Summary
The Renault Clio is a small, supermini-class hatchback. The latest fifth-generation model was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show before arriving on UK streets in late 2019.
Like the last model, the new Clio is only available as a five-door hatchback. A high-performance Clio RS version is not expected, while a hybrid model joined the range in late 2020.
A facelifted range launched in Summer 2023, which only includes the hybrid ‘E-Tech’ powertrain as petrol and diesel engines have now been discontinued.
Reviews for the new Renault Clio have been broadly positive, with particular praise for its refinement and high-quality interior. However, it is not considered as good to drive as the now-discontinued Ford Fiesta.
As of December 2025, the Renault Clio has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, as well as its excellent reliability. However, its safety rating and media review scores are now only average.
Clio highlights
- Lots of helpful tech
- Impressive interior trims
- Quite fun to drive
- Class-leading safety equipment
- Hybrid variant is very smooth on the road
Clio lowlights
- Clunky manual gearbox
- Less space in the rear than rivals
- Loud engine
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: hybrid (petrol and diesel models now discontinued)
Price: From £18,395 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Summer 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“Renault hasn’t made any broad sweeping changes to its compact Clio, but then again it didn’t need to. This latest iteration of the small hatchback builds on the strengths of its predecessors, now offering even more value-for-money and one of the best driving experiences in the small car class.”
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Evolution
Score: 7.4 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Sean Rees
“The Renault Clio is a small hatchback with a plush-feeling cabin and a very practical boot, but it’s not as comfortable to drive as some alternatives.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
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Carwow
Darren Cassey
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Hybrid Esprit Alpine
Score: 9 / 10
“The Renault Clio remains a front-runner in the supermini sector, despite this facelift not really bringing many changes. The firm’s use of Alpine as a sporty trim level is an interesting move.” (Alistair Crooks)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Renault Clio is a star of the supermini class – well-built, good to drive and packed with tech.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid E-Tech S Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“The Renault Clio is already a big hit and the addition of clever hybrid technology only strengthens the supermini’s position as one of the very best in its class. Being able to achieve upwards of 60mpg in the real world, without needing to make any major compromise, is truly impressive.”
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Model reviewed: TCe 100
Score: 9 / 10
“There’s a lot to like about the new Renault Clio.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 9 / 10
“Updated with fresh looks and with a slick hybrid option, the Renault Clio is a small car that goes big on ability.” (Dan Trent)
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic (2023 facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“The changes to the Renault Clio are pretty minimal, but that isn’t much of a criticism. The new version is just the same likeable little hatchback we’re used to, but now it has a bit more tech and an updated exterior. A big boot, stylish design and a choice of efficient powertrains will continue to work in its favour, so it remains among the best small hatchbacks out there.” (James Fossdyke)
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a significantly better package than the previous Clio, which was quite rightly a popular choice.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol automatic RS Line
Score: 9 / 10
“This expensive range-topping engine with its automatic gearbox isn’t the finest in the Renault Clio range, but go a bit further down the trim level list and you’ll have one of the finest superminis on sale today.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“A splendid interior, mild-hybrid technology and extra space makes the Renault Clio a real contender in the supermini class.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: E-Tech hybrid 140 Iconic
“A good low-emission, although not cheap, option for fleets not ready or able to move to plug-ins, the Clio is a well-packaged and efficient.”
