The fifth generation of the Renault Clio has reached the middle of its commercial life, so it was time for the relevant renewal. This update is very complete on an aesthetic level, changing a lot compared to the outgoing. But it maintains its engines and platform and we only found slight tweaks in the hybrid E-Tech.
We have precisely put ourselves in control of this version, which is the most powerful and capable of the range, accompanied by the ECO label. Everything is at the gates of its imminent commercialization in Spain.
With this update, the Clio remains alive 33 years later and intends to continue increasing its numbers: more than one million units have been sold in Spain since its arrival in 1990. For Renault it is "one of its most emblematic cars", so he does not aim to say goodbye at the moment as others of his kind have done.
How does the new Renault Clio change?
The new Renault Clio receives a profound update on an aesthetic level. But its size is the same, so the Gallic utility maintains its habitability. We'll get into that later, but first, let's go over the main changes.
New face and premiering design language. The front of the Clio is what varies the most from its predecessor, as it has been completely redesigned. And already at first glance, we really liked this new suit of the utility.
To begin with, this renewed Renault Clio debuts the new Renault lighting signature that will integrate its future releases and which is materialized in vertical daytime LEDs in the shape of a half rhombus. We find them framing the grill and the lower air intake.
They are accompanied by new, more stylized headlights, the previous ones disappearing in the form of C. These front optics are always of the LED type, even from the most basic variant.
But it is not the only thing. The grille is also completely new: it is wider and with a gradient checkered design and integrates the new Renault logo. The front air intake also grows, which in the highest finishes integrates an aerodynamic slat that can be in gray or in the color of the body. The bonnet has also been slightly adjusted, whose ribs now meet in the shape of a diamond.
The rear has also been revised. The headlights, while changing less, are adjusted slightly. But the main modification in the rear is taken by the bumper: it now integrates aerodynamic wings, which make it appear wider. In short, and although we are talking about restyling, these changes to the bodywork give the impression that we are facing a completely new Clio. At least externally.
The hybrid is a bit more powerful. The range of engines in the new Clio is maintained with respect to the outgoing. But the E-Tech, which is still the jewel in the crown, now yields 145 hp instead of 140 hp. We are talking about a non-plug-in hybrid (ECO label), but with its advanced system (which it shares, for example, with the Nissan Juke, the Renault Captur or the Dacia Jogger) it promises to carry out up to 80% of urban journeys in electric mode.
In this hybrid Clio, the 1.6-liter gasoline engine is still in the equation, but it now yields 94 hp instead of 90 hp. Also the two electric motors: a main one and the HSG generator, which compared to the previous one is a tad more powerful, 18 kW (24 CV instead of 20 CV).
The rest of the range is thermal, but in Spain, the range is simplified by offering a single 91 CV gasoline engine, the TCe 90, and another diesel, the 100 CV Blue dCi 100. The family is completed with another distinctive ECO: the TCe 100 GLP, with 100 CV as well, which can run on both liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline. The 65 CV is still being manufactured, but it will not be marketed in Spain.
Alpine finish and more sustainable materials. The new Renault Clio debuts a sporty finish: the esprit Alpine. In total, there are three finishes in which it will be offered in Spain and this is the most complete in terms of equipment.
In addition, it is differentiated by aesthetic accents, such as the marked front aerodynamic front slat or gray accents adorning the bodywork. In addition to the logo of this specific finish we also find, for example, in the Renault Austral.
Although the interior maintains the same screens, configuration, and design, now Renault uses more responsible materials in an eco-friendly way. For example, the upholstery of this esprit Alpine finish is a textile made with 72% recycled PET (polyethylene) fibers and the leather accents are vegan leather, never of animal origin.
Inside the new Renault Clio E-Tech
Knowing the new ingredients, it's time to analyze this new Renault Clio. We are still talking about a car that is barely 4.0 m long and with a wheelbase of 2.58 m. So its habitability does not change: on the rear bench, it gives good room to the occupants, having a space for the knees up to the front bench of up to 16.5 cm, as we have it.
Being regulated for a driver of about 1.80 m, behind an occupant of the same height will not hit the knees. Plus, since the roof doesn't drop before the C-pillar, headroom is ample even for tall people. Of course, despite being approved for five seats, the center is very narrow, being only suitable for small occupants. In effect, there will be four passengers who will go comfortably.
|
LONG |
BROAD |
HIGH |
BATTLE |
TRUNK |
|
|
4,053mm |
1,798mm |
1,439mm |
2,583mm |
300 - 391 l / 979 l - 1,069 l |
|
Due to the inclusion of the hybrid system, the Renault Clio E-Tech is the one that offers the least capacity in the trunk: 300 liters and expandable to 979 liters if we fold down the rear bench. The thermal offer 391 liters exceeding 1,000 when folding the rear seats.
A spare wheel is also located under the flat bottom of the trunk and we did not find additional holes behind the wheel arches. From wheel to wheel, it has 1.02 m. It's not a great boot, but it does the trick. In the end, we are talking about a utility, and for daily use it offers enough.
This is combined with a chest in the central tunnel, which is deep but narrow, two cup holders, and a cell phone pocket, which in the highest finishes includes wireless induction charging. The door pockets are somewhat narrow: only in the area closest to the dashboard will we fit a small bottle, for example.
