Renault has officially confirmed that the sixth-generation Clio will make its global debut soon, likely at the Munich Motor Show on 8 September. This marks another major unveiling in Renault’s post-pandemic streak, following important launches like the Renault 5, Scenic, and Mégane E-Tech.
Europe’s current best-selling small car is undergoing its most radical transformation in decades. The next-generation Clio won’t just get a design overhaul — it’s also set to go fully hybrid, ditching pure petrol engines altogether. The new Clio will be powered by an evolved version of Renault’s E-Tech hybrid system, combining a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 143bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
This shift is largely driven by the EU’s tightening CO₂ emissions regulations. From 2025, manufacturers must meet a fleet average of 93.6g/km, dropping further to 49.5g/km by 2030. With its 120g/km rating, the current Clio’s turbocharged petrol engine (TCe 90) is no longer viable. In contrast, the E-Tech hybrid emits just 96g/km — a 20% improvement — making it essential for Renault to meet future environmental goals.
Notably, Renault has decided not to offer a battery-electric version of the new Clio. This raises questions about the car’s viability in markets like the UK, where new Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates require 24% of sales in 2024 to be fully electric, rising to 80% by 2030. Given limited capacity for combustion models, Renault may choose to prioritize more profitable models like the Captur crossover, potentially limiting — or ending — Clio availability in the UK.
Despite this, Renault aims to keep the Clio affordable. Rather than cutting the list price, the brand will rely on accessible monthly payments through lease or PCP finance. Bruno Vanel, Renault’s product performance chief, stressed the importance of keeping Clio accessible as the brand transitions to more expensive electric vehicles: “We are not switching to 100% electric overnight,” he said. “We are going step by step with hybrids to remain affordable.”