The countdown to Renault’s next-generation Clio is underway with the unveiling of the new edition at the Munich motor show. The hugely popular supermini has racked up some
The countdown to Renault’s next-generation Clio is underway with the unveiling of the new edition at the Munich motor show.
The hugely popular supermini has racked up some major accomplishments over 35 years and five generations – not least as the best-selling French car of all time and the best-selling car in Europe in the first half of 2025.
Entirely redesigned, the new sixth-generation Renault Clio gets a strong new look, more space and versatility, and more efficient powertrains. It’s targeted across the market – from urban use to motorways and for private customers and fleet operators alike – and designed to sit alongside the electric Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-tech electric models, along with the Captur B-segment SUV in mild and full hybrid form, to meet all needs.
But while the new Clio launches in Europe in 2026, drivers in the UK will have to wait until 2027, after the brand delayed plans in response to the ZEV mandate.
As before, the Clio is built on the brand’s CMF-B platform but Renault says its engineers have “upped their game to provide first-class comfort, segment-leading dynamic handling and carefully crafted soundproofing”. It’s also slightly longer, higher and wider than before, delivering boot capacity of up to 391 litres (depending on the powertrain) to match the current generation but with a 40mm lower sill height.
Design is inspired by last year’s Emblème concept and Renault said “all the dials have been cranked up” to create “the sexiest Clio ever” that delivers a “sculpted, sensual silhouette with strong Latin roots”.
Inside, the key focus has been on the quality of the interior, using recycled materials, a double V-shaped screen pairing two 10-inch screens with OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in , as well as a variety of technological features and up to 29 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The cabin also introduces new storage solutions and gets two USB-C sockets at the front, an induction charger (depending on the trim) and a 12V socket in the back.
Two powertrains will be available in the UK, including a new full hybrid E-Tech 160hp powertrain that’s “more powerful and as efficient as can be”.
Developed by Horse Powertrain – Renault’s JV with Geely – it combines a 1.8-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder combustion engine, two electric motors powered by a 1.4 kWh battery featuring a new cooling system, and a clutchless multimode intelligent dog box with tailored ratios.
CO2 emissions are just 89g/km, and its combined-cycle consumption is up to 72.4mpg – less than the full hybrid E-Tech 145hp powertrain in the current generation and up to 40% less than a conventional petrol engine, according to the brand. It’s also able to drive in electric mode for up to 80% of the time in and around cities and Renault says it has a total driving range of 621 miles (1,000km) on a single tank of fuel. It’s also capable of zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds. Drivers have a choice of four modes.
The new entry-level engine is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged TCe petrol delivering 115hp, compared to 90hp for the current edition, along with 190Nm of torque and married up to a six-speed manual gearbox for a zero to 62mph time of 10.1 seconds. CO2 emissions are from 114g/km, with combined cycle economy of 56.5mpg.
The new Clio also comes with an advanced driver monitoring system using an in-car camera to detect tiredness and distraction, along with Safety Score and Safety Coach tools.
