Renault Clio Review 2026

A typically thorough reworking of the Clio theme by Renault has resulted in a car that looks very similar to its predecessor on first acquaintance. Under the skin, however, there’s a lot to mark out the fifth-generation Clio from the one that went before. For starters, there’s now the option of a hybrid model to sit alongside the petrol- and diesel-powered models. The cabin, too, has been comprehensively upgraded and now uses better materials throughout for a more premium feel to keep the Clio on the pace with the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo that are key among its many rivals.

The Renault Clio has always been a fashionable alternative to small hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and SEAT Ibiza. The fifth-generation remains true to form, with a much-improved interior, new engines and, from 2020, a hybrid model.

Renault has resisted the urge to tamper with the previous generation’s looks too much. Instead, it has stuck to the style that so many previous buyers liked.

It's the best-selling car of its size in Europe, so why risk upsetting a loyal fanbase by messing with its design too much? It's an entirely new car, though, based on a new platform with no panels carried over from the old model and slightly more compact dimensions. So, the same but different.

While you could be forgiven for struggling to spot the differences on the outside, the interior has taken a noticeable shift upmarket. There are lots of soft-touch materials, particularly on more expensive models, and the amount of technology on offer has taken a large step forward. There's a new 9.3-inch touchscreen media system available, as well as a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.

Although the Clio's exterior dimensions are smaller than before, Renault's engineers have been working hard to make it a more practical choice. It certainly feels roomy enough, with plenty of space for taller drivers while the boot is now a generous 391-litres. The boot access is wider, too, although there is a hefty lip for lifting heavy items over.

Engine choices include a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre petrol with 75PS, a turbocharged version of the same engine with 100PS, or a 1.3-litre turbo with 130PS. There's also a 1.5-litre dCi diesel producing 85PS.

Unlike the Peugeot 208, there isn't an all-electric option, although a 1.6-litre hybrid is a 2020 arrival. This promises fuel economy improvements of around 40 per cent, while Renault claims it can operate under electric power at low speeds for as much as 80 per cent of the time. However, boot space drops to 300 litres (to accommodate the battery pack) and prices tend to be high for new and nearly new models.

The majority of buyers will opt for the mid-level TCe 100 petrol, which offers plentiful performance and can be paired with a five-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. There's also a sporty R.S. Line model - a replacement for the former GT-Line. This takes a similar approach to the Ford Fiesta ST-Line, combining Renault Sport looks with affordable running costs.

The most popular engine will be the 1.0-litre 100PS TCe engine, which offers adequate performance. This comes as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox and requires working hard out of town. No matter which engine you choose, the Clio isn't as fun to drive as a Fiesta, and the ride is a little firm. 

Its interior is hugely improved and it's fairly practical, while it scores well on the value for money front. It makes our list of the best small cars as a result.  We just wish it was a little more refined and its suspension was more forgiving.

Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Renault Clio review.

So, the Renault is not quite as gently absorbing over ruts and potholes as previous models, resulting in the car jigging a little too much for our taste.

The flipside is the Clio now handles with greater accuracy and control. You get steering with quicker inputs, though no more feel, while cornering grip is up there with the Fiesta’s.

All of this comes as a bit of a disappointment during the vast majority of driving time in the Clio. While it’s great fun to point down a country lane for a bit of old-fashioned supermini enjoyment, it’s not as plush or cosseting on city streets or motorways as the previous Clio. There’s too much emphasis on the sporty side and not enough on comfort.

The Clio range starts with the non-turbo 1.0-litre SCe 75PS petrol engine. We’d advise ignoring this and heading to the TCe 100 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that delivers performance on a par with rivals from Ford and Volkswagen. The 1.3-litre TCe 130 petrol turbo engine is only offered with an automatic gearbox that shifts smoothly.

Renault continues to offer the 1.5-litre Blue dCi 85 turbodiesel that does a good job of cruising motorways, though it’s hampered by slow acceleration.

More Clio customers are likely to take the E-Tech Hybrid with its twin electric motors, 1.6-litre petrol engine with 140PS and clutchless automatic gearbox.

Every Renault Clio comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, ESP traction and stability control. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted, though Renault only supplies a puncture repair kit.

You do get a lane departure warning in all Clios, along with lane keep assist. There’s a traffic sign recognition system and a distance warning alert, while hill start assist stops the car rolling backwards as you pull away on inclines.

Frustratingly, only the TCe 130 R.S. Line trim has the option of the Traffic and Motorway Assistance Pack with blind spot warning, auto hold electronic parking brake, and Traffic Jam Companion with adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

It’s not sparse or utilitarian, just uncluttered and this is typified by the large horizontal air vent that runs across the sweep of the dash. There’s also the central infotainment screen that does away with most buttons, though Renault wisely retains rotary controls for the ventilation.

