Renault Clio VI: Europe's favorite city car moves to chapter six

Some cars need no introduction. The Renault Clio is one of them: since 1990, it has accompanied an entire part of Europe, from first driving licenses to family cars, selling over 17 million units. Thirty-five years and five generations later, the diamond-badged city car turns a new page with a sixth generation more ambitious than ever. The perfect opportunity to retrace the saga of a popular icon… before getting to know the new arrival.

Thirty-five years, five generations, one same recipe

When the Clio I succeeds the venerable R5 in 1990, it makes a strong impact: crowned Car of the Year 1991, it establishes a blend of style, practicality and tight pricing that would become its trademark. The Clio Williams version, which appeared in 1993 in its blue Sport livery and golden wheels, becomes a little legend in the making — and a highly sought-after youngtimer today.

The Clio II (1998) grows, becomes safer and democratizes ABS and airbags. Above all, it dares the extravagant Clio V6, a city car transformed into a radical sports machine with a mid-rear engine — a 230 hp oddity produced in around 1,500 units. The Clio III moves upmarket, gains an Estate variant and wins a second Car of the Year title in 2006. The Clio IV (2012) bets on style and technology, with its design signed by Laurens van den Acker and its R-Link touchscreen. Finally, the Clio V (2019) takes a leap forward in refinement and introduces the hybrid E-Tech, while remaining year after year one of the continent's best-selling cars.

Twice Car of the Year, European bestseller still topping sales in the first half of 2025: few models can claim as much. This is the heavy legacy that the sixth generation must now build upon.

The Clio VI: a city car with bigger ambitions

Unveiled at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025 and on sale since the start of 2026, the new Clio assumes a radical change in tone. Gone is the modest silhouette: enter a sculpted and muscular design, inspired by Renault's new styling language. The bonnet stretches, the track widens and the sloping roof line now evokes a compact coupé. At the front, a large diamond-patterned grille and a fine LED diamond-shaped light signature give it an unprecedented look in its class.

The beauty has also gained a few centimetres: 4.12 m long (7 cm more than its predecessor) and 1.77 m wide. Enough to gain presence on the road and space inside, without leaving the multipurpose city car segment that made its success.

Under the bonnet: hybrid as the flagship

The heart of the range is the full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp. It combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Atkinson cycle, two electric motors and a small 1.4 kWh battery, all managed by a clever clutchless multimode gearbox. Result: first-rate performance for a city car (0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds), mixed fuel consumption of just 3.9 l/100 km and above all record emissions of 89 g/km CO₂. In town, the Clio can run on pure electric power up to 80% of the time — enough to seriously lighten your fuel bill.

Those who prefer simplicity are not forgotten: the range also offers a TCe 115 hp three-cylinder petrol (in manual or dual-clutch automatic) and an Eco-G 120 dual-fuel petrol-LPG version, still appreciated for its reduced running costs.

Inside: technology becomes accessible

The cabin also takes a big step forward. Facing the driver, two screens merge into a modern panoramic unit, with integrated Google connectivity, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Clio features an impressive array of next-generation driving aids, without neglecting the essentials: real physical controls for air conditioning and ergonomics designed for daily use.

A legend that continues

In terms of pricing, the new Clio starts at €19,900 for the TCe 115 petrol, while the E-Tech 160 hybrid begins around €24,600 and climbs to nearly €29,300 in sporty Esprit Alpine trim. A positioning that remains true to the Clio's DNA: offering plenty, for a controlled budget.

With this sixth chapter, Renault is not just renewing a bestseller: the brand proves that a city car can still inspire, marrying style, efficient hybridization and reasonable pricing. The Clio has inspired the memories of millions of motorists — how many first cars, vacation getaways and fresh driving licenses? — and it seems determined to write many more. Find all the brochures of the Renault Clio, from the first to the latest generation, to view and download for free on Brochure Auto.