Renault unveils sixth‑generation Clio; UK buyers must wait until 2027
Larger, more efficient Clio to reach European showrooms in 2026; British market will get only hybrid and petrol right‑hand‑drive models a year later
Renault unveiled the sixth generation of its Clio hatchback at the IAA German Motor Show, saying the model will reach showrooms in France and Continental Europe in early 2026 while right‑hand‑drive versions for the U.K. will not arrive until 2027.
The automaker described the new Clio as larger, sharper and more efficient than the outgoing model and said it will be offered in the U.K. only with an electrified full‑hybrid powertrain or a frugal three‑cylinder petrol engine. Renault executives said the move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to concentrate its battery electric hatchback offering on models such as the Renault 5 and the forthcoming all‑electric Twingo.
Renault said the Mk6 Clio is marginally larger than the current model, gaining 67 mm in length, 39 mm in width, 11 mm in height and an 8 mm longer wheelbase. The company said those dimensional gains were used to incorporate higher‑grade interior materials, more in‑car technology and improved ride comfort without moving the model upmarket from its compact segment.
The U.K. market will get two powertrain options. The first is a full‑hybrid E‑Tech setup combining a 1.8‑litre four‑cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery, producing 160 hp and mated to a six‑speed automatic multimode gearbox. Renault quoted combined fuel consumption of about 72 mpg and CO₂ emissions from 89 g/km, and said the hybrid can operate in electric mode for up to about 80% of urban driving, delivering acceleration from 0–62 mph in 8.3 seconds.
The second option for the U.K. will be a 1.2‑litre three‑cylinder TCe turbo petrol engine producing 115 hp with a six‑speed manual gearbox. Renault quoted fuel consumption of about 47 mpg and CO₂ emissions from 114 g/km, with a 0–62 mph time of 10.1 seconds. Both powertrains are electronically limited to a top speed of 112 mph. Renault said more powerful sporting variants are likely to follow.
Higher‑trim models will feature a central 10.1‑inch touchscreen and a driver display of similar size, ambient LED lighting with 48 colour options and multiple USB‑C charging points. The top Esprit Alpine trim replaces some dashboard fabric with Alcantara and includes a painted zone near the air vents that the company said evokes a high‑tech finish. Cargo capacity is up to 391 litres in the petrol version and about 309 litres in the hybrid, the latter reduced by battery packaging; the loading threshold is 40 mm lower than on the outgoing model.
Renault highlighted connectivity centred on Google services, with Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control and access to Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available, and Harman Kardon audio will be offered as an option with sound profiles developed by composer Jean‑Michel Jarre.
The new Clio’s exterior draws on Renault’s Emblème concept, with a coupe‑like roofline, bold LED signature lighting, a diamond‑pattern grille and wheel arches styled to give a widened, sporty stance. Customers can choose up to 18‑inch alloy wheels and several exterior packs including a rear spoiler or side skirt protection.
Renault UK managing director Adam Wood said the model continues the Clio’s long‑running success. "Nicole and Papa really would be proud," he said, referencing the advertising characters that helped make the Clio a household name in Britain after its 1990 launch. Renault design chief Paula Fabreget‑Andreu said she was confident customers would "fall in love with the new Clio."
The Clio has been one of Renault’s most important models: more than 1.3 million examples have been sold in the U.K. since 1990 and some 17 million worldwide. The model has carried a string of sales accolades in Europe and remains among the continent’s top sellers in 2025.
Renault said U.K. pricing would be broadly comparable with the outgoing model after accounting for inflation and market conditions, indicating a likely range from just below £20,000 to just under £30,000, though final prices will be confirmed closer to launch. The company noted that, so far in 2025, roughly 60% of U.K. Clio sales have been hybrids and 40% pure petrol, compared with the overall U.K. hatchback market split of about 12% electric, 22% hybrid and 65% petrol.
Renault framed the product decisions as part of a dual strategy that keeps internal combustion and hybrid vehicles in the lineup while concentrating pure battery electric hatchbacks in specific models. The automaker said the Renault 5, Renault 4 and the forthcoming electric Twingo will serve as its main battery electric hatch offerings.
The company did not cite a detailed reason for the staggered timeline to right‑hand‑drive markets beyond standard production and market roll‑out planning. Renault confirmed that European left‑hand‑drive showrooms will receive the model in early 2026 and that right‑hand‑drive U.K. deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027.
Renault will present the Clio to the public at the IAA German Motor Show in Munich, with further technical details and final U.K. specifications and pricing to be released ahead of the British launch.