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The Renault Clio has entered its sixth generation, evolving in size and features over the decades while remaining a popular choice in Europe and beyond. More than 17 million units have been sold over its 35-year history, a testament to its enduring appeal in a competitive automotive market.
Following its debut at the 2025 Munich Motor Show, the latest Clio has now undergone road testing, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its performance and changes – not only in aesthetics but, crucially, in driving dynamics.
Exterior | Interior | Driving | Pricing
| Likes | Dislikes |
| Good handling, well-tuned steering and suspension | Limited rear visibility due to the small rear window and thick pillars |
| The Google-powered infotainment system boasts attractive graphics, responsiveness, and intuitive operation | The upper portion of the door panels is made of untextured plastic |
| The full hybrid engine delivers excellent fuel economy | – |
Renault Clio 2025: Exterior
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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – but refine it. That’s the approach Renault has taken with the new Clio, maintaining the proportions of the previous generation while introducing numerous updates. The front end is dominated by a completely redesigned grille, ideally framed by C-shaped daytime running lights positioned above the horizontal headlights.
The profile view also reveals subtle differences, with a silhouette that evokes a coupe thanks to the flowing lines of the rear windows. The roofline extends straight to the rear window, culminating in a spoiler. The rear features hexagonal taillights, eschewing the current trend of light bars connecting them.
| Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| 4.12 meters | 1.77 meters | 1.45 meters | 2.59 meters |
Renault Clio 2025: Interior
While the exterior changes are noticeable, the interior of the new Renault Clio represents a complete overhaul. Improvements begin with higher-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and fabric inserts with ambient lighting, with Alcantara reserved for the higher trim levels. This welcoming environment is complemented by a wealth of technology: a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a centrally-mounted touchscreen monitor. As is typical for Renault, the software is developed in collaboration with Google and proved fast and responsive, offering all the features expected in 2025, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Renault Clio 2025, the interior
Photo by: Renault
The center console now offers more space, thanks to the transmission selector being moved to the right of the steering wheel, integrating numerous buttons to manage driver-assistance systems and other functions.
Space inside is good, thanks also to the increased dimensions. The trunk also offers a respectable 391 liters of capacity.
Renault Clio 2025: Driving
The new generation Renault Clio changes a lot… but also stays the same. What does that mean? That the CMF-B platform remains unchanged, but the modifications under the hood are significant. The most interesting version in the lineup, the full hybrid, was the focus of this test drive, featuring a new 1.8-liter engine that is more powerful and, on paper, more efficient.
It’s paired with two electric motors for a total output of 160 horsepower, a 15-horsepower increase over the previous 1.6-liter configuration. This translates to improved performance: 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.
Renault Clio (2026), the road test
Photo by: Renault
What stood out after just a few miles was the sound insulation: not only because the car travels for many kilometers on electric power (the battery is 1.4 kWh, larger than before) but also due to the isolation from wind noise, tire rumble, and, most importantly, engine noise, which is always distant from the cabin even during acceleration. Furthermore, the engineers have refined the transition between thermal and electric modes, which is now virtually imperceptible.
Credit for this also goes to the transmission, a multi-mode gearbox that we’ve seen and appreciated in recent Renault full hybrids. It’s smooth, and the management of the electric motor has been improved to seamlessly fill the natural dips in torque inherent in a four-speed gasoline engine (combined with the two electric ratios, they create around fifteen possible combinations). Inside the cabin, you won’t notice a thing; the car manages everything autonomously.
Renault Clio (2026), the road test
Photo by: Renault
In terms of driving dynamics, the Clio has always been one of the most enjoyable cars in its class, and this new generation is no exception. The steering is precise, and the suspension offers a good balance between firmness and comfort. While it’s firm – the Esprit Alpine trim level features 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires – it effectively limits body roll in corners and remains composed even on rough surfaces.
Renault Clio 2025: Pricing
Available in three trim levels – Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine – the new Renault Clio starts at €18,900 for the Evolution trim with a 115-horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, LED lights, manual air conditioning, a 10.1-inch central monitor, a 7-inch display for the instrument cluster, fabric interior, two USB-C ports, adaptive cruise control, and an electric parking brake. The top-of-the-line Esprit Alpine, with the 160-horsepower 1.8-liter full hybrid, starts at €28,300.
