Renault has officially announced the sixth generation of its best-selling small car, the Clio, ahead of its UK launch in 2027. The new model features bold new styling, upgraded safety tech and a choice hybrid or petrol powertrains.
The new Clio replaces the Parkers award-winning model, and sits alongside Renault’s stellar small car lineup of the Renault 4 E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech. Its overall dimensions have grown slightly over the outgoing car, bringing more storage space, though its boot capacity remains at 391 litres, depending on the engine.
UK buyers get a simple choice of two powertrains. The entry-level option is a 115hp 1.2-litre TCe petrol engine, available as a manual or optional EDC automatic, returning a combined 56.5mpg according to the official WLTP figures.
A new 160hp 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid E-Tech engine tops the range. Two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery take it from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds and achieve up to 72 mpg. Renault says the hybrid model can drive in electric-only mode around 80% of the time in and around town, delivering up to 40% fuel savings compared with a conventional petrol.
What trims are available?
As before, the Clio has three trim levels to choose from: Evolution, Techno and Espirit Alpine. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across all models, along with Bluetooth, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and two USB-C sockets at the front.
The mid-spec Techno gains built-in Google Maps and Assistant, LED ambient lighting and a reversing camera. While the highest-spec Esprit Alpine model gets double 10.1-inch V-shaped infotainment screen, a wireless charging pad, Alcantara fabric, a special ‘burnt metal’ interior trim sportier 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can specify a Harman Kardon stereo system and up to 29 driver assistance systems.
What this means for you
The outgoing Clio is good to drive, economical and has great levels of tech – the new version of one of our favourite superminis is likely to be no different. This new model promises stronger performance, improved efficiency and more safety equipment.
The upgraded petrol engine should feel livelier at motorway speeds, where the old model felt underpowered. Meanwhile, the new hybrid with improved efficiency, gives drivers more opportunity to cut running costs and a way to nip around town without using the engine.
We don’t know how much it’ll cost just yet, but we expect it to be in-line with the old car. With upgraded tech and performance, it should feel like a smarter buy while keeping it a favourite in the small car market.
Expert’s view: Here’s hoping the new Clio gives us reason to look beyond its appearance
We’re not really into judging a car by its looks here at Parkers – after all, automotive beauty is always in the eye of the keyholder, and all that. But my goodness, this new Renault Clio is a sharp turn about from the current Clio, which is one of the sleekest designs in the supermini class. Did it really have to look like it’s swallowing a catfish?
So much for French flair, eh? That minor grumble aside, the improved tech and range-wide integration of useful assisted driving features – adaptive cruise control on every model, in the supermini class, wow – is surely a boon for buyers in this segment.
It is a shame the engine choice is so limited, but if Renault can sprinkle on a little driving magic – and it has a long tradition of delivering great-handling small cars – in addition to making the new Clio even greater value for money, well, we’ll be the first to overlook its appearance and praise it for its merits. Roll on 2027.
cj hubbard – head of the Bauer digital automotive content hub for Parkers and CAR
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