The Clio gets a new look but fear not, you can still buy a manual version!

The Renault Clio has been a staple of the hatchback world since it was launched in 1990. French manufacturers are well-known for making fantastic small cars and the Clio was an instant hit with its compact size, quintessentially Gallic charm and memorable Papa and Nicole advertising campaign. Then came the sporty Williams version, which added to the Clio’s cheeky and fun personality. The current model is still a go-to for new drivers and one of our favourite small cars in general. Now, Renault has revealed an all-new Clio ahead of its launch in 2027. The Clio is now bigger, sportier and more efficient than ever, but will it have the same charisma? Only time (and sales figures) will tell.
• The Renault Clio is the best-selling French car of all time, and this new model will be the sixth generation • It will be slightly larger than before and has a sportier look, Google-powered tech and an extensive list of safety features • Available as either a petrol or hybrid with a choice of three trim levels • Due to be launched in 2027 • Prices expected to start at around £20,000

This sixth-generation is slightly larger than its predecessor in all directions. Renault is describing the new Clio as “peppy” hoping to evoke the spirit of the original, yet to our eyes the small, pointy front grille combined with the angular bonnet and lights make it look less friendly. The design is sleeker at the back with the concealed rear door handles, flowing lines and black boot spoiler giving a coupe-like aesthetic. The new Clio will be available with seven body colours, including two new colours called Absolute Red and Absolute Green. The three-trim progression of Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine is likely to continue for UK models.

Inside the new Clio is the familiar set-up we’ve seen in recent Renaults, with two 10.1-inch screens angled towards the driver and the same steering wheel you’ll find in models like the Austral or Rafale. Renault has reduced the distance from lock to lock compared to before, so the Clio should feel more agile to drive and there’s a large ‘Multi-Sense’ button to easily switch between drive modes. Renault says there is room for five people to sit comfortably with various storage compartments to conceal the clutter that comes with them. There’s also a lower lip on the boot than the outgoing model, which should make loading larger items easier. A varying number of recycled materials are used throughout the interior depending on trim level.

Like the current model there will be two engine options. There’s a new full hybrid with 160 horsepower which combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery. This is a 15 horsepower increase on the current model and Renault says it can achieve up to 72 mpg. We’ll have to wait to see how efficient it is in the real world, though, as the previous model claimed over 60mpg and we only managed mid-50s when we lived with one on long-term test. Alternatively, there will be a 1.2-litre petrol model with 115 horsepower and a manual gearbox.

The new Clio won’t arrive until 2027, and prices are expected to be in line with the current model adjusted for inflation, so expect it to start from around £20,000.

This year Renault launched an all-new Renault 4 and we are looking forward to the ‘Plein Sud’ version with a canvas roof which will be arriving in the new year. We are also awaiting the reincarnation of the Twingo, an electric city car for the modern age.

The Clio lost one of its biggest rivals when Ford discontinued the Fiesta and small hatchbacks in general have become less popular since the rise of the compact crossover. That said, the Clio still has the Volkswagen Polo to contend with, and VW has recently announced there’s an electric ID. Polo coming soon. Other rivals include the Mini Cooper, Peugeot 208, Skoda Fabia and the Suzuki Swift.