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Pros: Chic, efficient, refined
Cons: Expensive, smaller boot than the petrol
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid Design
The fifth generation Clio has been on Irish roads since late 2019 so it’s time for an update to keep it competitive against the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. The front end has been quite significantly revamped to keep the Clio in line with the newly launched Austral and Megane E-Tech. The grille is much wider than before and together with new LED headlights and spectacular half-diamond shape daytime running lights, there’s a newfound maturity and sophistication to this Clio. It’s also the next Renault to get the brand’s new 2D-style logo.
Evolution and Techno trim lines are joined by the all-new Esprit Alpine, which replaces the old R.S. Line and pays homage to Renault’s Alpine brand of sports cars. Distinguishing features include the new F1-style blade at the front finished in grey, Esprit Alpine badges and 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with blue or grey centre caps. The good news is even entry level models look decent with attractive 16-inch diamond cut alloys as standard. The rear styling has also been tidied up with a new bumper and clear covers for the LED lights. It’s enough to sharpen up the Clio’s presence, without losing any of this small car’s charm that endears it to millions.
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid Interior
The cabin is still one of the most stylish of any small car on sale. Updates are minimal but that’s no bad thing. Quality is good and the cabin feels well-made and solid for a small car. For 2024, Clio interiors are now leather free and feature more sustainable materials than ever before. The top of the range Esprit Alpine adds more sophistication with front sports seats embossed with the Alpine logo and a few French flag badges dotted about. The steering wheel also features tricolour stitching in blue, white and red. Esprit Alpine models get the flashiest tech on board with a brilliant 10-inch digital driver display and 9.3-inch portrait-style touchscreen. The entry level models get the smaller 7-inch digital driver display and 7-inch touchscreen, though it’s still pleasant to use and the new wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes smartphone integration even simpler.
Equipment levels are high with automatic air con, keyless entry and rear parking sensors included as standard. Techno trim adds a wireless smartphone charger, reversing camera and ‘Multisense’ driving modes. The Esprit Alpine includes luxury features like heated steering wheel and heated front seats, as well as lots of safety equipment like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.
Petrol versions are best for boot space with an excellent 391 litres - that’s even more than a Volkswagen Golf. The hybrid can only muster 301 litres to accommodate its battery under the floor. No such compromises in the back seat where the Clio should fit even adult passengers quite well when necessary.
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid Performance & Drive
Engine options are the same as before with a choice of 1.0-litre turbo charged petrol engine with 90hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox or the more powerful 145hp hybrid that combines a 1.6 petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery. The battery charges automatically during deceleration and braking so there's no need to plug in. The hybrid is even more efficient than the 1.0-litre petrol, particularly in town and city driving where it can run up to 80% of the time in electric mode. In real world driving it comes close to the official consumption figure of 4.2 litres per 100 km. With its innovative multimode automatic transmission, the hybrid is mostly quiet and smooth to drive. It delivers power in a seamless way, taking the Clio from town to motorway with ease. There is a ‘B’ mode to increase regenerative braking and Multisense driving modes like Eco and Sport to alter the driving experience somewhat. The Clio offers good comfort and refinement levels for a small car with just some firmness and noise over poorly surfaced tarmac in town or on country roads.
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid Pricing
The Clio E-Tech hybrid is available from €30,545 in Evolution trim, which is considerably more than the petrol equivalent at €24,845. The top of the range E-Tech Hybrid Techno retails from €32,245 and the Esprit Alpine from €34,045.
Carzone Verdict
Like most superminis and small hatchbacks on sale today, the Clio is more expensive to buy than it once was - particularly as a hybrid. It will be cheap to run however and it's a car that has grown and matured over the years, with lots of equipment and high-tech digital features on board. For a stylish, practical and efficient small car, the Clio is up there with the very best.