The all-new 2026 Renault Clio. It’s got a fresh design, a sportier Esprit Alpine version, and updated tech. But is it still a great budget-friendly hatchback, or has Renault cut too many corners? Let’s find out!
Under the hood, you get two engine options: a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo petrol with 90 horsepower or a 1.6-liter hybrid pushing 145 horsepower. The hybrid officially does 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, but real-world tests show 8.6 seconds-faster than Renault claims. The petrol takes a slower 12.2 seconds. Pricing starts at £18,000 for the petrol and £21,600 for the hybrid. The petrol is manual-only, while the hybrid gets an automatic, making it the smoother choice.
Inside, Renault has gone for a premium feel. You get a sporty new steering wheel with French flag stitching, Esprit Alpine seats, and soft-touch dashboard materials. But there are some budget cuts-blanked-out buttons even on higher trims, a flimsy center console, and rock-hard armrests.
On the tech side, Renault stuck with its older infotainment system rather than upgrading to the newer Google-based one. It’s functional but a little slow. The base model even gets a smaller screen, so upgrading to a mid or top trim is a good idea. Also, no USB-C ports-just old-school USB.
On the outside, the Clio has a sharper and sportier front end, with a new grille, aggressive LED daytime running lights, and standard LED headlights across all trims. At the rear, Renault redesigned the bumper and added fake vents-not a great look-but the new taillights are sleek.
Driving-wise, the Clio is easy to maneuver, but thick A-pillars hurt visibility. The suspension is firm, meaning you’ll feel bumps more than in a Volkswagen Polo. On highways, it’s stable but can get noisy. Renault claims 67 mpg for the hybrid, but real-world numbers are closer to 38 mpg.
Practicality is a plus. The petrol Clio has a massive 390-liter boot-bigger than some family hatchbacks! But the hybrid loses space, dropping to 300 liters due to the battery.
So, should you buy one? If you want a stylish, feature-packed hatchback that undercuts rivals, it’s a solid option. But if you prefer a softer ride and more cabin space, the Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Fabia might be better.
Disclaimer:
The information in this video is drawn from topics currently being covered in different media sources. We also include AI-generated illustrations for added visual support. Our aim is to share what we've learned, and we hope you find it valuable.
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