Behind the wheel of the only hybrid Clio
The driving position of the Renault Clio E-Tech is comfortable. At least in their seats in the Esprit Alpine finish, which support the back well and allows an upright position. And another great point in favor is that, despite its two screens, it has many physical buttons, including traditional roulette wheels for air conditioning.
It also has a direct access button for the driving modes, although the configuration is done from the screen. It offers three: My Sense, Sport, and Eco. And another button allows you to activate the electric-only mode. In addition, we can also select the E-Save option, which will recharge the battery by pulling the heat engine, and the gearbox has level B, increasing retention to further preserve battery power.
Speaking of the battery, it is quite brief: 1.2 kWh. This means that, for example, in My Sense mode, which automatically combines the thermal with the two electric, the charge can drop quickly if we go to a city where zero emissions are prioritized. But if we start driving on the highway, or if we activate the E-Save option, it reloads quickly.
All this is achieved thanks to the complex hybrid system, which manages an intelligent gearbox, without a clutch or synchronizers, with four gears for the thermal block and two for the main electric one. In total, Renault points out that it offers up to 14 operation combinations between the three engines, which can operate independently or together.
All this management we barely appreciate while braking or accelerating. Although, for example, in strong accelerations, the HSG generator propeller sounds quite a bit when revving the thermal and synchronizing it with the gearbox. And conversely, when you release the accelerator pedal, it retains enough with only the Drive (D) mode selected in the change: with B it is difficult to go under sail. Also, acceleration is quite progressive, which is minimized with the Sport mode selected.
This new Clio E-Tech responds well to overtaking and is happy on fast roads, although its total 145 CV for its 1,760 kg is not appreciated too much: in the end, it is thanks to the combination with the electrical system and it shows. We have yet to test it on twisty roads, but both on the highway and in the city it is comfortable and stable as well as agile, its suspension absorbs vibrations and imperfections well and the cabin is well soundproofed.
As for consumption, on an essentially urban route, but combined with a highway, we recorded 5.1 l/100 km. Everything is in My Sense mode, letting the system do its thing, and activating the E-Save for a few minutes to recharge the battery faster. In fact, in the city, at low speeds, it goes essentially electric even without activating Eco mode or Full Electric.
The most equipped Renault Clio
The new Renault Clio E-Tech will be available in the three finishes that will be marketed in Spain. The one we have tried is the Esprit Alpine: the top of the range. Therefore, this is the most complete Clio in the family, but also the most expensive.
In any of the versions, the Clio now includes both screens: the instrument panel and the multimedia display. This is so because the first two finishes now available have disappeared: the range will start with the new model with the New Evolution, followed by the Techno and the aforementioned Esprit Alpine. What does change is its size depending on the version: the digital instrumentation can be seven or 9.3 inches and the infotainment screen seven or 10 inches.
The multimedia system is the Renault Easy Link, with wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, only the Alpine esprit also has the integrated navigator. It is completed with two USB-A ports and an auxiliary socket, as well as a wireless charging system for mobile phones, which is standard in this more complete finish.
In terms of technology and comfort, this esprit Alpine has plenty: it has a 360º camera, autonomous parking system, heated steering wheel, and front seats, electrically adjustable and folding mirrors, hill start assistant, automatic lights and wipers, power windows in all rows, keyless entry and start or Bose premium audio system.
And it is combined with aesthetic elements of the finish, such as sports seats in textile and leather with contrasting stitching, fabric trim for the front of the dashboard, or aluminum thresholds. All surfaces are rubbery and pleasant to the touch.
As for the assistance systems, we find automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian and cyclist detector, intelligent adaptive cruise control (offers three distance adjustments with respect to the car in front of us), active lane assistant, and forward collision warning, without surcharge. , blind spot detector, traffic sign recognition, and high beam assistant (long/short).
Up to 27,100 euros and available from mid-July
This new Renault Clio E-Tech, in Esprit Alpine finish, is close to 30,000 euros: its price without any discount is 27,130 euros. Although they have not yet advanced the discounts, they do indicate a financing simulation: 149 euros per month (in 36 installments), with an entry of 8,900 euros and a final of 15,900 euros.
Its predecessor in its highest finish, which until now was Techno, sets its price at 26,640 euros or 24,275 euros with the offer applied and financing with the brand. So we are talking about 500 euros more: it does not rise excessively in price despite the new, more complete and differential finish.
At the moment the brand does not reveal the rest of the prices in the range, but since the access version disappears in our market (with the most basic finish and the 65 CV engine), it will surely start at around 20,000 euros. The outgoing Clio now starts at 17,490 euros, or from 15,948 euros with a discount.
If we compare it with other utilities, the new Clio will not be one of the cheapest: the SEAT Ibiza starts from 17,650 CV (from 14,170 euros with the commercial offer). Although its atmospheric 80 CV engine is less capable, its base equipment is quite complete, also including two screens, a lot of assistive technology, and also LED headlights.
And for example, the Opel Corsa does the same for 17,100 euros, with a 75 CV engine, also without a turbo. Of course, with the discount applied. It is more sparing in equipment, but it also has assistance systems or multimedia displays with a Mirror Link function for Apple and Android.
The new Renault Clio will be available from July 17 on request, opening its reservations. It will be then when we know their prices in full since it can be ordered in any of its variants and mechanics. The first deliveries will begin in early October.
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