Turning on the headlights
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
The current generation Clio arrived in 2019, and at launch was offered in the following trim levels, later replaced by those detailed further down.
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’s exterior dimensions are:
The Renault Clio’s boot size is:
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.
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.
£17,214
£12,606
£19,000
£15,919
£15,000
£15,573
£14,214
£16,826
£19,366
£15,425
£15,990
What is the most popular colour for Renault Clio ?
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What is the average mileage for Renault Clio ?
15375
How many Renault Clio cars are available for sale?
419
