The Renault Clio is now solely available in full hybrid form as part of a mid-life refresh that also ushers in new styling and trims.

The E-Tech full hybrid is now the sole powertrain available

The update sees the previous TCe 90 1.0-litre petrol engine dropped, leaving just the E-Tech full hybrid powertrain. This uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering 145hp and with CO2 emissions expected to start at around 93g/km.

The hybrid starts up in electric mode and can use the electric motor up to 80% of the time in cities – cutting consumption by up to 40% compared to a conventional petrol engine.

The revamped Clio also gets a completely redesigned front-end including a larger, chequered grille and new signature lighting, planned to reach all Renault vehicles in future. The rear has also had a makeover with a new bumper and updated lights.

The interior gets new upholstery and new bio-sourced materials – leather trims have now been dropped as part of the push on sustainability. It also receives a new dashboard housing either a 7- or 10-inch digital dashboard.

A revamp of the trim structure sees the Clio E-Tech become the second car in the Renault line-up to receive the Esprit Alpine trim, following the Austral. The new grade fuses hallmark features of the Alpine brand with latest Renault style cues and includes adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, blind spot warning, 9.3-inch Easylink touchscreen with navigation and WiFi smartphone integration, alongside a 10-inch driver display.

Equipment levels have also been upped in line with the switch to hybrid-only and the Clio E-Tech includes adaptive cruise control and heated seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and hands-free card key.

A total of 15 driver assistance systems feature and include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention and automatic emergency braking.

Dimensions remain the same as the current model, with a boot capacity of more than 300 litres.

Introduced as part of the Renaulution plan, the changes are intended to boost the model’s appeal in a shrinking supermini marketplace as other models, including the Ford Fiesta, exit.

Prices and UK WLTP CO2 figures will be announced closer to launch.