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Expert Rating

Renault Clio

(2019 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

80
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

68
%
C

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

92
%
A

Running Costs:

80
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

80
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

68
%
C

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

92
%
A

Running Costs:

80
%
A

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 Ford Fiesta.

As of December 2024, the Renault Clio has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 74%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, as well as its excellent reliability. Its safety rating is also good, although media review scores are merely 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


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mirror

+

Fleetworld

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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.

While a five-star safety score is an impressive accolade, it must be noted that most entry-level and mid-range Clio model do not come with all of the safety features required for this five-star crash test rating.

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

Clean Air Index: 4.6 / 10
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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models54 mpgB48 – 67 mpgA – C
Diesel models65 mpgA49 – 67 mpgA – C
Hybrid models66 mpgA63 – 67 mpgA – A
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models119 g/kmA118 – 133 g/kmA – A
Diesel models110 g/kmA109 – 110 g/kmA – A
Hybrid models97 g/kmA96 – 100 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models13A3 – 18A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£168A
Year 2£477A
Year 3£761A
Year 4£947A
Year 5£1,329A
Overall£3,682A

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

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Renault Clio has a very good reliability score of 81%, 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.

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 vehicles dashboard and a downgrading of the power steering assistance.
Remedy: The steering column will be replaced.

As of October 2024, there has only been one DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of Renault Clio, which only affected a handful of cars.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see 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

2024

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car
  • What Car? 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 AwardsNew 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 3Mini hatch | Mitsubishi MirageNissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda FabiaSuzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo

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Media reviews for the new Renault Clio have been broadly positive, with particular praise for its refinement and high-quality interior. Renault Clio