The Renault Clio refuses to relinquish its position as one of the best superminis on the market. A high-quality and well-equipped item despite its competitive pricing, the Clio feels as refined as much larger hatchbacks and handles well, too.
A recent facelift has also given the Clio a new, much sharper look and made hybrid power the only option. The Clio’s full-hybrid E-Tech powertrain means fuel economy is impressive, but fellow superminis offer more boot space and are less expensive to buy – though not by much. So, if you’re after a capable supermini, the Renault Clio deserves your attention.
About the Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is one of the most recognisable names in the automotive world – at least in Europe anyway. It’s one synonymous with small, reasonably priced superminis that are great to drive and offer lots of big-car appeal. More than 16 million Clios have been sold since the first one arrived in 1990, with the current, fifth-generation model continuing its legacy and managing to win our Supermini of the Year award in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The latest Clio was launched back in 2019, when it was pitched squarely against the ever-popular Ford Fiesta. Of course, since then the Blue Oval’s beloved supermini has kicked the bucket, while its French nemesis was given a new lease on life thanks to a dramatic facelift.
The new front end borrows cues from Renault’s mid-size SUV, the Austral, as well as its all-electric Megane E-Tech. The other significant change is Renault dropping the TCe 90 petrol engine from the Clio lineup, meaning it’s now hybrid-only, just like the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris.
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The updated Clio’s full-hybrid powertrain is the same one found in the Clio E-Tech we first drove in 2020, though it has since received some tweaks to improve performance and efficiency. Either way, there’s a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, paired with a 1.2kWh battery that feeds two electric motors. The first is a 36kw electric motor that drives the front wheels, while the second, a smaller 18kw starter generator, helps start the engine when you receive some extra grunt.
The Clio’s trim structure also got tweaked as part of the mid-life facelift, so it now includes Evolution and Techno specifications – the same as before – but Esprit Alpine trim level now sits above them and replaces the old R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered options. With the E-Tech hybrid system now standard, the Clio’s starting price has jumped from around £19,000 to just over £21,000, but that’s actually slightly less expensive than the Clio E-Tech used to cost. Top-of-the-range models still cost about £24,000 though.
All Clios come as standard with alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two seven-inch displays, plus a suite of active safety systems including lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Work your way up through the price list and you’re rewarded with larger wheels, a rear-view camera, a 9.3-inch central touchscreen and a 10-inch digital driver’s display.
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The Clio is one of the best supermini options around, and clearly one of our favourites based on its collection of silverware – both impressive feats when you consider the plethora of talented rivals. The aforementioned Jazz and Yaris both utilise efficient hybrid technology, just like the Clio, while the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa go a few steps beyond by offering all-electric power in the form of the e-208 and Corsa Electric.
We’d say the Peugeot is almost as much fun to drive and perhaps has the edge for desirability over the Renault, but it can’t quite match the Clio for practicality. Elsewhere, the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo feel well finished and refined, and the five-door MINI Hatch combines retro looks with a sophisticated cabin.
Used and nearly new
Renault has been selling the Clio in the UK since 1991, and with total sales exceeding 1.2 million, there is little reason for the French marque to stop now. The Clio had quite the shadow to step out from – the Renault 5 that went before it was immensely popular and had been on sale for more than 20 years, almost reaching 5.5 million sales globally when the Clio arrived.
The Clio however, has eclipsed this figure, with global sales flying past 16 million cars worldwide. Arguably, the Clio’s success story began at its public unveiling at the 1990 Paris Motor Show, where the small hatchback caught the public’s eye.
Renault Clio Mk4: 2012-2019
The Mk4 Clio might not have quite the charm and playfulness of its predecessors, but it’s stronger, safer, better built and more practical. It’s also loaded with more equipment, which means it’s a great alternative to the current model – one of our favourite superminis. It arrived in UK showrooms in February 2013 in five-door form only. Read our full Mk4 Renault Clio buyer’s guide here…
Renault Clio Mk3: 2005-2012
The Mk3 Clio oozed sophistication and flair. Back then, you could still buy a Clio with three or five doors, while practicality was assured thanks to a load capacity beaten only by that of the Honda Jazz. Avoid the smaller engines, which are unable to cope with the car’s weight, but enjoy the long-legged comfort and strong five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Read our full Mk3 Renault Clio review here…
Renault Clio Mk2: 1998-2005
The second-generation Clio landed in 1998 at a time when the original Clio had secured its place as a top 10 seller in the UK. Gone was the boxy shape and conventional lines, replaced by a more bulbous and rounded body. It was an immediate success, with the stronger, more sophisticated silhouette winning the hearts of buyers all over Europe. Advanced materials were used throughout to minimise potential weight penalties, while Improvements were made in safety, too, with ABS available on selected versions and up to four airbags on top-spec cars.
For an alternative review of the Renault Clio, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk…
