The Renault Clio is one of the most popular and best-selling cars in Europe, with over 16 million units sold since its launch in 1990. The latest version of the Clio, which was facelifted in 2023, offers a new design language, a range of hybrid and electric options, and a sporty Esprit Alpine trim. But how does it compare to its rivals in the supermini segment? And is it worth buying now or should you wait for a new model?
Design and Features
The new Renault Clio has a more dynamic and aggressive front-end appearance, with sharper sculpting, an enlarged grille, and LED lighting. The rear end also features LED lights that form an upright rhombus, mimicking the Renault logo. The car also has slimline full LED headlights that automatically switch between up to five beam patterns.
The interior of the Clio has been updated with a new dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment system. The car also has plenty of safety equipment, such as airbags, ABS, ESP, hill start assist, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
The Esprit Alpine trim adds some sporty flair to the Clio’s design and features. It has aerodynamic scoops on the front bumper, gloss black badging, a specific Esprit Alpine badge on the front wings, and F1-style aerofoil at the front. It also has sport seats with Alcantara upholstery, an Alcantara steering wheel cover with paddle shifters, an Alcantara gear knob with paddle shifters, and Alcantara door sill inserts with Alcantara logo stitching on them.
Performance and Efficiency
The new Renault Clio is available in three engine options: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit (TCe 90), a 1.6-litre hybrid petrol unit (E-Tech), and an electric unit (E-Tech E). The TCe 90 produces 90bhp and comes with either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds (manual) or 11.9 seconds (automatic). It has a fuel consumption of 51.4mpg (manual) or 52.5mpg (automatic) and CO2 emissions of 109g/km (manual) or 108g/km (automatic).
The E-Tech unit combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver more power and torque than the TCe 90. It produces either 120bhp or 160bhp, depending on whether it is paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in either 10 seconds or nine seconds respectively. It has a fuel consumption of up to 66mpg depending on whether it is paired with either gearbox or not and CO2 emissions of up to zero.
The E-Tech E unit is fully electric and does not have any moving parts except for the battery pack that can be charged from an external source using either AC or DC power supply. It produces either 125bhp or 150bhp, depending on whether it is paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual gearbox. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in either 8 seconds or 7 seconds, respectively. It has no fuel consumption or CO2 emissions.
Practicality
The new Renault Clio offers plenty of space inside for five adults, with decent headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. The boot capacity ranges from 256 liters to 520 liters depending on whether it is equipped with either five seats, five seats plus folding rear seats, or seven seats. The boot also has some clever storage solutions, such as bottle holders, cup holders, and shoe boxes.
