Renault's next-generation Clio, due within 18 months, will include a mini MPV in its range, raising the French company's MPV portfolio on the continent to five.

It is believed to take many of its styling cues from the futuristic Ellypse concept car, shown recently at the Paris motor show. Revealing the addition to Renault's “monospace” family, Philippe Talou-Derible, MD of Renault UK, says: “The Clio MPV will give us fantastic coverage in the sector.”

In Britain it will create a Renault MPV price range from about £9000 for the Clio people-carrier to the £35,000 V6, 3.5-litre long-wheelbase Grand Espace.

On mainland Europe, the Renault MPV line-up extends to the pioneering Twingo, which is due to be replaced in 2004, although Talou-Derible said no decision had been made on if the car would be imported into the UK. The non-Twingo British choice will involve Clio, Megane Scenic, Kangoo and Espace.

Another addition to the Renault family will be a “stand alone” sports utility vehicle. This follows the decision not to replace the crossover MPV/SUV four-wheel-drive RX4 Megane Scenic variant.