Spacious seating experience unveiled in the forthcoming 2026 Renault Clio: Anticipated to be a top-seller, sixth round imminent
The new Renault Clio is here, and it's packed with modern technology and a sleek design that sets it apart in the compact car market.
The latest iteration of the popular vehicle has grown in size, with a length of nearly 4.12 meters, a width of 1.77 meters, and a height of 1.45 meters. Despite this increase, the new Clio continues to offer the same passenger space as its predecessor, providing adequate room for passengers up to 1.90 meters tall when the front seat is properly adjusted, although headroom is tight for taller passengers.
The front of the new Clio is characterized by narrow LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights that turn orange when blinking. At the rear, the car has four LED elements for recognition, reminiscent of super sports cars, more noticeable at night than during the day.
Inside, the cockpit of the new Clio is inspired by the Renault 5, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display with Google integration. The base engine for the new Clio is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder TCe with 115 horsepower, available with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission with shift paddles.
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, the new Clio Hybrid offers an 1.4 kWh battery that enables 80% electric driving in the city. This hybrid drive is manufactured by Renault itself, featuring their E-Tech full hybrid system which combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox. This system uses a series-parallel hybrid architecture developed by Renault, incorporating knowledge from Formula 1 technology for energy regeneration.
The new Clio Hybrid delivers impressive fuel efficiency, with Renault claiming 89 g/km CO2 and 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving. The only other engine option is a new 1.8-liter full hybrid, developed by a joint venture of Renault, Geely, and Saudi Aramco.
The new Clio comes in several trims, each offering different features. The Foundation trim features a fabric instrument panel, a single-zone automatic climate control, and a manual transmission. The Techno trim includes the OpenR link multimedia system, Google integration in the cockpit, and automatic climate control. The Esprit Alpine trim adds Alcantara on the dashboard, inductive phone charging, a height-adjustable passenger seat, and adaptive cruise control.
The new Clio also offers practical features such as four cargo hooks in the studio model and an electric unlocking button on the tailgate, although some users may find it too far inside. The car's trunk capacity is up to 391 liters, but the loading lip is high, making it difficult to load larger items.
The price of the base model with manual transmission could start at around 24,000 euros (gross). The old model with the base engine will likely continue to be offered as the Clio Campus, ensuring a dignified farewell to its predecessor.
Overall, the new Renault Clio offers a modern, luxurious driving experience in a compact package. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and practical features, it's sure to be a hit with drivers looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle.
