Renault's tax-free Clio

This makes it tax-free, with 15 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than the current Clio.

Renault says the Clio Eco2 will cost the same as current 115g/km Clios, which are currently priced between £12,130 and £14,040.

The new tax-free Clio will have an average fuel economy of 76.3mpg – an increase of 12.1mpg.

It will also be available in three-door and five-door versions.

To improve efficiency, the Clio Eco2 will get Michelin low energy consumption tyres, an engine remap and improvements to aerodynamics, including a new lip under the front bumper plus redesigned wheel arches.

Combine this with a kerb weight of 1,090kg and the Clio will be light enough to maximise efficiency and minimise a loss in performance.

The Renault Clio dCi 86 Eco2 will debut at the Brussels Motor Show and is available to order in France from February 9.

A UK date has yet to be announced, but a Renault spokesperson said it’s likely to be during the late summer.

Expect more electric cars and other low-emission ‘Eco2’ vehicles from Renault over the next few years.

By Dominic Sacco, senior web journalist