At the start of the week I joined a test‑drive event for the new Renault Clio in Poland on behalf of Kursors.lv. The compact car was taken on a mixed itinerary that included city streets, rural routes and visits to several historic manors. The well‑organized program provided hands‑on exposure to the vehicle and allowed conversations with other automotive journalists and Renault representatives.
The Clio has long been a cornerstone for Renault. Since its launch in 1990, more than 17 million units have been sold worldwide, and the model has topped European sales charts for several years. Its name derives from one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology. the Greek verb “kleiō” gives rise to words meaning “to make famous” or “to celebrate.” While many competitors have moved away from the B‑segment, Renault is marking the debut of the sixth‑generation Clio with a new launch.
We also discussed the test drive on the “Ko Kursors Tev Neraksta” podcast. Listeners can hear the full episode on the show’s YouTube channel.
Design takes a bold turn
Earlier generations of the Clio featured relatively rounded, modest styling. The fifth generation introduced sharper lines, and the sixth‑generation model pushes the aesthetic further with an aggressive stance. The body incorporates numerous sculpted surfaces, oversized daytime running lights and black‑plastic inserts that reinforce a sporty look.
Front‑end lighting draws inspiration from both Japanese and American design cues. While the styling may not suit every taste, it certainly commands attention.
Dimensions have grown substantially. The new Clio is longer, wider and taller than the first‑generation Renault Megane, and the boot offers 391 liters of cargo space—expandable to 1,176 liters with the rear seats folded.
Colour options have expanded beyond the bright palette of previous generations, offering even more vivid choices.
Powertrain options include a surprising hybrid
Renault offers a 1.8‑liter four‑cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system and an automatic transmission. The combination delivers 160 hp, which is ample for a vehicle that weighs under 1.8 tonnes. The test drive confirmed strong performance on both city streets and Polish expressways. The hybrid powertrain produces a noticeable internal‑combustion sound, a rarity among pure electric models.
The manufacturer advertises a fuel‑consumption figure of 2.9–4.1 L/100 km, but during our testing the vehicle recorded roughly 6 L/100 km in winter conditions. Consumption may improve on steady highway cruising at 90 km/h in warm weather.
Two additional engines are available. A 1.2‑liter three‑cylinder TCe 115 gasoline unit produces 115 hp and can be paired with a six‑speed manual gearbox for a lower‑cost variant. The third option, the ECO‑G 120, runs on both gasoline and LPG and is only offered with an automatic transmission. Renault claims the LPG‑hybrid can travel up to 1,450 km on a single tank, a range that is not yet available in the Baltic market.
Technology and driver assistance
Despite its compact size, the new Clio is equipped with a suite of features typically found in larger, premium models. Two large screens serve as the instrument cluster and infotainment display. The infotainment system runs Google software, offering native Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Gemini and access to apps via Google Play.
The Clio offers 29 driver‑assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control as standard. Physical controls remain for climate functions, and a heated steering wheel provides strong warmth in cold weather. While the gear‑shift lever can be fiddly, the overall ergonomics are straightforward.
Seating is supportive, though rear‑seat space is limited in this compact hatchback. Front occupants benefit from generous headroom and a higher roofline than the vehicle’s exterior dimensions might suggest.
Visibility is good thanks to a well‑designed rear window and modest roofline, minimizing blind‑spot concerns.
Rear‑seat occupants will find space limited, but front passengers enjoy ample legroom and a higher roofline than the exterior dimensions suggest.
How does the car drive?
The hybrid variant delivers smooth city cruising in electric‑assisted mode and responsive handling on highways. Acceleration is linear, with noticeable torque surges that push the car past 130 km/h quickly. On rural Polish roads the 18‑inch wheels provided stable grip, though smaller, more affordable 16‑inch tires would likely improve ride comfort.
Pricing
Base pricing for the Clio with the 1.2‑liter TCe 115 and a manual gearbox starts at €19,890. An automatic transmission raises the price to €23,490, while the hybrid powertrain begins at €27,890. The figures place the model at the upper end of the compact segment, reflecting its extensive equipment and technology package.
