RENAULT is cutting up to £300 off Clio models and introducing new engines and models as part of a reorganisation aimed at simplifying the range. Every model, with the exception of the £7,995 on-the-road Liberte, costs less and all models receive specification improvements with a Clio RSi gaining air conditioning and CD player worth about £700 despite a cut in its price by £305 to £12,495 on-the-road.

From January 21 the Clio 2000 Collection will feature three ranges - Freeway, Elegance and Sport. Freeway includes the current entry-level Liberte model as well as the Grande and new MTV version - a tie-up with the television channel. The Elegance collection features the Alize, Etoile and Initiale while the Sport range includes the Sport, Si, RSi and 172. Renault is also introducing two new engines - a 1.4-litre 16v petrol with 98bhp and a 1.9-litre direct injection turbodiesel with 80bhp.

Renault said that the simplification and price cuts were not currently being considered for other models in its line-up. On-the-road prices for the new Clio include: Grande 1.2 3-dr £8,295, MTV 1.2 3-dr £8,495, Alize 1.4 3-dr £10,150, RSi 1.6 16v £12,495, and 172 2.0 16V £15,995.