New Renault Clio will be unveiled soon! We have video and info about engines and design

Renault Clio has long been one of the most important and best-selling models of the French brand. Currently, it is Renault’s best-selling vehicle in Europe and one of the top-selling cars on the continent overall. However, due to the brand’s planned electric future and the arrival of the similarly sized electric Renault R5, there has been speculation about what the future holds for this small hatchback. There were discussions about whether Renault’s small car segment would soon consist only of electric vehicles. But good news came from headquarters: a new Renault Clio is indeed coming, as confirmed by the first images of camouflaged prototypes.

The sixth generation of the Renault Clio was reportedly being prepared for 2026, which aligns with the typical life cycle of the current fifth-generation Clio introduced in 2019. However, it may hit the market even earlier—possibly by the end of this year! Its official debut is scheduled for summer 2025, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the first Clio. The public will get its first look at the new model at the Munich Motor Show in September.

The car is being developed under the internal codename B1318 and is expected to remain on sale until at least 2030. After that, it may be gradually replaced by a fully electric vehicle, at least within the European Union markets.

New tech: Hybrid-only

To help reduce costs for developing new EVs, the next Clio will be built on the same CMF-B architecture as its predecessor. It is expected that the new Clio will be offered exclusively as a hybrid.

According to reports, the new Clio will offer two powertrains. The base option will be a 48V mild-hybrid featuring a newly developed 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, available in two output levels—74 kW and 85 kW. Depending on the version, it will be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a dual-clutch EDC transmission. The engine will also be available in a version capable of running on LPG.

In addition, a full hybrid version will be offered, powered by a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 118 kW. It will replace the existing hybrid system based on a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine, offering among other improvements a longer range in electric mode. On the other hand, a diesel option is definitely not planned, in line with the brand’s gradual phase-out of diesel powertrains. Similarly, no non-electrified variants are expected—at least in the EU.

Interestingly, some reports suggest that during its life cycle, the future Clio may also be introduced as a fully electric vehicle. With the upcoming electric Renault 5, it might seem the brand would have the small EV segment covered. Yet Renault believes the market could support two similarly sized electric cars. The electric Clio is expected to use the Ampr Small platform, shared with the R5, which itself is based on CMF-B—allowing for different drivetrain versions to be built on the same assembly line.

Design: Inspired by the Embleme concept

The design of the new Renault Clio remains largely unknown. However, the first video showing camouflaged prototypes confirms that its overall silhouette will remain similar to the current generation.

Nevertheless, the styling is set to differ significantly, reflecting Renault’s new design direction. Recent speculation points to inspiration taken from the Embleme concept.

The new Clio’s design will be the work of the brand’s chief designer, Gilles Vidal. Rumours suggest that the car’s length will be similar to today’s model—around 4,050 mm.

Inside, the cabin is expected to resemble the Renault 5, particularly in terms of its infotainment system.

Production will reportedly continue in two factories—Bursa (Turkey) and Novo Mesto (Slovenia). However, the majority of units will likely come from the Turkish plant, as the Slovenian factory is preparing for production of the next-generation Twingo.