Used Renault Clio for sale: everything you need to know
The Renault Clio is one of the most popular small cars in Europe, and has been ever since the original model first rolled out of the factory in 1990. It’s always majored on passenger space, comfort, and chic styling - and the latest version, which debuted in 2019, offers all that plus class-leading build quality and generous equipment levels too.
Unfortunately there’s no hot Renault Sport Clio with this latest generation, but you do get petrol and petrol-hybrid engines (and a diesel, if you’re looking at earlier cars), a wide array of trim levels (all of which are well-equipped) and a confidence-inspiring drive. The Clio’s not bad value as a new car, but buying used can still save you thousands - so read on to find out more about the latest Clio.
Should you buy a Renault Clio?
The Renault Clio has gone through several iterations over the years but the latest Clio, introduced in 2019, might be the best yet. While there’s no sporty hot hatchback this time around to court enthusiastic drivers, the Clio has also never been so spacious, well-built, or classy - if you’ve not driven a Renault in a while, you may be surprised how upmarket it feels.
The interior in particular is right up there with the best in the Clio’s segment, with a smart design that wouldn’t look out of place in a larger car, great use of tactile materials, eyecatching details, and a comfortable driving position. The Clio is also one of the larger cars in this class and that pays dividends for interior space, and the boot is a decent size too - albeit smaller in the hybrid models.
Don’t let that put you off the hybrid though, as it’s very easy to drive and has official economy figures in the mid-60mpg range. Some other hybrids in the class are quicker, but fewer are as good to drive - the Clio isn’t especially sporty, but it has a grown-up and confident feeling that matches its interior and exterior styling, and the controls are all nicely judged for weight and feel. All Clios are well-equipped too.
Alternatives of similar size and price include cars like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Peugeot 208. If you’re specifically considering the E-Tech hybrid, then you may also be interested in the Toyota Yaris (and the near-identical Mazda 2 Hybrid), Honda Jazz, and the recently-introduced 2024 MG3.
What’s the best used Renault Clio model to buy?
With superminis like the Clio, the simple petrol models are often the best, but it’s the E-Tech hybrid that stands out in the Clio range. It’s a conventional hybrid, with no need to plug it in (and therefore no caveats to its fuel economy), and has claimed economy of more than 60mpg. Electric assistance helps it feel peppy in town, and it’s perfectly capable on faster roads too. Still, don’t overlook the 90 and 100PS TCe petrols, which are also lively and frugal.
With earlier models we’d opt for Iconic trim, and later ones Techno trim, for a Clio that best balances cost and equipment - and remember that later cars will be better equipped in general, especially after the 2022 facelift. If you’ve got the budget, the sporty styling and plush materials make the Esprit Alpine feel a cut above a lot of cars in this class.
Used Renault Clio fuel economy and performance
- Renault Clio SCe 75 petrol: The 75PS, non-turbocharged petrol wasn’t available for long, perhaps due to its leisurely performance - 0-62mph takes 15.9 seconds. It’s certainly frugal though, at 52.3mpg.
- Renault Clio TCe 90 petrol: The turbocharged 1-litre engine is much more like it, making 90PS and getting from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds, but still achieving 54.3mpg.
- Renault Clio TCe 100 petrol: This launch engine was later dropped from the range, but made 100PS and came with manual and CVT automatic gearbox options. 0-62mph takes 11.8 seconds, and on the older NEDC economy test, it achieved 62.1mpg.
- Renault Clio TCe 130 petrol: The TCe 130PS petrol is only available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox badged EDC, and gets from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds. Claimed combined economy is 53mpg.
- Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid 145 petrol: The hybrid Clio makes 145PS from a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor combo, with a standard six-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mph comes up in 9.9 seconds, while Renault claimed 65.7mpg.
- Renault Clio Blue dCi 85 diesel: This diesel engine was another that didn’t hang around in the range for long, but its 73.9mpg economy figure (albeit in the older and less realistic NEDC test) means it’s frugal. With 85PS, it could get from 0-62mph in 14.7 seconds.
What used Renault Clio trim levels are available?
The current generation Clio arrived in 2019, and at launch was offered in the following trim levels, later replaced by those detailed further down.
- The Renault Clio Play kicked off the range with LED headlights, air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter and various active safety systems.
- The Renault Clio Iconic got a better infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation, as well as alloy wheels, keyless entry and rear parking sensors.
- The Renault Clio S Edition got upgraded climate control, a larger infotainment screen and automatic wipers and headlights, and larger alloy wheels.
- The Renault Clio R.S. Line has styling inspired by Renault Sport models (though there is no proper RS with this generation Clio), and gets a rear-view camera and front parking sensors.
- The Renault Clio Launch Edition was a special edition offered, as you might be able to guess, on launch in 2019. It topped the range and was only offered as a hybrid, with features including a central armrest with extra storage, and an electronic parking brake.
At the 2022 mid-life refresh, Renault also revised the trim levels available on the Clio. All models got more equipment than their predecessors.
- The Renault Clio Evolution comes with alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation as standard.
- The Renault Clio Techno adds to Evolution spec with LED fog lights, a rear-view camera, automatic lights and wipers, plus the Renault Multi-Sense driver profile system.
- The Renault Clio R.S. Line is again Renault Sport themed, just without the powerful engines, and gets an R.S. Line body kit, sports seats, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster.
- The Renault Clio Lutecia Hybrid is a special range-topping model, including high-end equipment like unique upholstery, heated seats and climate control.
- The Renault Clio esprit Alpine replaced the R.S. Line at a small refresh in 2023. It’s hybrid-only and includes 17-inch black alloys, sports seats in a unique fabric, and several detail elements in the colours of the French flag.
Used Renault Clio dimensions and boot size
The Renault Clio’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4050mm
- Width: 1798mm
- Height: 1440mm
- Ground clearance: 200mm
The Renault Clio’s boot size is:
- 391 litres (Clio hybrid: 301 litres)
- 1069 litres with rear seats folded
Used Renault Clio road tax
As the latest Clio arrived after the government had introduced a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, you’ll pay £190 per year for just about every model in the range, regardless of engine size or initial price. The exception is the E-Tech hybrid, which is classed as an alternative fuel vehicle, and gets a £10 discount. For a fully electric model that’s free to tax, you’ll have to look at the Renault Zoe instead.
How much is it to insure a Renault Clio?
Clios are popular with young drivers and those looking to avoid spending too much on running costs, and relatively low insurance rates are part of that. We say relatively since there are still superminis with lower insurance groups on the market, but the group 10 for a Clio with the 90PS 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine isn’t too bad, and the range tops out at group 18, for an E-Tech in Esprit Alpine trim. Consider an older, less powerful model if you want a Clio with even lower insurance costs.