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol automatic RS Line
Score: 7.9 / 10
“Renault has pushed the Clio back up the table after sliding out of favour. The excellent whole-life costs and big boot combine with a decent drive and good looks.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
“Renault has delivered an excellent package with the new Clio. The quality of the materials in the cabin are particularly good and aside from some road noise intrusion, the driving experience is close to the best in the supermini sector.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Iconic
Score: 8 / 10
“There has been a revolution with the new Renault Clio, but you’ll have to step inside to see it.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol automatic R.S Line
Score: 6 / 10
“With its neat looks, the premium feel to the interior, keen drive and affordable pricing, even in R.S Line trim, the Renault Clio looks like a serious contender in the supermini sector. Although we’d prefer a manual option and more affordable Clio trims such ‘Iconic’ might be a better fit for fleet.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 100hp Iconic
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Renault Clio offers cheap and cheerful motoring, but we’d recommend opting for the all-electric Renault Zoe.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Much improved interior and desirable looks.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The fifth-generation Renault Clio boasts one of the largest boots in its class, with 391 litres available with the rear seats in place.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
“The new Renault Clio is well built, has a unique sense of style and remains the most fashionable car in its class.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Best-selling small hatchback now has other talents to back-up good looks”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: E-Tech
“The Clio E-Tech is not only an appealing addition to the best-selling little French car’s line-up but an essential one which bundles standard driver assistance systems. It even drives rather nicely too.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
“In any other world, this would be the best car of its size and price but the Ford Fiesta still edges it with its sparkling chassis.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“New Renault Clio feels posher and is more practical than ever.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid E-Tech Iconic
Score: 8 / 10
“This hybrid model is now the Clio to have. It does away with the lumpy power delivery and high-speed breathlessness of the conventional petrol, and the noise of the diesel alternative.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“Whether this successful makeover will catapult the Renault Clio to the top of the supermini class remains to be seen, but when coupled with a decent ride, fine drivetrains and the prospect of new tech, it’s a highly attractive small car once again.”
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Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10
“This hybrid Renault Clio Hybrid is the sort of car you’ll buy with your sensible hat on.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Neither revolutionary in style nor the most exciting to drive, but a very mature car.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 75%
This rating applies for both petrol and diesel Clio models, as well as the Clio E-Tech Hybrid.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol manual 100hp
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.9 / 10
The current-generation Renault Clio was tested by Green NCAP in 2020, and was commended by the assessing body for its “very creditable three-star rating”, which is above average by petrol car standards.
The rating above only applies to a Clio which is powered by a 100hp 1.0-litre petrol engine and fitted with a manual gearbox. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 54 mpg | B |
| Diesel models | 65 mpg | A |
| Hybrid models | 66 mpg | A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 119 g/km | B | ||
| Diesel models | 110 g/km | A | ||
| Hybrid models | 97 g/km | A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 13 | A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £168 | B |
| Year 2 | £477 | B |
| Year 3 | £761 | B |
| Year 4 | £947 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,329 | B |
| Overall | £3,682 | B |
The Renault Clio is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Your servicing and insurance bills should be very inexpensive compared to most cars on the road, while the engines are economical and efficient, so your fuel bills should be better than most other cars.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 175
Average repair cost: £283.04
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Renault Clio has a very good reliability score of 87%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model (2019 onwards) as well as previous models.
As well as being generally reliable, the average repair bill to fix a Clio when it goes wrong is also low, at less than £300. However, watch out for gearbox faults, which cost an average of more than £1,200 to repair.
If you own a Renault Clio, or you’re thinking about buying a used Clio, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Renault Clio
| Overall rating | D | 28% |
| Petrol or diesel models | E | 15% |
| Electric or hybrid models | C | 50% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Renault’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum, and falls short of many rivals. The duration is three years with a limit of 60,000 miles, while some other brands offer up to seven years.
In addition to the standard new car warranty, the Clio hybrid models have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Renault Clio
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Renault Clio from an official Renault dealership, you will get a minimum 12-month warranty included.
- If you are buying a used Renault Clio from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Renault Clio from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Renault Clio
Date: February 2020
Recall number: R/2020/023
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2019 to 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 72
Defect: The message ‘power steering failure’ displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard and a downgrading of the power steering assistance.
Remedy: The steering column will be replaced.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there has been one DVSA vehicle safety recall on this generation of Renault Clio, which only affected a handful of cars.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Renault dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Clio, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Clio has received
2025
- Business Motoring Awards – Best Small Car
- Cinch Awards – Best Hatchback
- Diesel & Eco Car Electrified Top 50 – Best Hybrid Small Car
2024
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car
- Cinch Awards – Best Hatchback
- EcoCar Top 50 – Best Small Hybrid Car
- Parkers Awards – Best First Car
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Car
2022
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
2021
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car
- Company Car and Van Awards – Best Small Car
- Company Car Today Awards – Best Supermini
- FirstCar Awards – New Car of the Year
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
2020
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Business Car Awards – Best Small Car
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Supermini
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
2019
- Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
- NewsUK Motor Awards – The Sun Legend Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Renault Clio, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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