Renault's Clio reinvents itself - and looks attractive in this E-Tech full-Hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Renault has reinvented its fifth generation Clio, which the brand primarily wants you to look at in this frugal full hybrid E-Tech guise. A far-reaching visual makeover is complemented by a higher quality cabin. And there are sporting 'Alpine'-themed touches for the plushest version. If your next supermini needs to be electrified but you're not quite ready for a full EV, this Gallic contender's worth a look.

Background

Renault used to be synonymous with superminis, first in the Seventies with the Renault 5, then in more recent decades with the Clio. Here, we're going to look at the way that the fifth generation Clio is reinventing itself in hybrid-only form. The Clio used to be a mainstream seller in our market - and in others. Over 16 million Clios have been sold worldwide since this model line's original introduction back in 1990, with over 1.1 million of those cars finding homes in the UK. But in more recent years, it's become a more marginal player in the supermini segment, particularly since the introduction of the current fifth generation 'BF'-series design back in 2019. And that's a trend likely to continue now that Renault has placed such an emphasis on its more expensive E-Tech hybrid tech as part of this MK5 model's far-reaching mid-term update. That's what we're focusing on here, though you can still get a Clio with the brand's more familiar three cylinder TCe 90 petrol unit. With the Clio hybrid in this updated form, Renault thinks it can tap into quite a large audience of people who still want a small car but remain (understandably) undecided about switching to a full-EV. But just how seriously should you take this Clio, particularly in this E-Tech form where it's pitched against more established full-hybrid direct supermini segment rivals like the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Jazz? That's what we're here to find out.

Driving Experience

We had hoped that Renault might take the opportunity here to incorporate its more recently developed three cylinder 1.2-litre hybrid drivetrain, as used in the mid-sized Austral SUV. But no, the old 1.6-litre electrified powerplant continues on, as also used by the Captur and the Nissan Juke Hybrid. There's no option here of being able to plug this hybrid engine in (as you can on the top version of the Captur): Renault reckons that would make this particular Clio too pricey. Instead, it's a 'self-charging' full-Hybrid unit like that in, say, a Toyota Yaris (so it can, for very short periods, run independently on full-electric power, unlike the mild hybrid engines you'll find in some segment rivals). Renault makes much of the way the design of this car's engine borrows from its F1 racing technology. Like the racing powerplant, this one is extremely compact and features two electric motors, one with 36kW on the rear of the gearbox and one with 15kW on top of the transmission, along with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre 145hp normally aspirated petrol unit. The gearbox is an auto of course and the motor is powered by a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the boot floor. The rest of the drivetrain has somehow been shoehorned beneath the bonnet.

Design and Build

With the original version of the Clio Hybrid, you had the feel of new-fangled technology paired with previous combustion-era design. But things are a bit different now, thanks to EV design elements borrowed from the Megane E-Tech and the Scenic Vision concept car. Styling chief Laurens van den Acker particularly likes the 'eyes' of this revised MK5 Clio, slim LED headlamps with the brand's latest 'new wave' light signature, each unit incorporating up to five beams (the old car had three). The nose also gets a brushed-satin chrome 'Nouvel R' Renault logo, plus there's an enlarged chequered grille, a sharper bumper design, a lower aerofoil and a restyled clear-lensed tail lamps. Wheel designs are up to 17-inches in size. The bodywork dimensions are unchanged. Not so much is different inside, though the priciest trim level gets a new 10-inch edgeless instrument display for the virtual dials (it's only 7-inches in size with cheaper trim). Plus at the top of the range, there's a 9.3-inch infotainment centre touchscreen. Plusher materials now feature around the cabin, with more soft-touch surfaces around the dash and doors. Leather isn't now used anywhere, with sustainable alternatives employed instead. The seats on this Clio are much better than what you'd usually find in this segment in terms of comfort and support. They offer a longer cushion base and a more enveloping shape. We weren't especially impressed by the space provided on the rear bench when we first tested the conventional version of this model - and we're still not, though at least the hybrid system's been packaged in such a way as not to detract further from the knee, leg and head space available. The boot space on offer is rated at 301-litres in this case (compromised a little by the battery pack positioning beneath the cargo area floor). Still, that's only 3-litres less than you'd get in a Honda Jazz and it's 15-litres more than you'd get from a Toyota Yaris. If you drop the 60:40-split backrest, up to 1,054-litres is available.