The gear lever sits in a raised surround to feel to the driver. A height adjustable driver’s seat combines with the reach and rake movement for the steering wheel to serve up an ideal position for drivers of all forms.

Renault has made a trade-off in this fifth generation of Clio over its predecessor. This is to sacrifice a little rear legroom in favour of a much larger boot. Compare the 391-litre load space to other superminis and it easily beats them and the Clio even has the Volkswagen Golf dusted when it comes to cargo carrying capacity. Sadly the hybrid model is the exception to this rule, with its boot space cut to 300 litres. 

Renault deserves a big pat on the back for listening to its customers and coming up with a new model that addresses the questions raised over the previous generation car’s cabin plastics. Where the old car suffered from some iffy finishes, this latest Clio is a strong contender for best in class construction alongside the Volkswagen Polo or SEAT Ibiza.

Everywhere your hand comes into contact with the Clio, there are soft-touch materials and plastics that feel they are sturdy. This impression remains even when you feel further into the door pockets or seat bases where the edges are smooth, so you won’t snag a finger when reaching for your water bottle from the door bin.

The Play version of the Renault Clio comes with a 4.2-inch infotainment screen. It offers simple pairing to your smartphone using Renault’s Easy Connect system. For a more advanced set-up, you need the 7-inch touchscreen of the Iconic trim, which gives you satellite navigation, full smartphone integration and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Higher spec S Edition and R.S. Line models get the full 9.3-inch touchscreen. It has all the same functions as the Iconic’s set-up but with a bigger, clearer display. You also get Easy Link Navigation to search for a destination using just two or three key words even if you don’t know the exact location.

The Renault Clio range starts at £14,895 and comes with a strong five-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Upgrading through each trim level adds approximately £1000 with each move.

Renault also offers its own range of finance options, so you can choose from contract hire and personal contract purchase to straightforward loans. As always, it’s best to shop around for the best deals on any finance package rather than rushing in to the first one offered by a dealer in your excitement to drive away in a new car.

Nearly new and pre-registered Clios are on offer from Renault dealers from £13,000 for a 1.0 TCe 100 Play. That’s for a car with delivery mileage only, so it’s a substantial saving over the list price. Another advantage of this route is the car will still have the bulk of its warranty left to run, so if you don’t mind being the second name in the logbook it’s a very cost-effective path to parking a Clio on your driveway.

Look to slightly higher mileage used versions and prices start from £12,000. That will get you a 2019 Play model with the 100PS 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. There are not many 75PS SCe models around and we’d avoid them unless you really need to lowest possible insurance rating as a new driver.

A 1.5 dCi turbodiesel-powered Clio in Play trim at a year old and with 2000 miles on the clock will demand £14,500 from your bank account, while the 1.6 E-Tech Hybrid commands £20,000. 

Easiest of all Renault Clios on fuel is the 1.5-litre Blue dCi 85 turbodiesel that offers 67.2mpg combined economy. However, most will choose the TCe 100 turbo petrol with an official average consumption of 54.3mpg.

Cheapest of all the Renault Clios to get insurance cover for is the SCe 75 model that falls into group 3 in both Play and Iconic trims. Next up are Clios powered by the TCe 100 petrol and 1.5-litre Blue dCi 85 turbodiesel that all sit in group 10 regardless of which trim level you pick.

That leaves the 1.3-litre TCe 130 petrol used in the S Edition and R.S. Line models. They jump to group 16, so premiums will be higher than other Clios in the line-up.

First year road tax for the Renault Clio is most affordable for the diesel-powered model, though it’s hardly a bargain at £155 thanks to 109-110g/km carbon dioxide emissions depending on which trim you choose.

For the petrols, the cheapest is the TCe 100 with manual gearbox with first year road of £175. Take this engine with an auto ’box in the S Edition or R.S. Line trims and it tips into the £215 banding alongside the TCe 130 1.3-litre petrol motor.

That leaves the E-Tech Hybrid Clio to enjoy the flat £145 rate for hybrids, while its first year road tax rate is £125.

Renault starts the Clio range with the Play trim that includes LED headlights, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, 16-inch steel wheels, and cruise control. You also get air conditioning, Bluetooth connection, electric front windows and a 4.2-inch infotainment screen.

Move to the Iconic model and you get a 7-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This model also comes with keyless entry, rear parking sensors and privacy glass, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The S Edition adds 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, and a 9.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment.

You also get a 7-inch display for the main instrument cluster. On top of this, the R.S. Line has unique alloy wheels, Multi Sense driving modes, front parking sensors and rear-view camera. The R.S. Line Bose Edition gains nine speakers and uprated Bose stereo system.