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.

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