nissan Hatch - 