Market and Model

There's quite a significant premium of around £3,500 to upgrade yourself from an ordinary TCe 90-engined Clio to the E-Tech full hybrid version we tried, which was priced from around £21,600 as we produced this review. Bear in mind that built into the premium you pay for this hybrid version is automatic transmission; the TCe 90 comes only with manual transmission. Whichever engine you choose, there's a choice between three trim levels - base 'evolution', mid-range 'techno' and the top more sporty-looking 'esprit Alpine' model. We're not focusing on the base TCe 90 engine as part of this test, but it's worth knowing that the asking price we just mentioned for this variant, as we filmed, undercut the segment sales leader, Vauxhall's Corsa, by around £1,800. The E-Tech full hybrid version looks even better value against obvious full-hybrid-powered segment rivals. That £21,300 starting figure we mentioned was, at the time of this review, around £1,300 less than a Toyota Yaris, around £1,600 less than a Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid and a huge £5,000 less than a Honda Jazz. And those savings don't take account of the fact that all of these rivals, in their base forms, have significantly less power than an E-Tech Clio. As we compiled this review, the more powerful versions of the Corsa and the Yaris that you'd really need to match this Renault's performance were priced respectively from around £26,000 and around £29,000.

Cost of Ownership

It's just as well that the electrified elements of the E-TECH powertrain are so sophisticated because the combustion engine that all of it's mated to isn't. It's a relatively old fashioned Nissan MPI unit used in models that the Nissan Renault Alliance sells in less advanced Russian and South American markets - and it doesn't feature any kind of turbocharger. Still, when mated to all of the hybrid tech we detailed for you in our 'Driving Experience' section, it can certainly deliver some eye-catching efficiency stats. The WLTP figure for combined cycle fuel economy is 67.3mpg and we reckon around 50-55mpg should be regularly achievable without too much trouble. The WLTP CO2 reading is 96g/km. Renault claims this E-TECH powertrain is 40% more economic than a conventional combustion engine, which allows for an attractive 22% BiK taxation rating. Just as relevant is the question of how this Clio Hybrid's figures stack up against its two most direct full-Hybrid supermini segment rivals. The Honda Jazz isn't quite as frugal, managing 62.8mpg and 102g/km, figures that a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, helped by its lighter kerb weight, improves to 68.9mpg and 92g/km. Overall, as you can tell from those stats, there's not much in it between these three. On the move in this Clio, you can press a dedicated EV button for all-electric progress but it won't take you very far. More usually, the E-TECH system automatically detects when the engine is required, seamlessly engaging to deliver the power required in different driving circumstances. The engine and electric motor can operate in unison or individually, driving all power to the front wheels. Kinetic energy can be recovered during deceleration and braking. This happens automatically either in natural slowing down or via braking, with the driver able to engage a dedicated Brake (B) mode via the gear lever to increase the level of deceleration. Energy recuperated is sent back to the charge the battery. If you're worried about the complexity of the engineering, you'll want to know that this model benefits from Renault's 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty and a 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty for the traction battery.

Summary

With over 16 million worldwide sales on the board, over 11 million of them in the UK, Renault's Clio is one of the last supermini model lines you might expect to fall in the face of the ongoing EV revolution. But then we thought that about the Fiesta, yet historical popularity wasn't enough to save it. The Clio though, looks like it'll be with us for a few years yet. Partly due to the likelihood that a full-EV switch is going to take longer than anticipated. And partly because of Renault's foresight in giving its supermini this impressively frugal take on combustionised electrification. We're disappointed that this revitalised fifth generation Clio hasn't received the brand's more modern three cylinder based 1.2-litre E-Tech hybrid unit. But the continuing four cylinder 1.6-litre E-Tech full hybrid powertrain is still an impressively frugal device. And, in concert with this car's now sharper look and smarter cabin, creates a product that looks a good fit for a supermini customer wanting electrification but undecided about just how much of it they need. The Clio may no longer be affordable enough to be the ordinary person's choice in this class. But the thinking man's choice in this segment? You could certainly make a case for it.

