2026 Renault Clio Review
The Renault Clio has been one of the best selling cars in Europe for years, and this new generation continues the same story. The design is much sharper now, the interior gets important upgrades, and the hybrid engine promises better efficiency. This review brings the exterior, interior, driving feel, practicality, and technical details together in a simple and informative way.
Engine Options and Specifications
Renault offers both petrol and hybrid options depending on the market.
Engine lineup
1.8 liter 4-cylinder Hybrid
Output: 158 hp
0 to 100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
1.4 kWh battery
Automatic transmission only
1.2 liter 3-cylinder Petrol
Output: 115 hp
Manual or automatic
LPG versions
Available in Turkey, Italy, France, Poland, Spain
The hybrid engine uses electric moments frequently in city driving. The slightly larger battery helps keep the engine off at low speeds.
Exterior Design
The new Renault Clio looks more confident than before. The front hood has a sporty, sculpted look, and that is why many people call it a small Jaguar. Renault has updated the lighting, wheel options, trim finishes, and the overall stance of the car.
Key exterior highlights
Length: 4.12 meters
Wheel options: 16 to 18 inch
Shown model: Esprit Alpine trim, the highest spec
Dark chrome Renault front logo
New daytime running lights
Redesigned headlamp unit with striking cut-out styling
Contrasting mirror caps and black window frames
Rear door handles placed high for a clean side profile
Modern tail lamp design
E-TECH Hybrid badge on the hybrid variant
50 percent recycled aluminium wheels for sustainability
The Esprit Alpine model is the most expressive of the range, with special badging, darker accents, and the new 18 inch wheels that add to the stance. Renault says they focused more on sustainability this time, and even the wheels use half recycled aluminium to reduce energy consumption during manufacturing.
Interior Experience
Renault has redesigned the cabin to feel more modern, yet simple to use. The materials change depending on the trim level, and the Esprit Alpine model receives sportier touches.
Door panels and trims
Hard plastic on the upper door area
Structured design to keep it visually appealing
Ambient light integration
Alcantara inserts in Esprit Alpine
Fabric inserts in Techno trim
Galvanised window levers
Alpine floor mats with blue stitching
Steering wheel and seats
Animal-free soft-touch steering wheel
Alcantara accents and contrast stitching
Esprit Alpine sport seats with more shoulder support
Alcantara inserts plus leatherette outer sections
Comfortable seating for long drives
Manual height and angle adjustment for the seat
A person who is 1.89 meters or six foot two still gets usable headroom and a good driving posture. The seating angle is slightly upright, typical for a small hatchback, yet still comfortable.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The dashboard combines digital screens with physical controls that make daily use easier. Renault has kept the layout clean.
Tech features
10 inch digital instrument cluster (standard)
10 inch central infotainment touchscreen (standard)
Google built-in with native Google Maps
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
Physical climate control knobs for temperature and fan speed
Multisense driving mode button (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart)
The Smart mode is a new addition. It automatically changes driving modes depending on how the driver behaves. If you drive gently, it stays in Eco. If you accelerate suddenly, it switches to Sport.
Center console
Two USB-C ports
Wireless charging pad (not ventilated)
Magnetic cupholder cover
Electric handbrake
Soft elbow rest with storage underneath
Rear Seat Space
The Clio is still a small hatchback, so rear space is limited for tall adults.
Rear seat details
Hard plastic on doors
ISOFIX mounts on the outer seats
Seating for three passengers
Small cabin lamps on the roof
Knee room tight for tall passengers
Headroom is acceptable even for taller people
Anyone around six foot two will fit, but only just. For its exterior size, the rear space is workable.
Boot Space
Renault provides two different boot capacities depending on the engine.
| Variant | Boot Space |
|---|---|
| Pure petrol | 390 liters |
| Hybrid | 310 liters |
Practicality notes
4 cm lower loading sill for easier access
One meter width at the opening
Depth is about 65 cm
With seats folded: about 1.4 meters of length
Boot height: around 75 cm
Hybrid variant has the battery under the boot floor
For a small car, the trunk space is still usable, especially because the sill height is reduced in the new model.
