Renault Clio (2027 - ) review

Renault hasn’t confirmed prices for the new Clio, but it has said they will align with the current version adjusting for inflation. As it stands, the Clio stacks up well against its rivals, so we hope the updated version will offer similar levels of value when it arrives. There will be two engine options: a manual petrol and an automatic self-charging hybrid. According to Renault these will both be slightly more efficient than before and should be very economical to run. We’ll take the official figures with a pinch of salt, mind, but the hybrid version we tested claimed to be achieving around 60mpg which is very respectable indeed. Expect to get slightly less mpg from the petrol, though it should still be pretty frugal.

It’s too soon to say for certain, but the new Clio shares its foundations with the larger Captur and Symbioz which should give confidence the parts are tried and tested. Renault offers an average three-year/60,000-mile warranty, but it doesn’t look very generous compared to the maximum 10 years of cover Toyota provides for the Yaris.

The Clio will be available with up to 29 driving aids, a whopping increase on the previous version which already had a substantial suite of systems. Notably all cars will now get adaptive cruise control as standard, while other features include emergency braking at the front and back, exit alerts to prevent passengers opening their doors onto traffic and the ability to bring the car to a safe stop if the driver falls unconscious. Renault’s signature ‘My Safety Switch’ can be used to easily turn off any functions you find overly intrusive, plus models with a reversing camera will benefit from higher definition than before. Range-topping models get the full gamut of gizmos including blind spot warnings.

Providing big car vibes in a compact package has long been the Clio’s aim and this version is no different. The Clio feels remarkably grown-up and provides an adequate amount of space for a hatchback of this size. Room in the back is acceptable for two adults and cosy for three, but taller passengers may find head- and legroom a squeeze. The boot size is unchanged, but Renault has reduced the loading lip of the boot to make it easier to load and unload items. Meanwhile, hybrid models are roomier up front as the drive selector is now on a stalk behind the steering wheel to free up space between the seats. Renault has used a variety of partially recycled materials for the interior, though they are less funky than you’ll find in the Renault 5. The range-topping Esprit Alpine trim is a little too 1990s for our tastes with its iridescent metal and black Alcantara on the dash. This grade also features larger wheels which make things a little choppy if you catch a bump in the road at speed. Due to this we’d stick to the mid-range Techno trim, which still has a disappointedly grayscale interior, but it does at least come with smaller wheels as standard which should make for a smoother ride.

This Clio features the same infotainment system you’ll get in all other new Renaults, which is great because it’s very simple to use. Plus, there still a few physical toggles so you can adjust the fan speed and temperature without needing to use the touch-screen. All models will come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but we’d recommend moving up a grade for the full suite of Google-powered features, including maps and a voice assistant. This should give you everything you really need, but higher trims gain nice-to-haves like wireless phone charging. Additionally, a fancier Harman Kardon sound system is available as an option.

We tested the hybrid version of the Clio, which now has 160 horsepower for more pep than its predecessor. Like the other hybrid models in Renault’s range, the Clio can get a bit noisy if you jam the pedal to the metal, but it’s generally easy going. In fully electric mode it’s particularly smooth and the car constantly handles the complicated switch between petrol and electric power, so you don’t need to worry. Additionally, Renault’s new ‘Smart’ drive mode will even adapt to your driving style, so if you accelerate hard the car will automatically select ‘Sport’ mode and then revert to ‘Eco’ when you slow down. You can also cycle through the modes yourself using a large button on the steering wheel, of course. On a twisty road the Clio’s steering is nicely weighted, and its hatchback stance helps it to feel planted in the corners. Keen drivers will be pleased to know Renault will continue to offer a petrol-powered manual version of the Clio with 115 horsepower – a significant increase on the outgoing version – and we look forward to trying it when it arrives.