Body Glass

Heated rear windscreen

Electric rear windows

Tinted rear windows

Rear wiper

One touch electric front windows

Automatic windscreen wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Active emergency braking system - Urban and pedestrian/cyclist

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Electronic brake force distribution

Automatic emergency braking system with emergency brake assist

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto

Emergency call system

Driver Aids

Over speed prevention

Driver attention warning

Rear parking sensors

Traffic sign recognition

Lane keep assist

Front parking sensors

Eco mode driving function

Lane departure warning system

Rear park assist

Front park assist

Power assisted steering

Multisense 3 driving modes including ambient lighting

Cruise control + speed limiter

Rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Wireless phone charger

Start/stop system

Saftey shield [button for personalisation configuration of key ADAS features]

Driver Information

7" digital driver display

Easy link 7" touchscreen with built in navigation + Wifi smartphone integration plus

Driving Mirrors

Electrochromatic rear view mirror with light and rain sensor - Black

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Black auto folding wing mirrors with defrosting and temperature gauge and LED indicator

Embellishment Trims

Dark interior roof trim

Entertainment

Arkamys speakers - x6 inc. 2 boomer, 2 tweeter and 2 bicone

DAB/FM Radio

Bluetooth, 1x jack, 1x aux socket

2 USB ports

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Chrome side window surrounds

Rear side wing doors

Body colour F1 blade

Chrome upper grille

Exterior rear hidden door handles

Body colour door handles

Exhaust pipe

Shark fin antenna

Chrome insert on lower side doors

Exterior Lights

Rear brake light

Automatic headlights

LED third brake light

Full LED front and rear headlamps integrating daytime running lights at the front and rear

Front and rear LED roof light x 2

LED rear signature lighting

Front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Power supply jack

Black armrests in door panel

Fabric upholstery

Centre console armrest

Synthetic leather steering wheel

Floating console with storage

Safety

Seatbelt reminder

Driver and passenger airbags

Front side airbags

Curtain airbags

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Child locks on rear doors

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Height adjustable passenger seatbelt

Tyre pressure monitor

Distance warning alert

Seats

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Mechanical height adjustable front seats

3 rear height adjustable headrests

Isofix system on outer rear seats

Height adjustable front headrests

60/40 split and fixed base rear seat bench

Security

Hands free key card with push button, start and stop function

2x Black keys

Superlocking

RAID (Renault Anti-Intruder Device) automatic door locking

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visor without light

Wheels - Alloy

17" Monastella Diamond Cut Alloy with grey/black Inserts

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.2

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 97

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 97

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 97

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 4

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Engine Code: H4M C6 / MU

CC: 1598

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 83.6

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 78

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 67.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.1

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: E-TECH Hybrid 145

Coin Series: Techno

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Badge Power: 145

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 5

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.3

Engine Torque - RPM: 3200

Engine Power - BHP: 143

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 106

Engine Power - RPM: 5600

Engine Power - KW: 105

Top Speed: 112

Engine Torque - MKG: 14.7

Engine Torque - NM: 144

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/45 R17

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: MONASTELLA

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: N

Tyre Size Rear: 205/45 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4053

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1440

Width (including mirrors): 1988

Wheelbase: 2583

Width: 1798

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1006

Max. Roof Load: 80

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 254

Max. Loading Weight: 435

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 655

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 900

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 39

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1758

Minimum Kerbweight: 1323

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Diamond black

Metallic - Shadow grey

Metallic - Ceramic grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Glacier white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Valencia orange

Special metallic - Iron blue

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Black

Wheels - Spare

Space saver emergency spare wheel