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About Clio

Since it replaced the Renault 5 in 1990, the Clio has been one of the pillars of European motoring, a small hatchback that has sold in the millions and frequently topped the sales charts in France. The first generation won European Car of the Year for 1991, and its Clio Williams hot hatch became a cult classic. The third generation took the same award for 2006. Nicole and Papa, the stars of a long-running British advertising campaign, made it a household name across the Channel too.

Each generation has refined the formula: neat styling, a comfortable ride, efficient engines and enough fun to keep enthusiasts interested. The mid-engined Clio V6 of the early 2000s remains one of the most outlandish production hot hatches ever made, and the Renault Sport versions that followed were benchmarks until the badge was retired. The fifth generation, launched in 2019, added the E-Tech full-hybrid powertrain, which won praise for its economy. A sixth generation was revealed in 2025, with bolder styling, more technology and a revised hybrid system.

The Clio competes with the Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, Opel Corsa and its own cousin, the Dacia Sandero, and it faces new pressure from affordable electric cars, including the Renault 5. Renault has kept the Clio combustion and hybrid powered while its electric small cars carry retro names. Coverage includes first drives and long-term tests of the new generation, pricing and waiting times, sales rankings, recalls and the occasional nostalgic look back at the Williams and the V6.