New Renault Clio sixth generation weighs in as a mature, high-tech hybrid with UK release pushed to 2027

Renault has rolled out the sixth-generation Clio, its long-running supermini, in a form pitched as a mature, high-tech evolution rather than a mere refinement. The UK launch remains distant, with first right-hand-drive examples due in early 2027 after Europe’s initial wave of models hits French and continental roads in the New Year. The timing underscores a broader pattern for the Renault family car in Britain, where the Clio has long been a staple of the lineup and a symbol of the brand’s European appeal. Ray Massey, who tested the new car in Portugal, notes that the Clio of today is a markedly different proposition from the original launched in 1990 and that British drivers should prepare for a substantial wait before it arrives on UK roads. The Clio’s enduring popularity is reflected in UK sales figures over the decades: more than 1.3 million units sold in Britain since its introduction, part of some 17 million sold globally.

The new Clio is visibly larger and more assertive in styling, with Renault describing it as not an evolution but a completely new and different car. It sits on a longer, wider footprint than the current model, adopting sportier lines and a more grown-up, upmarket presentation. Inside, the focus is on tech and comfort, with a 10.1-inch dual screen setup and ambient mood lighting designed to give the cabin a premium feel while maintaining practical packability for urban use. Renault’s designers have aimed for a balance between everyday usability and a touch of sportiness, anticipating the Clio’s continued appeal to buyers who want a compact hatch with a composed highway demeanor and a lively city presence.

The range-topping version Massey tested arrived in Esprit Alpine trim, equipped with a full hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors for a total of 160 horsepower. This configuration is paired with an intelligent six-speed automatic gearbox and is matched to 18-inch alloy wheels, though the car can also be found with 16-inch wheels depending on trim. The hybrid is designed to deliver strong urban acceleration while preserving fuel efficiency, and Renault cites a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.3 seconds with a top speed limited to 112 mph. The Clio’s hybrid setup is built to offer up to 72 mpg on the combined cycle and a driving range of about 620 miles on a full tank and battery charge, with Renault claiming around 40 percent fuel savings versus a pure petrol engine. In city driving, the hybrid can operate in electric-only mode for extended stretches, aided by a Smart drive setting that adapts to conditions, while Eco and Comfort aim to maximize efficiency and refinement respectively, and Sport provides a more responsive feel.

The Clio’s hybrid configuration is designed to broaden its appeal beyond traditional city-centric buyers. Renault notes the model also offers a non-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo petrol option with a six-speed manual transmission, producing about 115 horsepower and delivering 0 to 62 mph in roughly 10.1 seconds, with a top speed around 112 mph and up to about 47 mpg in combined consumption. Emissions for this version begin around 114 g/km. Renault has indicated prices for the UK market should start just below £20,000, climbing toward £30,000 as options and trims are added. The early UK price picture, however, remains to be finalized as the brand works through market-specific allocations and regulatory considerations tied to the government’s broader emissions framework.

The interior packaging emphasizes practicality alongside technology. In addition to the large screens and ambient lighting, the Clio comes with a suite of safety and driver-assistance features that Renault says number in the high 20s. Standard across variants is adaptive cruise control, with front and rear sensors, rearview cameras, and parking aids. A notable addition is a driver-aware feature set branded as “My Safety Switch,” which allows the simultaneous activation or deactivation of multiple advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to suit driving conditions or user preference. The interior also includes an in-cabin camera capable of detecting fatigue or distraction, and Renault is rolling out a “Safety Score” to assess driver behavior and alertness. The “Safety Coach” uses that score to offer personalized tips aimed at improving safe driving.

Beyond the hardware, Renault has included a QR code feature called “QRescue” designed to aid emergency responders if an accident occurs by providing quick access to vehicle data. These systems sit alongside a strong emphasis on practical convenience, including a roomy rear seat and a boot capacity of about 309 litres, increasing the Clio’s everyday usability for families and commuters alike. Renault’s latest Clio is being positioned as a more mature, more refined option that still delivers the nimble, city-friendly handling the model has long been known for, with modern refinements to help it compete in a market where compact hatchbacks face both transition to electrification and evolving safety expectations.

The Clio’s UK rollout schedule is a focal point for enthusiasts who remember the early 1990s television campaigns that helped propel the nameplate into the public consciousness. In the UK, the Clio’s success became closely tied to a well-known advertising campaign featuring the duo Nicole and her Papa, which helped establish the French car as a quintessential British favorite. While the modern Clio sends a different message, Renault’s emphasis on safety, efficiency, and tech-forward appeal remains central to the model’s identity.

Britain’s timing remains tied to regulatory and market considerations. Renault officials have attributed the UK delay to a combination of regulatory uncertainty and the government’s zero-emissions vehicle mandate rules, whichmandate a certain portion of a manufacturer’s fleet be electric within a set timeframe. The company has indicated that while the Clio’s European-market introduction proceeds on a planned schedule, it will proceed in Britain once the regulatory environment aligns with the model’s electrified capabilities and market expectations. As a result, buyers in the United Kingdom should expect the first right-hand-drive Clios to reach showrooms in early 2027, with UK deliveries following shortly after.

With the Clio lineup expanding to include a full hybrid option in the 160hp range and a petrol-only alternative, Renault is aiming to offer a more versatile Clio that can adapt to varying driving needs and fuel-price dynamics. The Esprit Alpine is positioned as the sportier flagship, but Renault notes that hotter RS variants are not currently planned, a stance that some observers interpret as a potential signal that performance-focused Clios will remain a postponed option rather than a new launch in the near term. For now, Renault’s stated intent is to provide a practical, efficient, and technology-rich urban hatch that can compete with a broad range of compact cars in a market that is increasingly prioritizing electrification and safety.

In sum, the sixth-generation Renault Clio represents a substantial step forward in terms of size, technology, and safety, while preserving the hatch’s core strengths that have made it a perennial favorite in Britain and across Europe. The car’s arrival in the UK remains contingent on regulatory timing, but Renault’s Portugal test drive and European rollout signal a modern, sophisticated compact is on its way, with a hybrid-first strategy that aligns with current market expectations for efficiency and everyday usability. The UK wait for early 2027 is not just about new styling or technology; it reflects broader questions about how energy, policy, and consumer demand intersect as automakers navigate a shifting automotive landscape.