New Renault Clio revealed

Renault Clio – Esprit Alpine Rouge Absolu – Photos
Renault Clio – Esprit Alpine Rouge Absolu – Photos

Over its 35-year history, Clio has always set the benchmark in its category in Europe and has remained the best seller for Renault throughout its five previous generations. The first model, launched in 1990, represented a conscious step up in quality and a complete revolution in its segment, reflected in the adoption of an actual name, rather than a number, to follow on from the Super-5 era.

Over the generations, Clio has consistently redefined standards in its segment in terms of design, comfort, cabin space, quality, safety, driving pleasure, and multimedia features, while also reducing emissions. These efforts twice earned the model the highly esteemed title of European Car of the Year, in 1991 and 2006.

Clio has included numerous iconic versions over the years, such as the sporty 16V and Williams, and the incredible Clio V6 with its rear mid-engine. Overall, Clio has sold nearly 17 million units across 120 countries around the world, making it the best-selling French car of all time. In fact, Clio continues to top the charts, emerging as the best-selling car in Europe in the first half of 2025.

In the UK, Clio has sold over 1.3 million units since its introduction in 1990.

The fifth generation Renault Clio introduced a full hybrid E-Tech 145hp powertrain, which has proved very popular among UK consumers. So far in 2025, UK Renault Clio sales have been split roughly 40/60% petrol/HEV. 

Renault Clio Images

Preshow Renault Clio 6, August 30th 2025 at Aubervilliers, France – Photo Clément Choulot / DPPI

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

Leave a Comment

More in News

New car market holds steady as fleets drive growth

Why More Than a Quarter of New Cars Sold in May Were Electric

For the first time this year, more than a quarter ...

What the Bike Box Rule Means for Drivers Facing £100 Fines This Bike Week

Edge over the first white line at a set of ...
Afternoon traffic on busy British motorway M1

Why Company Car Drivers Can Now Claim Up to 26p a Mile for Fuel

Anyone who drives a company car for work should check ...
Stradman's Lamborghini Gallardo Catches Fire on the Side of the Road, and the Aftermath Is Hard to Watch

Stradman’s Lamborghini Gallardo Catches Fire, and the Aftermath Is Hard to Watch

Stradman's 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo caught fire on the side of ...
Car on coins and calculator Car loan, Finance, saving money, insurance and leasing time concept.

Car Insurance Holds at £560 but a £3,699 Average Repair Bill Points to Rises

There is good news and a warning sign in the ...

Trending on Motoring Chronicle

Children walking near a road over the UK Bank Holiday weekend

How UK Drivers Can Keep Children Safer on the Roads This Bank Holiday Weekend

Breakdown provider Start Rescue is asking UK drivers, parents and ...
2027 Volvo EX60 electric SUV front three-quarter view US debut

Why the Volvo EX60 Lands in America at $58,400 with 400 Miles of Range

The all-electric Volvo EX60 has landed in the United States ...
Battery electric cars lined up at SMMT Test Day 2026 in Bedfordshire

Why Some Electric Car Drivers Now Face a £640 Road Tax Bill From Year Two

For years the headline reason to buy an electric car ...
Car crash vehicles ready to be scrapped

Paying For Their Scam: Crash For Cash Fraud Adds £50 To Every Honest Driver’s Premium

Every UK car insurance policy now carries a hidden charge ...
LONDON - Red double decker buses and other traffic.

Why Northern Ireland Could Soon Ban Drivers From Overtaking Stationary Buses Near Schools

A consultation on whether Northern Ireland should introduce new rules ...