The Renault Clio is back, and what an entrance! The sixth generation of this urban rascal rolls off the line with a face that demands attention, but without the electric ambitions you might expect in these days of plugs and batteries. This isn’t a car that whispers; it roars – figuratively speaking, because under the hood, it’s a bit more restrained. Let’s dive into what this French charmer has to offer, with a wink to its flair and a frown at its choices.
The Clio has always been a crowd-pleaser. In the first half of this year, it was even the best-selling car in Europe, and that’s saying something in a world full of SUVs and crossovers. Renault clearly has a trump card, and with this new generation, they’re playing it harder than ever. The exterior is a parade of their new design language, which they call “Nouvelle Vague” with plenty of pomp. Sounds posh, doesn’t it? In practice, it means a sharper snout, with a small grille that looks like a mouse’s nose, headlights that blend into dark 3D elements, and daytime running lights that form Renault’s diamond-shaped logo. Everywhere you look, the grille screams “Renault!” – just in case you forget who’s boss.
The dimensions have been stretched a bit too. The Clio is now 4.12 meters long, a casual 67 millimeters longer than its predecessor. It’s also wider and taller, with a slightly longer wheelbase. The result? A car that looks more dynamic, especially at the rear, where the tailgate slopes like a duck’s tail, with separated taillights that seem to wink at the Renault Rafale. The side? It’s got a hint of Lancia Ypsilon, with its pointy C-pillar and integrated door handles. Yes, I know, Lancia – who saw that coming?
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the engines. Renault has chosen not to make the Clio fully electric. In a world where everyone seems to be shouting for zero emissions, that’s a bold move. Or is it just stubborn? The base version gets a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 115 hp, with an optional dual-clutch transmission for those who don’t fancy shifting gears. The star of the show, though, is the hybrid version, which accounted for 30% of the previous Clio’s sales. This isn’t a plug-in, but a self-charging hybrid, built on the Renault group’s CMF-B platform. Expect no plug, no charging sessions, but a car that sips fuel while zipping through the city. For the purists: a fully electric Clio isn’t happening. Renault’s leaving that to the R4 and R5, which do run on batteries.
Inside, it’s a different story. The Clio got a facelift in 2023, and those upgrades have been built upon here. The interior feels more modern, with more sustainable materials – think fabrics and plastics that ease your conscience. The infotainment screen is bigger, ranging from 7 to 9.3 inches, and the driver’s display looks sharper. Renault boasts no fewer than 20 driver assistance systems, meaning this car practically steers itself through traffic. Handy, but let’s be honest: sometimes you just want to drive yourself, without a computer telling you you’re too close to that cyclist.
Has this Clio gone too far with its style? Maybe. The “Nouvelle Vague” is bold, but not everyone will fall for that mouse-like snout and diamond-shaped lights. Still, this is a car that knows what it is: a compact city car that doesn’t try to be an SUV but makes a statement. It’s bigger, smarter, and prettier than ever, but without the electric spark some were hoping for. For those who love a car with character, this is a winner. For those dreaming of a plug, well, look to the R5.
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