2024 Renault Clio Review: Updated Hybrid & Price Check

by Michael Brown - Business Editor
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Renault has unveiled the sixth generation of its popular Clio hatchback, a model boasting over 17 million units sold across europe and a legacy of winning European Car of the Year awards in 1990 and 2005. While built on the existing CMF-B platform, this iteration represents a meaningful refresh for the Clio, which has remained Europe’s best-selling model despite its fifth generation being in production for seven years. The update includes a revised powertrain and updated features as Renault navigates a market increasingly focused on hybrid and electric vehicles, including its own Captur and forthcoming Renault 5 and 4 models.

The Renault Clio, a mainstay in the European automotive market, has surpassed 17 million units sold across its various generations. The model’s success began with the first-generation Clio being named European Car of the Year, a feat repeated by the third generation 15 years later.

Renault has now unveiled the sixth generation of the Clio, built on the same CMF-B modular platform as its predecessor. While boasting a significantly updated exterior design, the new model is best viewed as a substantial refresh rather than a complete overhaul.

The previous generation, which debuted in 2019 and received several updates, was known for its well-balanced performance and available efficient hybrid powertrain. In fact, the Clio was even considered as a potential personal vehicle for this reporter in years past.

Beyond the more striking exterior – identifiable by the same rear door handles as the previous generation – the new Clio features a slightly larger frame, updated interior screens, and a revised hybrid powertrain. Similar to other modern Renault hybrids, the 1.6-liter engine has been replaced with a 1.8-liter variant, increasing power from 145 to 160 horsepower, with the manufacturer projecting fuel economy of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

Achieving these figures will require a light touch on the accelerator, but the Clio, with its hybrid technology, stands out as one of the few competitors to the Toyota Yaris in this class. You can find a test of the Yaris here. Other manufacturers either lack effective hybrid options or are phasing out vehicles in this segment altogether, as the market increasingly favors crossovers. Renault offers the Captur, a sister model built on the same platform, as its crossover option; an overview can be found here.

The Clio remains a traditional hatchback and continues to be the best-selling model in Europe, despite the fifth generation being in production for seven years. For those seeking a small electric hatchback, Renault now offers the Renault 5 (review here) or its more practical crossover version, the Renault 4.

In addition to hybrid models, Renault also offers variants with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, some of which are available with LPG conversion – these versions represent the most affordable options, starting at €19,890. The company provides a 5-year warranty, with the option to add “Mango Insurance” for extended coverage, and a 10% discount is available with the link below the video review.

In our market, the hybrid Clio is only available in the top-of-the-line “Esprit Alpine” trim level, priced from €27,890. For comparison, the hybrid Toyota Yaris with 116 horsepower starts at €20,350, and the 141 horsepower version costs €24,950. Renault representatives may need to reconsider the pricing of what is arguably one of the best models in its class on the hybrid front.

Further details on the new Renault Clio can be found in the video below.

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