New-look Renault Clio unveiled, goes hybrid-only for UK
Comes with new Esprit Alpine specification
Renault has revealed a comprehensive overhaul for its fifth-generation Clio supermini to keep it fresh before its new pure-electric siblings — the R4 and R5 — join the fray next year.
Along with a sharpening up of the exterior of the Clio, the cabin technology has been modernised and there’s a new Alpine-inspired trim level.
Renault has also confirmed that the only versions on sale to British buyers will be powered by a petrol-electric full hybrid system, carried over from before the facelift.
New lights, new face
Refreshingly, the styling refresh of the new Clio E-Tech hybrid is fairly significant, starting with a much sharper (Renault uses the term “chiselled”) and more expressive front end.
Full-LED headlights are standard across the line-up and they take on a slimmer appearance than before.
They’re complemented by a new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running light layout, which starts at the outer edges of the headlights and runs down to the F1-inspired aerodynamic details in the bumper below. Each side is styled to look like one half of the Renault diamond.
In the middle of a newly-styled chequered grille is the updated Renault logo itself, which can also be found on the boot lid, flanked by new technical-looking lights above a restyled bumper and apron.
The treatment of the latter varies by trim level. Renault has confirmed that the new Clio will be sold in four different specifications, including “Techno” and a new option called “Esprit Alpine” — as already seen on the upcoming Renault Austral crossover.
Esprit Alpine cars get unique badging and exterior detailing, along with a set of diamond-cut 17in alloy wheels that can be had with blue or grey centres.
Inside, the Alpine-branded sports seats are hard to miss, as are the French tricolours and red, white and blue stitching details. This version is upgraded with extra equipment including adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, blind-spot warning, 9.3in touchscreen and 10in driver display.
More sustainable interior, more tech
Across the line-up the Clio features more sustainable materials inside, and there is no leather upholstery option.
The new Renault logo features on the steering wheel and the portrait-orientated central touchscreen is a new ‘edgeless’ display, fitted with the Renault Easylink multimedia system with built-in navigation and WiFi smartphone replication.
Regardless of which trim level you go for, your new Clio will be hybrid powered. Renault calls it the ‘E-Tech full hybrid’ and it’s carried over unchanged from the 2022 update to the system.
A 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors work together, a setup that was the subject of more than 150 patents. The engine and motors can work together in 14 different configurations depending on requirements, resulting in up to 141bhp and a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds.
Though the system usually starts off in electric mode, the Clio has minimal electric range as it uses a small lithium-ion battery pack that can only be charged by the engine or through brake energy regeneration while decelerating. Emissions are as low as 93g/km, making it kind on tax.
Details on UK pricing for the new Clio will be announced at a later date.
Related articles
- After reading about the updated Renault Clio, you might want to see our review of the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric
- Keen to go electric? Here are the top 10 longest-range electric cars
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