The new-look Clio
The new-look Clio
Ford sent shockwaves across the small car sector when it unceremoniously axed its Fiesta.
However, thankfully, Renault, has made a further commitment to its future in the same marketplace by giving its ever-popular Clio a midlife facelift.
Such a move is all the more laudable given the massive success and adulation the French carmaker’s retro-themed Renault 4 and Renault 5 EV concepts have created at shows around the world.
It’s also worth mentioning that every car Renault makes is now available with some sort of electrification, from the pure-electric Megane to the new full-hybrid Austral.
But for Renault, the good old internal combustion engine is far from dead. And given the fact there is already an all-new Clio planned, this facelift breathes more life into the current car.
Well, it’s certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ would appear to have been the overriding approach by the designers. And who can blame them? It’s a given that the Clio was already pretty much the ideal supermini/small car.
It’s fair to say this isn’t a major refresh. Think of it more as a mild makeover. While remaining almost identical mechanically to the current Clio, the facelifted model benefits from a range of cosmetics improvements.
And why not just mild tweaks? After all, this is a car which comfortably sits in the top five cars in Europe’s sales charts so far in 2023. Launched in 2019, this fifth-generation Clio’s popularity sees no real sign of waning.
Starting at the front, there’s a more aggressive design for the bumper, LED headlights which are slimmer, plus most noticeably, a rather dramatic and eye-catching daytime-running light signature. There’s a strong family resemblance to the new Renault Austral and Rafale. The rear bumper has also been redrawn, giving it a bit more attitude.
The combined back and front changes have resulted in a more purposeful stance across the range, but, without question, most significantly in the new range-topper Esprit Alpine trim. This replaces the previous RS Line and is aimed at emphasising the fact the current ‘Renault’ F1 team is badged Alpine.
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As you would expect, there’s copious Alpine logos inside and out, 17-inch alloys which incorporate rather snazzy hubcaps that mimic centre-lock wheel nuts, plus there’s even patriotic tricolour inserts.
Much the same as the current car. And that’s certainly no bad thing. The same neatly designed dashboard remains centre stage, plus high-grade materials are used across much of the cabin. There’s a real sense of class and quality in the Clio cabin.
Sustainability is also key to Renault’s approach to the interior, with at least 60 per cent recycled materials used throughout. And there is, most definitely, no leather. That’s another part of Renault’s policy.
The facelifted model gets more kit as standard. Pride of place goes to the digital instrument cluster, which appears on all versions. There’s also a slick portrait touchscreen infotainment screen. And of course, size matters. It’s seven inches as standard but rises to 9.3 inches in the Esprit Alpine. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can now be wirelessly connected to the infotainment system.
Clio boot space remains one of the most capacious in its class, swallowing 391 litres of family shopping or luggage.
As is the case with many manufacturers, Renault has streamlined its range. There are now three trim levels: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine, making life much simpler for the buyer.
Engine choice is even easier: there are two choices. There’s the familiar 0.9-litre TCe petrol, plus the very attractive 1.6-litre E-Tech Hybrid. While the cheaper three-cylinder TCe remains a cost-attractive proposition, it’s the clever hybrid which Renault believes will account for close to two thirds of sales.
Pretty much excellent. It’s a very clever, almost quirky hybrid system which combines a 24bhp starter/generator with a bigger 48bhp electric motor, a 1.2kWh battery and naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol. How’s that for a combination!
There’s no denying it’s a complicated system, but all the power is fed through a unique four-speed multi-mode automatic transmission system. It’s smooth, simple, and delivers a seamless driving experience.
Most of the time in town, you’ll find it running smoothly and silently in EV mode. Clever. And when the petrol engine needs to ease itself in, it’s boosted by power from the electric motors which contribute to add helpful mid-range torque.
Perfectly happy covering motorway miles, there’s no denying the system is at its shining best when dealing with the daily town and city drives the vast majority of us undertake with repetitive regularity. And you’ll most likely find yourself achieving the claimed 67mpg without too much conscious effort.
The facelift will simply ensure the Clio remains a leading contender in the supermini sector. And the adoption of the Alpine name into the rage-topper is appealing.
Prices have yet to be confirmed. When it arrives in Arnold Clark showrooms in August, I expect the entry-level 0.9-litre TCe petrol to duck under the £20,000 barrier. As for the range-topping Esprit Alpine E-Tech, expect to pay around £25,000.
| Spec Panel | |
|---|---|
| Model | Renault Clio E-Tech Esprit Alpine |
| Price | £25,000 (TBC) |
| Powertrain | 4 cyls in line, 1598cc, petrol, plus electric motor and ISG |
| Power | 143bhp |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive |
| Torque | 109lb/ft at 3200rpm (ICE), 151lb/ft (electric assist) |
| 0-62 mph | 9.3 seconds |
| Economy (WLTP) | 67.0mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 95-109g/km |
