New Renault Clio: The Superpowered Hatch
For more than 35 years, the Renault Clio has been more than just a car – it has been a cultural icon and a benchmark in the hatchback world. First launched in 1990, the Clio revolutionized the small-car segment by offering quality, design, and technology previously reserved for higher-end models. Today, nearly 17 million Clios later, Renault unveils the sixth generation of its best-seller: a hatch that is stronger, smarter, and more efficient than ever.
A Legacy of Innovation
From the start, the Clio made waves. It was the first Renault to bear a proper name rather than a number, signaling a new era. Over the decades, it has consistently raised the bar, earning the European Car of the Year title twice (1991 and 2006), and topping sales charts in markets as diverse as France, the UK, Turkey – and across Europe, where it remains the number-one best-seller in 2025.
The Clio also gave us memorable variants: the luxurious Baccara, the sporty Williams, the outrageous Clio V6 with its mid-engine setup, and most recently the hybrid E-Tech, which accounted for 30% of European sales in its fifth generation.
The New Generation: A Superpowered Hatch
The sixth-generation Clio takes everything further. Its design is bolder and more sculpted, with sleek lines and a confident stance that reflect Renault’s modern styling language. But it’s under the hood where the real magic happens.
The star of the range is the new E-Tech full hybrid 160hp powertrain, offering both more power and unmatched efficiency. With just 89g CO?/km and fuel consumption as low as 3.9 l/100km, the new Clio cuts emissions and saves up to 40% more fuel than a traditional petrol engine. Even better, it can drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in the city – proof that practicality and performance can coexist.
Buyers still have options too, with improved petrol and LPG powertrains starting at 115hp, ensuring that every driver finds the right balance of efficiency and driving pleasure.
Inside the Future
Step inside, and the new Clio feels like a car from a segment above. The cabin features recycled materials for sustainability, along with a high-tech double V-shaped digital screen powered by the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in – a first in its category. From maps to voice assistance, everything is seamless and intuitive.
Safety and convenience are also front and center, with up to 29 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and 360° cameras, making the Clio one of the most technologically advanced hatchbacks in the market.
Built for Everyone
From young urban drivers to corporate fleets and long-time Clio fans, Renault has designed this new hatchback to meet every need. Whether it’s for city commuting, long-distance efficiency, or everyday versatility, the new Clio fits the bill perfectly.
Renault Clio by the Numbers
- 1990: First launch
- 17 million units sold worldwide
- 120 countries where it has been sold
- 1st in European sales (first half of 2025)
- 6 generations
- 35 years of history
- 29 ADAS available
- 89g CO?/km for the E-Tech hybrid
- 1,000+ units produced daily at Renault’s Bursa plant
- 68,000 km if all 17 million Clios were lined up – enough to circle the Earth 1.7 times!
Conclusion
The new Renault Clio proves that legends don’t just endure – they evolve. With bold design, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and unmatched efficiency, the Clio continues to lead the hatchback segment, just as it has for 35 years. It remains the superpowered hatch that truly has “everything of a great car.”