Renault has spent recent years reviving icons like the 4 and 5 with modern electrified models. But the Clio isn’t fading into the background. Against the odds, Renault has given the green light to a sixth generation of its best-selling small car - and it sticks with combustion engines and even a manual gearbox.
That’s no small achievement. Since its launch 35 years ago, the Clio has sold nearly 17 million units across five generations in 120 countries, including 1.3 million in the UK. In Europe, it’s the best-selling car for the first half of the year. The sixth generation builds on that success with efficient engines, modern tech, and more space than before.
Engines and performance
The new Clio sits on Renault’s CMF-B platform, a variation of the one used for its EVs. In the UK, there will be two powertrain options.
- 1.8-litre E-Tech hybrid (158bhp) Uses two compact electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery, cutting emissions to 89g/km and offering up to 72mpg. Renault says it can run in electric mode for 80% of typical city driving. The hybrid system, developed with input from Formula One, offers 15 combinations of petrol and electric power.
- 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol (114bhp) A straightforward manual option for those who still want a traditional driving experience. Europe also gets an automatic version, but the UK will only see the six-speed manual.
Steering is quicker than before and drive modes remain part of the package.
Design and dimensions
The new Clio has grown: it’s 4.1m long (67mm longer than before), 39mm wider, and 11mm taller. The styling is sharper and more assertive, with recessed door handles, a coupe-style roofline, and black wheelarches framing up to 18-inch alloys.
Seven paint colours are available at launch, though only two are bright. Renault Sport hasn’t confirmed if a hot hatch version is coming.
Interior and technology
Inside, Renault’s Open R Link multimedia system features dual 10.1-inch screens with Google integration. That means Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps built in. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and charging are included, plus 2GB of free monthly data for three years.
The cabin feels more premium than before, with ambient LED lighting (48 colour choices), upgraded dashboard materials, and illuminated door panels. Higher trims use Alcantara and recycled materials, with more than 85% of the interior sustainable in the top version.
Practicality has also improved, with space for five adults, up to 391 litres of boot space, and added storage throughout the cabin. Top trims can be fitted with a Harman Kardon sound system offering five profiles developed by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
Safety and driver assistance
Depending on trim (Evolution, Techno, or Esprit Alpine), the new Clio offers up to 29 driver assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, reverse emergency braking, and Renault’s first emergency stop assist in Europe, which halts the car if the driver is unresponsive.
A new safety coach uses cameras to monitor fatigue and distraction, scoring the driver to encourage safer behaviour. For those who prefer fewer interventions, the “My Safety Switch” button lets you disable up to two assistance systems.
When it’s arriving
The sixth-generation Clio will arrive in the UK in early 2027, later than Europe because of the cost of engineering a right-hand drive version.
Renault’s EVs might grab headlines, but the new Clio proves there’s still space for efficient petrol power, manual gearboxes, and small cars that deliver big value.
