THE new Renault Clio will have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any diesel car on sale in the UK when it hits showrooms in June, rewarding its drivers with lower company car tax bills from 2002. Using a new generation of 1.5 dCi units, the Clio will be available in 65bhp and 80bhp versions with CO2 emissions of 115g/km and 113g/km respectively.

Both improve on the current diesel emissions champion, the Audi A2 1.4TDI at 116g/km. And the Clio's figures are significantly lower than its nearest supermini rivals - the Peugeot 206 Eco 2.0HDi on 120g/km and the Vauxhall Corsa 1.7DTi on 127g/km. Fleet drivers in the new Clio would pay the lowest rate of company car tax under the first three years of the new emissions-based regime from April 2002.

And if the lowest emissions threshold is expected to continue to fall after 2005, Clio drivers will be set to pay less company car tax for longer. The engines are also economical with the 65bhp unit returning 65.7mpg on the combined cycle, while the 80bhp version is even better at 67.3mpg.

The range will also have a new 16-valve 1.2-litre petrol engine, while the car has been redesigned throughout. Styling at the front end echoes the new Vel Satis, which will go on sale next year, while the dashboard has been revamped to include the option of a satellite navigation screen. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.