Few cars have managed to define their era the way the Renault Clio has. Since its debut in 1990, this modest hatchback has evolved into an international sensation, clocking up nearly 17 million units sold across 120 countries. Twice crowned European Car of the Year and forever etched into automotive culture, the Clio has long carried the tagline “everything of a great car”. Now, Renault has taken its most iconic model into its sixth generation, and the result is nothing short of superpowered.
>>> Great Discounts on Car & Bike Accessories <<<
A Cultural Icon Reinvented
Over 35 years, the Clio has been more than just a compact city car – it has been a cultural marker. From the luxurious Clio Baccara with its memorable “Not expensive enough, my son” campaign, to the rally-inspired Williams edition and the outrageous Clio V6 mid-engine monster, the model has embodied Renault’s daring spirit.
Fast forward to 2025, and the new Clio is once again breaking boundaries. According to Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive, “When you think Clio, you think Renault, and when you think Renault, you think Clio. With this new generation, we’ve cranked up the dials on design, technology, and hybrid excellence.”
And it shows.
A Design That Turns Heads
The sixth-generation Clio doesn’t whisper its arrival – it announces it. Inspired by the Renault Emblème concept car, the design team crafted a body that’s sensual, sculpted, and unmistakably Latin in character.
Up front, a bold radiator grille studded with diamonds flows into a longer bonnet, while new LED lighting echoes Renault’s diamond logo. The headlights, framed in sleek black housings, give the Clio an assertive stare. Its proportions are more athletic too, with length stretched to 4.12 meters and width to 1.77 meters, creating a low-slung stance reminiscent of compact coupés.
At the rear, the sporty silhouette is emphasized by four taillights inspired by Renault’s performance models. Signature hidden rear door handles remain, but refined details like hidden weatherstrips and a sharper roofline bring a sense of sophistication. Buyers can choose from seven body colors, including the stunning new Absolute Red and Absolute Green finishes.
“This Clio is more desirable, expressive, and dynamic than ever,” explains Paula Fabregat-Andreu, Renault’s Design Project Director. “Its curves and tension lines capture the light in a way that brings energy to the silhouette.”
Inside: Tech Meets Sustainability
Step inside, and the Clio makes a giant leap forward in comfort and innovation. The cabin introduces higher-quality materials, recycled fabrics, and, in top trims, Alcantara with intricate chrome fade detailing. Ambient lighting offers 48 color choices, tailoring the atmosphere to match driving modes.
The dashboard is dominated by Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in – a first for this segment. Two 10-inch screens deliver crisp graphics and effortless control of navigation, entertainment, and vehicle functions. Google Maps, Assistant, and Play come pre-installed, while exclusive apps such as Radioplayer, Amazon Music, and even HBO Max are available directly on the screen.
For audiophiles, the optional Harman Kardon sound system, developed with electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, provides five immersive soundscapes through 10 speakers.
Practical touches haven’t been forgotten either. The new central console offers smart covered storage, while rear passengers get a 12V socket for gadgets. The boot is a class-leading 391 liters, with a sill lowered by 40 mm for easier loading.
Powertrains: Supercharged with Hybrid Tech
Beneath the sculpted body lies the heart of the superpowered hatch. The star of the lineup is the E-Tech full hybrid 160 hp powertrain, developed with technology inspired by Formula 1. It pairs a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. The result? An 8.3-second sprint to 100 km/h, CO2 emissions as low as 89 g/km, and fuel consumption of just 3.9 l/100 km.
Thanks to its intelligent multimode gearbox, the Clio seamlessly switches between all-electric, hybrid, and combustion modes. Around town, it can drive in electric mode for up to 80% of the time, making urban journeys nearly silent and emission-free.
Other options include:
- A punchy 1.2L TCe petrol engine with 115 hp, available with a manual or responsive EDC dual-clutch automatic.
- An Eco-G 120 hp dual-fuel petrol-LPG version, delivering lower running costs and extended range.
This versatility means the new Clio caters to everyone, from eco-conscious city drivers to fleet operators seeking reliability.
Safety and Driving Assistance
Renault’s commitment to safety shines in the new Clio, which offers up to 29 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Highlights include:
- Active Driver Assist with intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking in reverse
- 360° HD camera system
- Safe-exit alerts and emergency stop assist
Renault’s Human First program is also embedded, with innovations like Safety Score and Safety Coach, which analyze driving habits and provide personalized advice. A driver-monitoring system with in-cabin cameras detects fatigue or distraction, ensuring compliance with upcoming European safety regulations.
Sustainability at Its Core
Eco-conscious design is another cornerstone of the Clio 2025. The Esprit Alpine hybrid version incorporates more than 33% recycled materials, including plastics from end-of-life vehicles and 50% recycled aluminum in its 18-inch wheels. The dashboard is 50% recycled material, and overall, every new Clio is 85% recyclable.
Renault’s plant in Bursa, Turkey – which has already produced over five million Clios – builds the new model with strong commitments to circular economy practices. The site even houses a “Refactory” facility that refurbishes used vehicles.
Trims: From Evolution to Esprit Alpine
The range is streamlined into three trims:
- Evolution: 10-inch central display, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking.
- Techno: Adds Google-powered infotainment, ambient lighting, LED upgrades, hands-free key card, and reversing camera.
- Esprit Alpine: Alcantara seats, 18-inch alloys with blue highlights, logo projection, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and unique Alpine styling cues.
Why It Matters
With competition in the B-segment fiercer than ever, Renault has positioned the Clio not just as a city runabout but as a premium hatchback with upper-segment features. Alongside its electric siblings – the Renault 5 and Renault 4 E-Tech – and the Captur hybrid crossover, the new Clio cements Renault’s dominance across the compact segment.
Bruno Vanel, VP of Product Performance, sums it up: “The new Clio combines the compact build of a B-segment car with the performance and equipment of an upper-segment model. It is versatile, efficient, and well equipped – everything a great car should be.”
Final Word
The 2025 Renault Clio is more than just the latest chapter in a long-running story – it’s a reinvention of a legend. With daring design, next-level hybrid performance, cutting-edge connectivity, and a strong sustainability ethos, it shows why the Clio remains Europe’s best-selling car.
Three decades on, Renault has once again proven that when it comes to the Clio, evolution is never enough – it must always be a revolution.
