New Renault Clio gets fresh styling and boosted power

You could argue that the Renault Clio is something of a household name; it’s the best-selling car in Europe and, for us, its popularity is justified. Indeed, we named the fifth-generation Clio the best small car you can buy in our 2025 What Car? Awards – but the new sixth-generation version has just arrived, and it’ll certainly have a lot to live up to.

One of the biggest changes the new Clio has undergone is a new engine line-up, featuring upgraded versions of its previous offerings. 

The range starts with the TCe 115, which replaces the old entry-level TCe 90. It still gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine, but it gets an improved power output of 115bhp – which officially translates to a 0-62mph time that’s faster than the outgoing model by two seconds. Indeed, it’s just marginally less punchy than a Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 115. It’ll also come matched to a manual gearbox.

Then there’s the E-Tech 160 full hybrid, replacing the E-Tech 145 engine from the previous generation. This version gets a heftier 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine alongside two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery – the same setup we’ve seen in the new Captur and Symbioz SUVs.

According to Renault, the hybrid model can travel up to 80% of the time in pure electric mode when you’re pootling at low speeds around town. Like the TCe 115, this engine is also quicker and more powerful than the one it replaces, completing a 0-62mph sprint one second quicker. It’s got more punch than the rival Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris hybrids.

More importantly, though, the E-Tech 160 emits just 89g/km of CO2, which means it drops two company car tax bands compared with the previous E-Tech 145, and it has an official fuel economy rate of 72mpg. Of course, it’s unlikely you’ll see that figure in real-world driving.

It’s not just the engines that have been rejigged, though. The Clio has received a noticeable exterior makeover, with sharp lines across the bonnet, a larger, more aggressive front grille and a coupé-style sloping roofline. The grille is black on entry-level trim, but as you step up the grades, you get some chrome accents, while opting for the range-topping trim gets you some blue accents.

The new Clio is also slightly longer, taller and wider than the outgoing model, and there’s a new light signature on the front headlights, showcasing the diamond Renault logo. Wheel sizes run between 16in and 18in, depending on the trim. Buyers can also opt for a custom-shaped rear spoiler if they want a more sporty look.

Inside, higher-spec models get a larger dual 10.1in screen V-shaped setup, with the central infotainment touchscreen angled towards the driver and a driver’s display behind the wheel. On lower-spec models, that display is 7.0in.

The infotainment system is Google-based on Techno trim and above, with Maps and Google Assistant included. Lower trim levels get wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but higher trim levels go wireless. Music lovers can opt for a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

There’s also a new, more compact steering wheel that’s been borrowed from higher-end models. According to Renault, it reduces the number of steering turns from lock to lock, with the aim of improving agility.

We've had a chance to sit in the new Clio and the interior is very similar to what you'll find in the new Renault 5 – which is no bad thing. We were in a range-topping Esprit Alpine version which had some luxurious-feeling Alcantara on the dashboard, but even the lower trims should have enough soft-touch materials around to mean this doesn't feel like a cheap car inside.

Space in the back, meanwhile, is a tad more generous than the rather stingy fifth-generation Clio in terms of head and legroom. It's still the case that there are more practical small cars out there when it comes to rear seats (like the Honda Jazz), but if a six-footer finds themselves squeezed into the back of the new Clio they'll be a little more comfortable than they would have been in the old one.

Boot space, however, remains unchanged at 391 litres, which is bigger than small car rivals’, and it’s even roomier than the boot in the Volkswagen Golf – a bigger car from the class above. However, you will have to compromise if you opt for the full hybrid, because boot space drops to 309 litres. It’s still more than the 301 litres on the outgoing hybrid, though, and it’s bigger than that of the super-practical Jazz.

The Clio’s boot is now also more accessible than before, thanks to a 40mm lowering of the loading lip. This is a real bonus, because the high lip on the outgoing model was a bit of a pain to haul things over.

A number of new safety features have been added, including some new driving assist systems and the standardisation of adaptive cruise control across all trims.

Speaking of trims, there’ll be three to choose from: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. Entry-level Evolution trim comes with 16in alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, rear parking sensors, air-con and automatic emergency braking (AEB).

Stepping up to Techno trim gets you the Google-based infotainment system, automatic climate control, dark-tinted rear windows, LED ambient lighting, keyless entry, electrically folding wing mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and a six-speaker sound system.

Splash out on top-spec Esprit Alpine trim and you’ll get 18in alloy wheels, some ‘Clio’ badging throughout, a height-adjustable passenger seat, a wireless phone charging pad, side and front parking assist and automatic emergency braking when reversing.

The new Renault Clio is expected to arrive in 2027. Pricing hasn’t yet been revealed, but in France, the new Clio starts at around 3000€ more than the outgoing model. Still, the new price is set to be broadly in line with the current fifth-generation Clio, which starts at £18,995 and tops out at £25,095. It undercuts most small car rivals, including the Skoda Fabia and VW Polo.

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