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Renault Clio has long been one of the most important and best-selling models of the French brand. At present, it is its most in-demand car in Europe and one of the best-selling vehicles on the Old Continent overall. However, due to the brand’s plans for an electric future and the arrival of a similarly-sized EV, the Renault R5, there had been speculation about the future of this small hatchback. There was debate over whether Renault would go electric-only in this segment.
In the end, though, the reality is different: the Renault Clio will return in a brand-new sixth generation. Just before its public debut, photos of the uncovered car were leaked online.
A completely new Clio design
The images appeared on a discussion forum hosted by the Spanish magazine CocheSpias, which focuses on upcoming cars. The leaked photos confirm earlier reports that a radical redesign is underway. While the last two generations of the Clio were evolutionary in shape, the new model is a total departure in style, inspired by the Embleme concept, as speculated. Renault has introduced a new design language, with the new Clio serving as a pioneer of this stylistic direction. From the previous generation, the only design element that remains is the hidden rear door handles near the C-pillars.
The shapes of the new model were created by the team of Renault’s head designer, Gilles Vidal, who returned to the Stellantis Group (specifically Peugeot) shortly before the car’s official debut. It’s speculated that the new Clio will be similar in length to the current generation, meaning around 4,050 mm.
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The interior is also completely new, this time inspired by the Renault 5’s layout, which the new Clio will be produced alongside.
New technology
To help reduce development costs for new electric vehicles, the next Renault Clio will be based on the existing CMF-B platform used by its predecessor. It is expected that the next Clio will be offered exclusively as a hybrid.
Reports suggest two available powertrains. The base version will be a 48V mild hybrid using a newly developed 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (TCe), offered in two power outputs: 74 kW and 85 kW. Depending on the version, customers will have a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or the EDC dual-clutch gearbox. This engine will also be available in a version capable of running on LPG.
In addition, there will be a full hybrid with a new 1.8-liter petrol four-cylinder engine producing 118 kW. It will replace the current hybrid setup, which uses a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine, and should offer a longer electric-only range. On the other hand, a diesel version will definitely not be introduced, as the brand moves away from that type of propulsion. Likewise, non-electrified engines are not expected, at least in the EU.
Interestingly, some reports suggest that a fully electric version of the Clio may be introduced later during its product lifecycle. Although the arrival of the electric Renault 5 may suggest the brand is already well-represented in the small EV segment, Renault believes the market can support two similarly-sized electric models. The electric Clio would reportedly use the Ampr Small platform, shared with the Renault 5, which itself is based on CMF-B. This would allow for multiple drivetrains to be produced on the same production line.
Launching sooner than expected
According to earlier reports, the sixth generation of the Renault Clio was scheduled for a 2026 release, in line with the lifecycle of the current fifth-generation Clio, introduced in 2019. However, it may arrive ahead of schedule, possibly before the end of this year! The premiere will take place in 2025 as part of the celebrations marking 35 years since the launch of the original Clio. The public will get its first look at the car at the Munich Motor Show in September.
The car is being developed under the internal codename B1318 and is expected to remain on the market until at least 2030. After that, it may eventually be phased out in favor of an electric vehicle, at least in EU markets.
Production will reportedly continue at two plants: in Bursa, Turkey, and Novo Mesto, Slovenia. However, most of the production is expected to come from Turkey, as the Slovenian plant is preparing for the production of the new Twingo.