Driving Experience
This is where the new Renault Clio feels more refined than before. The hybrid system is smooth, the steering feel is improved, and even on 18 inch wheels, the ride comfort remains acceptable.
During city driving
Often runs in electric mode at low speeds
Very quiet inside
Steering is light and easy
Good maneuverability thanks to compact dimensions
On the highway
Hybrid gives a quick initial electric boost
Combustion engine joins smoothly
Stable at 60 to 80 km/h accelerations
Smart Mode switches to Sport automatically when accelerating hard
18 inch wheels do not make the ride too harsh
Braking feels natural because Renault tuned the recuperation system to be smooth. Cornering is precise due to the short wheelbase.
Conclusion
The new Renault Clio continues to be one of Europe’s most popular small hatchbacks for good reasons. The design is more modern, the interior feels better built, and the hybrid engine delivers silent low-speed driving with improved fuel efficiency. It is still compact, but Renault has added more technology without complicating the car. For buyers looking for a stylish, efficient, and easy to drive small car, the new Clio remains an excellent option.
Renault Clio New Generation FAQ
Why is the new-generation Renault Clio one of the most sold cars in Europe?
The new Renault Clio continues to be a bestseller because of its modern design, improved driving experience, efficient engine options, and a premium feel in a small car body. It combines an upgraded exterior, a refreshed interior, and better comfort, making it a popular choice for European buyers.
What is new in the exterior design of the Renault Clio?
The exterior features a sportier front hood, redesigned daytime running lights, a sculpted bumper, and stylish 18 inch wheels on higher trims. The Esprit Alpine trim gets dark chrome logos and contrast mirror caps, giving the car a striking and modern look.
What trim levels are offered in the new Renault Clio?
The main trim levels include the Esprit Alpine and Techno. Esprit Alpine is the top spec with dark chrome detailing, Alcantara interior inserts, premium floor mats, and exclusive design touches. Techno comes with a bluish Renault logo and fabric interior elements.
How is the interior quality of the new Renault Clio?
The interior combines a sporty layout with Alcantara inserts, contrast stitching, and a solid steering wheel feel. The cockpit includes two 10 inch screens, Google built in software, easy to use climate controls, and well-arranged steering columns for indicators, wipers, and gear selection. Some areas use hard plastic, but overall quality is satisfying for its segment.
Is the seating comfortable for tall drivers?
Yes. Even with a height of 1.89 meters, there is enough headroom and an adjustable steering wheel that moves in all directions. The sport seats offer good shoulder support and decent comfort for long drives, although the car remains compact in nature.
How practical is the rear seat space?
Rear space is limited for tall passengers, which is expected for a small hatchback. A tall adult can still fit by adjusting knee position slightly. Headroom remains sufficient, and Isofix mounts are available on the outer seats.
What is the boot space of the new Renault Clio?
The petrol version offers 390 liters of boot space. The hybrid version has 310 liters due to battery placement. The loading sill is slightly lower for easier luggage handling, and the seats can be folded for extended space when needed.
What engines are available in the new Renault Clio?
The updated hybrid uses a 1.8 liter four cylinder with 158 hp and a 1.4 kWh battery. The base engine is a 1.2 liter three cylinder with 115 hp, available with manual or automatic. Some markets also offer an LPG variant, including Turkey, Italy, France, Poland, and Spain.
How does the new hybrid system perform?
The hybrid offers strong electric support, allowing many fully electric moments at low speeds. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and delivers smoother power delivery with better efficiency due to the larger battery capacity.
What is the Smart driving mode in the Renault Clio?
Smart mode automatically adjusts driving behavior. At gentle throttle inputs, it keeps the car in Eco for maximum efficiency. When the accelerator is pressed harder, it switches to Sport to deliver stronger performance. This mode adapts continuously to the driver’s inputs.
How does the Renault Clio handle on the road?
The steering is light and precise, especially in Eco mode. The hybrid system provides electric boost before the petrol engine engages. Even with 18 inch wheels, the ride comfort remains acceptable for a small car, and cornering feels stable and controlled.
Does the Renault Clio come with modern tech features?
Yes. It includes Google built in, native Google Maps, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, ambient lighting, USB C ports, a wireless charging pad, a digital cockpit, and practical climate knobs that are easy to use while driving.
