Renault Clio - TopCarNews

Renault Clio (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

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.

The initial 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. At this stage, the Clio’s overall Expert Rating puts it in the top half of the supermini class, albeit some distance behind the class leaders.

As of December 2021, the Renault Clio has an Expert Rating of 69%, as on 31 reviews from the UK media.

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 hatchEngines: petrol, diesel, hybrid
Price: From £18,290 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 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 EditionScore: 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 100Score: 9 / 10“There’s a lot to like about the new Renault Clio.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid E-Tech RS LineScore: 9 / 10“The paucity of hybrid superminis reflects the challenge of producing them, technically and economically. But Renault’s hard work shows it can be done with little compromise. With smooth refinement and improved economy, it’s a compelling option.”
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Model reviewed: RS Line TCe 130Score: 8 / 10‘That interior is one of the new Clio’s highlights.’
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Disregard the familiar visual cues: the fifth-generation Renault Clio is very much new, right down to its unseen – and never-before-seen – platform.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid automatic E-TechScore: 8 / 10“Think of the E-Tech hybrid as the Pepsi Max of the Renault Clio range: it still leaves a decent taste in the mouth, but is better for us in the long run.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manualScore: 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 LineScore: 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 overviewScore: 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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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Renault Clio is a small hatchback with a plush-feeling cabin and a very practical boot, but it doesn’t look as eye-catching or feel as comfortable to drive as some alternatives.”
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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 LineScore: 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 IconicScore: 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 LineScore: 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 IconicScore: 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 reviewScore: 8 / 10“Much improved interior and desirable looks.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 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 reviewScore: 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 reviewScore: 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 IconicScore: 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 manualScore: 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 overviewScore: 6 / 10“Neither revolutionary in style nor the most exciting to drive, but a very mature car.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It might not be the most fun or comfortable small car, but the Renault Clio is reasonably comfortable and handles tidily enough, especially with the 1.3-litre engine under the bonnet. However, the Clio’s attractive high-quality interior is one of the most appealing in the class and it has a huge boot.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: E-Tech“The addition of hybrid technology has improved the Renault Clio driving experience. Not only is it punchy and quiet around town, but it should provide decent fuel economy without having to resort to a diesel. It also retains the high-quality cabin and fun driving experience of the regular Clio.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“Despite the mild style update, the all-new Clio is a real improvement over the outgoing car. Interior quality and the technology available are particular highlights. However, a lack of refinement, limited space in the back and poor visibility means it’s not as good overall as the best small hatchbacks we’ve tested.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019

96%

ADULT OCCUPANT

89%

CHILD OCCUPANT

72%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

75%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol manual 100hp
Date tested: November 2020

4.6 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6.9 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

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Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Renault Clio has received

2021

Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Company Car Today Awards – Best Supermini
Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Car

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Car of the Year + Best Small Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
Business Car Awards – Best Small Car
Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Supermini
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Car of the Year + Best Small Car

2019

Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car

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