7 Bold Changes: The All-New Renault Clio Shocks Fans

Believe it or not, this is the all-new Renault Clio—and it’s turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Renault’s best-selling car of all time has ditched its cute, chic image for a far more aggressive look, and not everyone is convinced.

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The sixth-generation Clio marks a bold departure from the friendly design that helped sell nearly 17 million units worldwide since 1990. Instead of charm, Renault has opted for sharp lines, sunken headlights, and a large, logo-heavy front grille—giving the car a tougher, more confrontational face.

At first glance, the new Clio looks almost unrecognisable. A drooping bonnet, recessed lights front and rear, and a dramatic grille dominate the design. While features like hidden rear door handles and a swooping roofline remain, the rear three-quarter angle has drawn comparisons to the new Lancia Ypsilon—often unfavourably.

Despite the criticism, Renault deserves credit for keeping the Clio alive at all. The supermini segment is shrinking, and with the Ford Fiesta now discontinued, the Clio could be poised to take centre stage.

This new generation is larger than before—up 67 millimetres in length, 39 millimetres in width, and 11 millimetres in height. Renault says that translates into more rear-seat space and improved aerodynamics, with drag reduced from 0.32 to 0.30. Buyers also get larger 18-inch wheels, bold new paint colours, and up to 29 driver-assistance systems depending on trim.

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“Renault is clearly prioritising technology and efficiency, even if the styling divides opinion.”

Under the bonnet, UK buyers will start with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 113 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. For those wanting an automatic, the answer is hybrid power.

The updated hybrid setup combines a new 1.8-litre engine, two electric motors, a 1.4-kilowatt-hour battery, and Renault’s unique clutch-less transmission. Total output rises to 158 horsepower.

On the road, the hybrid Clio proves easy to live with. There’s no need to plug it in or select drive modes—the system handles everything automatically. While the ride is slightly firmer than Renault’s electric R5, steering feel is respectable and low-speed manoeuvrability is strong, even if the column-mounted gear selector takes some getting used to.

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Inside, the Clio mirrors Renault’s latest design language, featuring dual 10.1-inch screens powered by Google’s built-in system. Navigation, voice control, and responsiveness are all strong points. Crucially, Renault has kept physical buttons for climate controls and even included a single switch to disable driver-assistance alerts—a welcome touch for many drivers.

But there’s a catch for UK buyers.

This new Clio won’t reach the UK until at least 2027. Renault cites uncertainty around the UK’s internal combustion engine ban, despite the car going on sale in France in early 2026.

Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but expectations are that it will sit slightly above today’s model, which starts at just under £19,000 for the petrol version and around £22,000 for the hybrid.So while the new Renault Clio may divide opinion with its bold new look, underneath it remains a capable and practical supermini. Love it or loathe it, one thing is clear—the Clio is back, and Renault is betting that substance will win over style in the long run.